Service Description

There has been a growing acknowledgement of the role women artists and thinkers played in contributing to Abstract Expressionism. This session will look at the work of Joan Mitchel and Lee Krasner, as well as Jackson Pollock, Wilhelm de Kooning, Helen Frankenthaler, Gerhard Richter, and Rachel Jones (whose exhibition is coming soon to Dulwich Picture Gallery) and more. Intro session: short practical exercises. We will look at the creative process of these painters. You will learn about them through practical exercises and how they were influenced by ideas from Cubism, and how that radically altered the figure-space relationship in compositions. Main session: You will work towards one complete painting or a number of works while developing an understanding of how abstract expressionism works. What will you learn and experience: Strong use of negative space, corner-to-corner all-over composition, and multi-focal points. Varies types of paint application. Working with larger brushes, balancing gesture with structure. Working on the floor as well as the wall. Use of a variety of tools, mark-making and materials. And more!  You will leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of abstract expressionism, improved skills, and work inspired by the session. As some of you might know, many of these artists’ works are extremely large; please measure your wall space before ordering canvas! Materials. You need to bring any paints, pastels, colour pencils and brushes you have. Canvas or canvas paper. Cartridge paper. We will supply: - A3 piece of cotton duck unstretched canvas -  Palette knives, a variety of brushes and implements to try -  Palettes Group size: 5 students maximum. You will receive personalised tuition and feedback tailored to your needs and level. No generic advice and no getting lost in a crowded class. We are all about creating a supportive atmosphere.  This workshop is open to all levels: enthusiastic beginners, those experienced in figurative work but attempting abstraction for the first time, and seasoned abstract painters. Saturday,26 April. 10:30am- 4:30pm Coffee, tea and biscuits will be provided throughout the day.   We will break for 45 min - 1 hour for lunch. We are located five minutes walk from Crystal Palace Triangle, a foodie basin with a plethora of cafes and restaurants to choose from. Or, you can bring your lunch and relax at our kitchen table.