Learn how to develop original abstract ideas from simple starting points and build confidence using a variety of painting approaches in acrylics. Explore the power of line, colour and texture in a lively weekend of structured project work.
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This course includes a short illustrated talk on abstraction, setting the scene for a series of short projects that explore line, tone, composition, colour and paint handling. You will practise ways of painting expressively (directly), as well as structured techniques for developing a painting in layers. Be prepared to take a few risks, have fun, and participate in discussing ideas as a group.
What will we cover?
Starting points for abstraction - music, objects, photo-collage
Introducing the elements of form – line, shape, tone, colour, texture
Mixing colour and applying paint; inventing a range of marks
Composition and visual rhythm
A personal project piece using layered techniques
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Practise three different routes into abstraction
Use line, shape and tone to create visual depth and rhythm
Demonstrate improved skills in mixing and combining colours
Use a range of tools for applying paint in varied marks
Gain confidence in reviewing and developing your composition and ideas.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course - some general painting experience is useful but not essential. Colour-mixing and paint application techniques will be covered.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The main focus is on practical painting activities with some contextual background. You will be encouraged to participate in discussing ideas as a group.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
An A4 Sketchbook is useful for planning ideas, colour notes, and building reference.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Ways into abstract painting and/or Ways into abstract painting 2, Sketchbooks: creating visual journeys, Large-scale drawing and mixed-media, Draw-paint-print.
Amanda works with loose canvas, painting with line and stain before manipulating the picture into a low-relief form. Imagery is drawn from the natural world, architecture, costume and fairground. The work references visual taxonomies – orders of things: peculiar worlds, made more curious or multi-dimensional when removed from their context. Amanda studied at Falmouth School of Art, Institute of Arts Bournemouth, and Central St Martins (MA). She has a City & Guilds F&AE Teachers’ Certificate (1995) and has been teaching since, including outreach work for the Royal Watercolour Society, National Theatre, and Lewisham Education Action Zone. She has been teaching at City Lit since 2012, with a particular interest in Abstract Painting, Contemporary Painting, and Communication Drawing. She wrote, led and developed the City Lit Advanced Painting course from 2021–25, and presently coordinates the Drawing & Painting short-course programme. Amanda continues to teach Abstract Painting Weekend, Beginners Painting, and short modules in experimental Drawing.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/abstract-painting-weekend262508Abstract painting weekendhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/b/abstract-weekend-img1-vm821_-1080_1_2.jpg209209GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Painting/Courses/Art & design/Painting/Painting techniques & processes/Courses/Weird and wonderful City Lit/Courses/vm/Summer offers/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Summer courses in art & design/Courses/vm/Summer Art School Offers/Courses/vm/Courses to do with friends228511321916191917451361413457135631372616471228511321916165313457Learn how to develop original abstract ideas from simple starting points and build confidence using a variety of painting approaches in acrylics. Explore the power of line, colour and texture in a lively weekend of structured project work.00https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/b/abstract-weekend-img2-vm821_-1080_1_2.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/b/abstract-weekend-img5-vm821_-1080_1_2.jpg2545504Abstract painting weekend209209https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/b/abstract-weekend-img1-vm821_-1080_2.jpgInStockDaytimeSat-SunKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekend2026-07-25T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJul 2026Art & designVM821209209Abstract painting weekend167136209Amanda Knightabstract-painting-weekend/vm821-2526Learn how to develop original abstract ideas from simple starting points and build confidence using a variety of painting approaches in acrylics. Explore the power of line, colour and texture in a lively weekend of structured project work.0000-Available|2026-07-25 00:00:00<p>This course includes a short illustrated talk on abstraction, setting the scene for a series of short projects that explore line, tone, composition, colour and paint handling. You will practise ways of painting expressively (directly), as well as structured techniques for developing a painting in layers. Be prepared to take a few risks, have fun, and participate in discussing ideas as a group.</p>Learn how to develop original abstract ideas from simple starting points and build confidence using a variety of painting approaches in acrylics. Explore the power of line, colour and texture in a lively weekend of structured project work.<ul><li>Starting points for abstraction - music, objects, photo-collage</li><li>Introducing the elements of form – line, shape, tone, colour, texture</li><li>Mixing colour and applying paint; inventing a range of marks</li><li>Composition and visual rhythm</li><li>A personal project piece using layered techniques</li></ul><ul><li>Practise three different routes into abstraction</li><li>Use line, shape and tone to create visual depth and rhythm</li><li>Demonstrate improved skills in mixing and combining colours</li><li>Use a range of tools for applying paint in varied marks</li><li>Gain confidence in reviewing and developing your composition and ideas.</li></ul>This is an introductory course - some general painting experience is useful but not essential. Colour-mixing and paint application techniques will be covered.The main focus is on practical painting activities with some contextual background. You will be encouraged to participate in discussing ideas as a group.An A4 Sketchbook is useful for planning ideas, colour notes, and building reference.<br/><br/><p><em>Ways into abstract painting and/or Ways into abstract painting 2</em>, <em>Sketchbooks: creating visual journeys, Large-scale drawing and mixed-media, Draw-paint-print.</em></p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesvirtual167209136VM821NONESat-Sun25/07/26 - 26/07/2610:00 - 17:0010:0017:002 sessions21 to 4 weeksWeekendKSKeeley StreetAmanda KnightBeginnersAvailable courses2026-07-25T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeJul 2026Art & design209209Abstract painting weekendabstract-painting-weekend/vm821-2526Learn how to develop original abstract ideas from simple starting points and build confidence using a variety of painting approaches in acrylics. Explore the power of line, colour and texture in a lively weekend of structured project work.0000-Available|2026-07-25 00:00:00<p>This course includes a short illustrated talk on abstraction, setting the scene for a series of short projects that explore line, tone, composition, colour and paint handling. You will practise ways of painting expressively (directly), as well as structured techniques for developing a painting in layers. Be prepared to take a few risks, have fun, and participate in discussing ideas as a group.</p>Learn how to develop original abstract ideas from simple starting points and build confidence using a variety of painting approaches in acrylics. Explore the power of line, colour and texture in a lively weekend of structured project work.<ul><li>Starting points for abstraction - music, objects, photo-collage</li><li>Introducing the elements of form – line, shape, tone, colour, texture</li><li>Mixing colour and applying paint; inventing a range of marks</li><li>Composition and visual rhythm</li><li>A personal project piece using layered techniques</li></ul><ul><li>Practise three different routes into abstraction</li><li>Use line, shape and tone to create visual depth and rhythm</li><li>Demonstrate improved skills in mixing and combining colours</li><li>Use a range of tools for applying paint in varied marks</li><li>Gain confidence in reviewing and developing your composition and ideas.</li></ul>This is an introductory course - some general painting experience is useful but not essential. Colour-mixing and paint application techniques will be covered.The main focus is on practical painting activities with some contextual background. You will be encouraged to participate in discussing ideas as a group.An A4 Sketchbook is useful for planning ideas, colour notes, and building reference.<br/><br/><p><em>Ways into abstract painting and/or Ways into abstract painting 2</em>, <em>Sketchbooks: creating visual journeys, Large-scale drawing and mixed-media, Draw-paint-print.</em></p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesconfigurable
