Painting

Ways into abstract painting

ByCity Lit

Beginner

A beginner-level course exploring abstract painting through acrylic, mixed media, collage, practical projects and group discussion.

View 7 available dates

Choose a date before booking

Upcoming classes

7 classes

StartsScheduleLengthTeacherVenuePrice
6 Oct 2026
Tuesdays
10:30 - 16:30
Short course5 weeks
RuthBrison
Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA
£409.00
13 Oct 2026
Tuesdays
18:00 - 21:00
Short course8 weeks
EleanorBedlow
Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA
£409.00
8 Jan 2027
Fridays
18:00 - 21:00
Short course8 weeks
MarioLautierVella
Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA
£409.00
20 Apr 2027
Tuesdays
18:00 - 21:00
Short course9 weeks
RebeccaAllen
Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA
£409.00
22 Apr 2027
Thursdays
10:30 - 16:30
Short course5 weeks
RolinaElsje BlokAmandaKnight
Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA
£409.00
28 Jun 2027
Mondays
10:30 - 16:30
Short course5 weeks
EleanorBedlow
Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA
£409.00
  • Fri 25 Sep, 18:00 - 21:00

    Book now
    8 weeks
    Keeley Street
    8 weeksFri 18:00£409
    MarioLautierVellaKeeley Street
    MarioLautier
    £409
  • Tue 6 Oct, 10:30 - 16:30

    5 weeks
    Keeley Street
    5 weeksTue 10:30£409
    RuthBrisonKeeley Street
    RuthBrison
    £409
  • Tue 13 Oct, 18:00 - 21:00

    8 weeks
    Keeley Street
    8 weeksTue 18:00£409
    EleanorBedlowKeeley Street
    EleanorBedlow
    £409
  • Fri 8 Jan, 18:00 - 21:00

    8 weeks
    Keeley Street
    8 weeksFri 18:00£409
    MarioLautierVellaKeeley Street
    MarioLautier
    £409
  • Tue 20 Apr, 18:00 - 21:00

    9 weeks
    Keeley Street
    9 weeksTue 18:00£409
    RebeccaAllenKeeley Street
    RebeccaAllen
    £409
  • Thu 22 Apr, 10:30 - 16:30

    5 weeks
    Keeley Street
    5 weeksThu 10:30£409
    RolinaElsje BlokAmandaKnightKeeley Street
    RolinaElsje Blok
    AmandaKnight
    £409
  • Mon 28 Jun, 10:30 - 16:30

    5 weeks
    Keeley Street
    5 weeksMon 10:30£409
    EleanorBedlowKeeley Street
    EleanorBedlow
    £409

Showing 1 to 7 of 7 sessions

About this course

Participants investigate how abstract paintings can develop from observation, experimentation, randomness, conceptual systems and sensory information. The course examines colour, composition, tone and paint application, alongside the work of different artists and genres. Teaching combines demonstrations, practical projects, individual guidance, group discussion and examination of artists’ work. Learners are guided through several processes using acrylic paint, water-based mixed media and collage, with experimentation leading towards a more individual approach to abstract painting.

What you'll learn

  • Explore different methods of developing abstract paintings
  • Apply colour, composition, tone and paint application as elements of visual language
  • Select pictorial and material approaches for expressing ideas, sensations and emotions
  • Use visual language shared by representation and abstraction
  • Develop greater confidence in using colour

Is this course right for you?

Intended for beginners and for people approaching abstraction with an open mind or some basic drawing or painting skills. The course combines individual work with guidance and group discussion, so learners should be prepared to take part in both practical and shared activities.

  • Basic drawing or painting skills are mentioned as one possible starting point, rather than a stated requirement.
  • Learners should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information.

Before you go

  • Basic materials and resources, including water-based paint, brushes and paper, are available as part of the course.

Where this course runs

City Lit

London's largest adult education provider

43 painting courses on Learn.London

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