Abstract and Intuitive Painting

This class will let students explore basic color techniques in abstract painting as it relates to direct observation along with visual ideas that derive from intuitive inspiration. The class comes with a variety of painting prompts that ask for intuitive responses from students (painting a poem, painting by extracting color from the surrounding, sand painting, etc.). Students will learn how to develop a curious and reflexive painting language regardless of skill levels. The principles of composition, color theory, brush and palette knife techniques will be reiterated throughout the course. This class is open to students of all levels. Instructor feedback will be provided for each class.

Special Notes

This is an in-person class which will take place onsite at Fleisher. Please review our COVID-19 community safety policies for current guidelines.

Tuition Assistance is Available

To make our classes and workshops accessible to everyone, Fleisher offers tuition assistance every term so that everyone can join our creative community. Tuition assistance applications can be completed once registration is open by clicking here. The deadline to apply for spring term assistance is Friday, March 10; Notifications will be sent by Monday, March 13.

What you will learn:

  • Basic color theory and color mixing techniques

  • Brush and palette knife techniques

  • How to work with oil paint

  • How to paint as a response to your environment and knowledge

  • How to strengthen your visual language

Required supplies:

  • A basic oil paint set that contains:

    • Titanium white
    • Cadmium yellow light
    • Cadmium red
    • Ultramarine blue
    • Burnt/raw sienna
    • Raw/ Burnt Umber

  • A paint palette

  • Oil paint brushes of various sizes. At least one big (2” and above) brush

  • Linseed oil or Liquin (medium), Turpenoid or Gamsol (thinner/ brush cleaner)

  • One metal palette knife (2 to 3 inches)

  • 6 pre-stretched canvases or wood panels (at least 8×10 in.). Buying a pack of between 4-6 is recommended for cost-effectiveness. Some differently sized canvases are also good.