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, tone, colour and gesture in a lively weekend of structured project work.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
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This course includes a short illustrated talk on abstraction, setting the scene for a series of projects that explore line, tone, colour and gestural mark-making. You will practise ways of painting expressively (directly), as well as structured techniques for developing an abstract composition in layers. Be prepared to take a few risks, have fun, and participate in discussing ideas as a group.
What will we cover?
Try out a range of starting points for abstraction - e.g. music, found imagery, mark-making.
Explore visual rhythm – using line, shape, tone and texture.
Colour mixing principles, and basic colour interactions.
Compositional methods using surface divisions.
A 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 point, line, shape and tone to explore visual rhythm
Selectively mix and tone a range of primary and secondary colours
Use a range of tools for applying paint in varied marks and consistencies.
Gain confidence in making and reviewing different methods of abstract painting.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory workshop for those new to abstract painting - no previous painting experience required just an open mind and bold spirit! Colour-mixing and paint application techniques will be covered, alongside structured techniques to try out several different types of project work.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The main focus is on practical, introductory 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?
All resources and materials are provided, an A4 sketchbook or notebook is useful but not essential.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Build on your discoveries from this intensive workshop with a longer course such as Ways into abstract painting, Large-scale drawing and mixed-media, Draw-paint-print. We also have a next-level weekend workshop if you enjoy the intensive format, join us on Abstract painting weekend for students with prior experience.
Mario Lautier Vella is a cross-disciplinary, award-winning artist who began his art career at City Lit. After completing a number of short courses in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and textiles, Mario went on to do the two-year City Lit Fine Art course before going back to university to gain his Masters degree. Mario regularly exhibits in the UK and abroad and his work can be found in private collections around the world. Mario has enjoyed teaching at City Lit since 2011. For more info go to mariolautiervella.com
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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/starting-abstract-painting150143Starting abstract paintinghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/oil-painting-tech-and-mediums-glazing-vm566-1024.jpg249249GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Painting/Courses/Art & design/Painting/Painting techniques & processes22851132191619191228511321916<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, tone, colour and gesture in a lively weekend of structured project work.</p> This course begins with 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.003030469Starting abstract painting249249https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/oil-painting-tech-and-mediums-glazing-vm566-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeSat-SunKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekend2026-09-19T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2026Art & designVM944249249Starting abstract painting199162249Mario Lautier Vellastarting-abstract-painting/vm944-2627<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, tone, colour and gesture in a lively weekend of structured project work.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-19 00:00:00<p>This course includes a short illustrated talk on abstraction, setting the scene for a series of projects that explore line, tone, colour and gestural mark-making. You will practise ways of painting expressively (directly), as well as structured techniques for developing an abstract composition in layers. Be prepared to take a few risks, have fun, and participate in discussing ideas as a group.</p><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, tone, colour and gesture in a lively weekend of structured project work.</p><ul><li>Try out a range of starting points for abstraction - e.g. music, found imagery, mark-making.</li><li>Explore visual rhythm – using line, shape, tone and texture.</li><li>Colour mixing principles, and basic colour interactions.</li><li>Compositional methods using surface divisions.</li><li>A project piece using layered techniques</li></ul><ul><li>Practise three different routes into abstraction</li><li>Use point, line, shape and tone to explore visual rhythm</li><li>Selectively mix and tone a range of primary and secondary colours</li><li>Use a range of tools for applying paint in varied marks and consistencies.</li><li>Gain confidence in making and reviewing different methods of abstract painting.</li></ul><p>This is an introductory workshop for those new to abstract painting - no previous painting experience required just an open mind and bold spirit! Colour-mixing and paint application techniques will be covered, alongside structured techniques to try out several different types of project work.</p><p>The main focus is on practical, introductory painting activities with some contextual background. You will be encouraged to participate in discussing ideas as a group.</p><p>All resources and materials are provided, an A4 sketchbook or notebook is useful but not essential.</p><p>Build on your discoveries from this intensive workshop with a longer course such as <em>Ways into abstract painting</em><em>, Large-scale drawing and mixed-media, Draw-paint-print. </em>We also have a next-level weekend workshop if you enjoy the intensive format, join us on <em>Abstract painting weekend for students with prior experience.</em></p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesvirtual199249162VM944NONESat-Sun19/09/26 - 20/09/2610:00 - 17:0010:0017:002 sessions21 to 4 weeksDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetMario Lautier VellaBeginnersAvailable courses2026-09-19T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026Art & design249249Starting abstract paintingstarting-abstract-painting/vm944-2627<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, tone, colour and gesture in a lively weekend of structured project work.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-19 00:00:00<p>This course includes a short illustrated talk on abstraction, setting the scene for a series of projects that explore line, tone, colour and gestural mark-making. You will practise ways of painting expressively (directly), as well as structured techniques for developing an abstract composition in layers. Be prepared to take a few risks, have fun, and participate in discussing ideas as a group.</p><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, tone, colour and gesture in a lively weekend of structured project work.</p><ul><li>Try out a range of starting points for abstraction - e.g. music,&nbsp;found imagery, mark-making.</li><li>Explore visual rhythm – using line, shape, tone and texture.</li><li>Colour mixing principles, and&nbsp;basic colour interactions.</li><li>Compositional methods using surface divisions.</li><li>A&nbsp;project piece using layered techniques</li></ul><ul><li>Practise three different routes into abstraction</li><li>Use point, line, shape and tone to explore visual&nbsp;rhythm</li><li>Selectively mix and tone a range of&nbsp;primary and secondary colours</li><li>Use a range of tools for applying paint in varied marks and consistencies.</li><li>Gain confidence in making and reviewing different methods of abstract painting.</li></ul><p>This is an introductory workshop for those new to abstract painting - no previous painting experience required just an open mind and bold spirit! Colour-mixing and paint application techniques will be covered, alongside structured techniques to try out several different types of project work.</p><p>The main focus is on practical, introductory painting activities with some contextual background. You will be encouraged to participate in discussing ideas as a group.</p><p>All resources and materials are provided, an A4 sketchbook or notebook is useful but not essential.</p><p>Build on your discoveries from this intensive workshop with a longer course such as <em>Ways into abstract painting</em><em>, Large-scale drawing and mixed-media, Draw-paint-print.&nbsp; </em>We also have a&nbsp;next-level weekend workshop if you enjoy the intensive format, join us on <em>Abstract painting weekend for students with prior experience.</em></p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesconfigurable
