Abstraction Short Course

About this course

The course examines how colour, form, shape, line, gesture, scale, texture and composition can be reduced, transformed and combined to create meaning beyond direct depiction. Practical demonstrations are followed by individual painting practice, with participants experimenting with non-representational and semi-reductive approaches rather than relying on traditional subject matter. The course also considers decision-making in abstraction through examples ranging from Abstract Expressionism and Colour Field painting to contemporary practice. Participants develop their own visual language while exploring the principles of painting through experimentation.

What you'll learn

• Explore how colour, form, line, gesture, scale, texture and composition function within abstract painting.
• Apply methods used in non-representational and semi-reductive painting practices.
• Experiment with reducing or transforming visual information from observed sources.
• Evaluate artistic decisions while developing an individual visual language.
• Respond to historical and contemporary examples of abstract art.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners at all levels, from beginners to practising artists. The level label suggests that participants can approach the subject from different stages of experience, while the format combines demonstrations with individual painting practice.

• Suitable for both beginners and practising artists.
• Includes individual practice alongside practical demonstrations.