THE MISCONCEPTIONS OF ABSTRACTION
Abstraction is often misunderstood. It’s commonly thought of as art with no connection to the visible world, or simply work where the subject is no longer recognisable. In reality, abstraction is deeply rooted in observation, memory, place, material and lived experience. Rather than moving away from meaning, it offers another way of seeing and responding to the world.
This workshop is designed for anyone curious about abstract painting, whether you’re beginning to explore abstraction or looking to deepen an existing practice. You are invited to bring 3 – 4 examples of abstract works you admire. Together, we’ll unpack what draws us to these works and use them as a starting point for developing your own visual language.
Through practical exercises and group discussion, we’ll explore colour, colour mixing, paint application and the expressive potential of limited palettes. We’ll also look at the work of key abstract artists, considering how their practices emerge from observation, ideas, materials and personal experience.
You may work with either acrylic or oil paint and are welcome to bring your own painting surfaces, along with oil sticks if desired.
