Encounter different approaches to making abstract paintings while developing your skills in using a range of painting materials. With reference to the work of a variety of abstract artists explore the visual language common to both representation and abstraction, eg. colour, composition, tone and paint application.
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.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Exploring different pathways into making abstract paintings.
Providing a stimulating atmosphere for personal discovery.
Encouraging an imaginative, sensitive and individual handling of acrylic paint with the edition of other water-based mixed media and collage.
Becoming familiar with visual language by looking at a variety of artists' work.
What will we cover?
Visual language in painting: colour, composition, tone and paint application.
Different methods of arriving at abstraction: eg. starting from observation, using experimental methods, randomness, conceptual systems and translating different sensory information.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Select the pictorial and material means with which to express a range of ideas, sensations and emotions.
Use with greater confidence the visual language common to both representation and abstraction.
Become increasingly confident with your use of colour.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a course for anyone with an open mind and/or some basic drawing or painting skills.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be guided through several processes to produce abstract paintings referring to specific artists or genres. As the course progresses you will develop an individual approach to making abstract paintings. Experimentation will be encouraged.
There will be practical projects, individual guidance and encouragement, group discussion and examination of artists' work.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Basic materials and resources are available as part of this course, including water-based paint, brushes and paper.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
After completing this course you can progress directly onto Ways into abstract painting 2.
However, some students prefer to repeat Ways into abstract painting with a different tutor to gather more experience before progressing to the next level; your tutor will advise you. Alternative progression pathways might include: Ways into landscape painting, Draw-paint-print, Abstract painting weekend, Sketchbooks: creating visual journeys, Painting 1 or Painting 2.
Eleanor develops precarious and fragile forms through drawing, painting and sculpture. The abstracted forms of the sculptures are heavily influenced by drawings of architecture, organic forms and landscape. The work questions the interconnection between personal identity and place. Eleanor spent her formative years in Japan before moving to London. She completed the Drawing Year at the Royal Drawing School in 2008 and the Turps Art School’s Studio Programme in 2018. She has been teaching since 2008. Website: www.elbedlow.co.uk Instagram: @eleanorbedlow
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
Ruth BrisonSee moreSee less
Ruth has taught drawing, painting and mixed media for more than 30 years, at many levels including Further, Higher and Adult Education, all over the country, including Manchester, Birmingham and London. She studied Fine Art at Liverpool and Birmingham Universities and has exhibited diversely, including the Royal Academy in London. As an artist and educator she has an eclectic mix of skills and interests. Drawing is pivotal. Mixed media has become a central focus over the years and her practice has developed towards the interface between Fine Art and Textiles where elements of painting, relief and experimental textiles meet. Coming from a background of accomplished artists and educators’ she has spent many years developing values in educational practice and enabling students to access their own creative potential.
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/ways-into-abstract-painting233790Ways into abstract paintinghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways-into-abstract_painting-image1-vm053-vm357-vm712-vm790-1080.jpg389389GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Top rated courses/Courses/Art & design/Painting/Courses/Art & design/Painting/Painting techniques & processes/Courses/Last available places2285113216621916191917421228511321916Encounter different approaches to making abstract paintings while developing your skills in using a range of painting materials. With reference to the work of a variety of abstract artists explore the visual language common to both representation and abstraction, eg. colour, composition, tone and paint application.154.9https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways_into_ab_p_-_nov_2016_1_20.jpg2540530Ways into abstract painting389389https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways-into-abstract_painting-image1-vm053-vm357-vm712-vm790-1080_6.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-06-29T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2026Art & designVM946389389Ways into abstract painting311253389Eleanor Bedlowways-into-abstract-painting/vm946-2526Encounter different approaches to making abstract paintings while developing your skills in using a range of painting materials. With reference to the work of a variety of abstract artists explore the visual language common to both representation and abstraction, eg. colour, composition, tone and paint application.0000-Available|2026-06-29 00:00:00<ul><li>Exploring different pathways into making abstract paintings.</li><li>Providing a stimulating atmosphere for personal discovery.</li><li>Encouraging an imaginative, sensitive and individual handling of acrylic paint with the edition of other water-based mixed media and collage.</li><li>Becoming familiar with visual language by looking at a variety of artists' work.</li></ul>Encounter different approaches to making abstract paintings while developing your skills in using a range of painting materials. With reference to the work of a variety of abstract artists explore the visual language common to both representation and abstraction, eg. colour, composition, tone and paint application.<ul><li>Visual language in painting: colour, composition, tone and paint application.</li><li>Different methods of arriving at abstraction: eg. starting from observation, using experimental methods, randomness, conceptual systems and translating different sensory information.</li></ul><ul><li>Select the pictorial and material means with which to express a range of ideas, sensations and emotions.</li><li>Use with greater confidence the visual language common to both representation and abstraction.</li><li>Become increasingly confident with your use of colour.</li></ul>This is a course for anyone with an open mind and/or some basic drawing or painting skills.<br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.You will be guided through several processes to produce abstract paintings referring to specific artists or genres. As the course progresses you will develop an individual approach to making abstract paintings. Experimentation will be encouraged.<br/><br/>There will be practical projects, individual guidance and encouragement, group discussion and examination of artists' work.Basic materials and resources are available as part of this course, including water-based paint, brushes and paper.<p>After completing this course you can progress directly onto <em>Ways into abstract painting 2.</em></p><p>However, some students prefer to repeat <em>Ways into abstract painting</em> with a different tutor to gather more experience before progressing to the next level; your tutor will advise you.<em> </em> Alternative progression pathways might include: <em>Ways into landscape painting</em>, <em>Draw-paint-print</em>, <em>Abstract painting weekend</em>, <em>Sketchbooks: creating visual journeys</em>, <em>Painting 1</em> or <em>Painting 2.</em></p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesvirtual3030424Ways into abstract painting409409https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways-into-abstract_painting-image1-vm053-vm357-vm712-vm790-1080_67.jpgInStockEveningFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-25T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceSep 2026Art & designVM053409409Ways into abstract painting327266409Mario Lautier Vellaways-into-abstract-painting/vm053-2627Encounter different approaches to making abstract paintings while developing your skills in using a range of painting materials. With reference to the work of a variety of abstract artists explore the visual language common to both representation and abstraction, eg. colour, composition, tone and paint application.0000-Available|2026-09-25 00:00:00<ul><li>Exploring different pathways into making abstract paintings.</li><li>Providing a stimulating atmosphere for personal discovery.</li><li>Encouraging an imaginative, sensitive and individual handling of acrylic paint with the addition of other water-based mixed media and collage.</li><li>Becoming familiar with visual language by looking at a variety of artists' work.</li></ul>Encounter different approaches to making abstract paintings while developing your skills in using a range of painting materials. With reference to the work of a variety of abstract artists explore the visual language common to both representation and abstraction, eg. colour, composition, tone and paint application.<ul><li>Visual language in painting: colour, composition, tone and paint application.</li><li>Different methods of arriving at abstraction: eg. starting from observation, using experimental methods, randomness, conceptual systems and translating different sensory information.</li></ul><ul><li>Select the pictorial and material means with which to express a range of ideas, sensations and emotions.</li><li>Use with greater confidence the visual language common to both representation and abstraction.</li><li>Become increasingly confident with your use of colour.</li></ul>This is a course for anyone with an open mind and/or some basic drawing or painting skills.<br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.You will be guided through several processes to produce abstract paintings referring to specific artists or genres. As the course progresses you will develop an individual approach to making abstract paintings. Experimentation will be encouraged.<br/><br/>There will be practical projects, individual guidance and encouragement, group discussion and examination of artists' work.Basic materials and resources are available as part of this course, including water-based paint, brushes and paper.<p>After completing this course you can progress directly onto <em>Developing abstract painting.</em></p><p>However, some students prefer to repeat <em>Ways into abstract painting</em> with a different tutor to gather more experience before progressing to the next level; your tutor will advise you.<em> </em> Alternative progression pathways might include: <em>Ways into landscape painting</em>, <em>Draw-paint-print</em>, <em>Contemporary sketchbook: mixed media projects.</em></p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesvirtual3030436Ways into abstract painting409409https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways-into-abstract_painting-image1-vm053-vm357-vm712-vm790-1080_68.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-10-06T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersOct 2026Art & designVM357409409Ways into abstract painting327266409Ruth Brisonways-into-abstract-painting/vm357-2627Encounter different approaches to making abstract paintings while developing your skills in using a range of painting materials. With reference to the work of a variety of abstract artists explore the visual language common to both representation and abstraction, eg. colour, composition, tone and paint application.0000-Available|2026-10-06 00:00:00<ul><li>Exploring different pathways into making abstract paintings.</li><li>Providing a stimulating atmosphere for personal discovery.</li><li>Encouraging an imaginative, sensitive and individual handling of acrylic paint with the addition of other water-based mixed media and collage.</li><li>Becoming familiar with visual language by looking at a variety of artists' work.</li></ul>Encounter different approaches to making abstract paintings while developing your skills in using a range of painting materials. With reference to the work of a variety of abstract artists explore the visual language common to both representation and abstraction, eg. colour, composition, tone and paint application.<ul><li>Visual language in painting: colour, composition, tone and paint application.</li><li>Different methods of arriving at abstraction: eg. starting from observation, using experimental methods, randomness, conceptual systems and translating different sensory information.</li></ul><ul><li>Select the pictorial and material means with which to express a range of ideas, sensations and emotions.</li><li>Use with greater confidence the visual language common to both representation and abstraction.</li><li>Become increasingly confident with your use of colour.</li></ul>This is a course for anyone with an open mind and/or some basic drawing or painting skills.<br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.You will be guided through several processes to produce abstract paintings referring to specific artists or genres. As the course progresses you will develop an individual approach to making abstract paintings. Experimentation will be encouraged.<br/><br/>There will be practical projects, individual guidance and encouragement, group discussion and examination of artists' work.Basic materials and resources are available as part of this course, including water-based paint, brushes and paper.<p>After completing this course you can progress directly onto <em>Developing abstract painting.</em></p><p>However, some students prefer to repeat <em>Ways into abstract painting</em> with a different tutor to gather more experience before progressing to the next level; your tutor will advise you.<em> </em> Alternative progression pathways might include: <em>Ways into landscape painting</em>, <em>Draw-paint-print</em>, <em>Contemporary sketchbook: mixed media projects.</em></p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesvirtual3030454Ways into abstract painting409409https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways-into-abstract_painting-image1-vm053-vm357-vm712-vm790-1080_69.jpgInStockEveningTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-10-13T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersOct 2026Art & designVM712409409Ways into abstract painting327266409Eleanor Bedlowways-into-abstract-painting/vm712-2627Encounter different approaches to making abstract paintings while developing your skills in using a range of painting materials. With reference to the work of a variety of abstract artists explore the visual language common to both representation and abstraction, eg. colour, composition, tone and paint application.0000-Available|2026-10-13 00:00:00<ul><li>Exploring different pathways into making abstract paintings.</li><li>Providing a stimulating atmosphere for personal discovery.</li><li>Encouraging an imaginative, sensitive and individual handling of acrylic paint with the addition of other water-based mixed media and collage.</li><li>Becoming familiar with visual language by looking at a variety of artists' work.</li></ul>Encounter different approaches to making abstract paintings while developing your skills in using a range of painting materials. With reference to the work of a variety of abstract artists explore the visual language common to both representation and abstraction, eg. colour, composition, tone and paint application.<ul><li>Visual language in painting: colour, composition, tone and paint application.</li><li>Different methods of arriving at abstraction: eg. starting from observation, using experimental methods, randomness, conceptual systems and translating different sensory information.</li></ul><ul><li>Select the pictorial and material means with which to express a range of ideas, sensations and emotions.</li><li>Use with greater confidence the visual language common to both representation and abstraction.</li><li>Become increasingly confident with your use of colour.</li></ul>This is a course for anyone with an open mind and/or some basic drawing or painting skills.<br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.You will be guided through several processes to produce abstract paintings referring to specific artists or genres. As the course progresses you will develop an individual approach to making abstract paintings. Experimentation will be encouraged.<br/><br/>There will be practical projects, individual guidance and encouragement, group discussion and examination of artists' work.Basic materials and resources are available as part of this course, including water-based paint, brushes and paper.<p>After completing this course you can progress directly onto <em>Developing abstract painting.</em></p><p>However, some students prefer to repeat <em>Ways into abstract painting</em> with a different tutor to gather more experience before progressing to the next level; your tutor will advise you.<em> </em> Alternative progression pathways might include: <em>Ways into landscape painting</em>, <em>Draw-paint-print</em>, <em>Contemporary sketchbook: mixed media projects.</em></p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesvirtual311,327389,409253,266VM946,VM053,VM357,VM712NONEMon,Fri,Tue29/06/26 - 27/07/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:305 sessions (over 5 weeks)55-10 weeksWeekdayKSKeeley StreetEleanor Bedlow,Mario Lautier Vella,Ruth BrisonAvailable courses2026-06-29T00:00:00+00:00,2026-09-25T00:00:00+00:00,2026-10-06T00:00:00+00:00,2026-10-13T00:00:00+00:00Daytime,EveningJun 2026,Sep 2026,Oct 2026Art & design389389,409Ways into abstract paintingways-into-abstract-painting/vm946-2526,ways-into-abstract-painting/vm053-2627,ways-into-abstract-painting/vm357-2627,ways-into-abstract-painting/vm712-2627Encounter different approaches to making abstract paintings while developing your skills in using a range of painting materials. With reference to the work of a variety of abstract artists explore the visual language common to both representation and abstraction, eg. colour, composition, tone and paint application.0000-Available|2026-06-29 00:00:00<ul><li>Exploring different pathways into making abstract paintings.</li><li>Providing a stimulating atmosphere for personal discovery.</li><li>Encouraging an imaginative, sensitive and individual handling of acrylic paint with the edition of other water-based mixed media and collage.</li><li>Becoming familiar with visual language by looking at a variety of artists' work.</li></ul>,<ul><li>Exploring different pathways into making abstract paintings.</li><li>Providing a stimulating atmosphere for personal discovery.</li><li>Encouraging an imaginative, sensitive and individual handling of acrylic paint with the addition of other water-based mixed media and collage.</li><li>Becoming familiar with visual language by looking at a variety of artists' work.</li></ul>Encounter different approaches to making abstract paintings while developing your skills in using a range of painting materials. With reference to the work of a variety of abstract artists explore the visual language common to both representation and abstraction, eg. colour, composition, tone and paint application.<ul><li>Visual language in painting: colour, composition, tone and paint application.</li><li>Different methods of arriving at abstraction: eg. starting from observation, using experimental methods, randomness, conceptual systems and translating different sensory information.</li></ul><ul><li>Select the pictorial and material means with which to express a range of ideas, sensations and emotions.</li><li>Use with greater confidence the visual language common to both representation and abstraction.</li><li>Become increasingly confident with your use of colour.</li></ul>This is a course for anyone with an open mind and/or some basic drawing or painting skills.<br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.You will be guided through several processes to produce abstract paintings referring to specific artists or genres. As the course progresses you will develop an individual approach to making abstract paintings. Experimentation will be encouraged.<br/><br/>There will be practical projects, individual guidance and encouragement, group discussion and examination of artists' work.Basic materials and resources are available as part of this course, including water-based paint, brushes and paper.<p>After completing this course you can progress directly onto <em>Ways into abstract painting 2.</em></p><p>However, some students prefer to repeat <em>Ways into abstract painting</em> with a different tutor to gather more experience before progressing to the next level; your tutor will advise you.<em> </em> Alternative progression pathways might include: <em>Ways into landscape painting</em>, <em>Draw-paint-print</em>, <em>Abstract painting weekend</em>, <em>Sketchbooks: creating visual journeys</em>, <em>Painting 1</em> or <em>Painting 2.</em></p>,<p>After completing this course you can progress directly onto <em>Developing abstract painting.</em></p><p>However, some students prefer to repeat <em>Ways into abstract painting</em> with a different tutor to gather more experience before progressing to the next level; your tutor will advise you.<em> </em> Alternative progression pathways might include: <em>Ways into landscape painting</em>, <em>Draw-paint-print</em>, <em>Contemporary sketchbook: mixed media projects.</em></p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesconfigurable
