A follow-on course from Ways into abstract painting, for students with some prior experience. Build skills in paint-handling, personal methods of developing abstract imagery, and increased confidence in discussing your work and themes.
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.
The course will begin by introducing several different methods of arriving at abstraction, with more time dedicated to ways of personalizing and extending these enquiry routes through choices made in relation to paint-handling, colour, surface, media and scale.
In the second part of the course you will focus on individual project work. You will be supported in developing your own subject matter, and setting aims which may include working on a canvas or found-surfaces, using or inventing different types of painting tool, and embedding your chosen working methods .
Throughout the course you will continue to extend your visual and spoken language in relation to contemporary abstract painting, by looking and discussing in greater depth the work of practising artists, and your peer group.
What will we cover?
Developing research methods e.g. contemporary collage, music, drawing or chance - to stimulate and expand personal themes and ideas.
Continuing to expand an individual toolkit of marks, textures and media combinations.
Ongoing enquiry into the formal and expressive effects of colour, developing more confident personal usage.
Building skills and proficiency using acrylic paint media on a range of different surfaces, and at different scales.
Reflecting on your work (and the work of others) and articulating your decision-making processes with increased insight and confidence.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Identify two personalised methods of developing an abstract idea from research through to sustained painting (or series of paintings).
Evaluate and progress your approach to colour development over successive painting sessions.
Respond purposefully to planned and unplanned developments in composition.
Compare the effects of a range of material decisions e.g. increased scale, different types of surfaces and/or painting tools.
Articulate connections with contemporary abstract themes, painting practices, and contexts.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a follow-on course from Ways into abstract painting. It would also be suitable for students from intermediate painting courses, specifically those that encourage individual research and experimentation.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This course will be taught using acrylic paint media. You will be guided through structured projects, setting the stage for your own work, extending technical skills with a range of surfaces, tools and acrylic-compatible mediums (there may be the option to use oils if that is your prior experience and preference).
You will also be encouraged to keep a sketchbook for gathering imagery. Project ideas will be developed in class, but gathering preparatory material outside of class will help you get the most out of this course.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All basic materials are included. Your tutor will advise on optional surfaces and tools that might extend your investigations. An A4 sketchbook is recommended for gathering imagery and developing project ideas.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Contemporary painting studio,Large-scale drawing and mixed-media, Drawing and painting from the imagination, Drawing and mindfulness: releasing the judging mind, Draw-paint-print, Contemporary sketchbook: mixed media projects, Large-scale sketchbook.
Rolina E. Blok is an artist of Dutch/Romanian origin based in London. She is a multidisciplinary artist with a speciality in Contemporary Approaches to Printmaking. Blok’s practice expands into the digital realm as well as printmaking, sculpture, performance art and curating. Blok is part of the Visual Arts team at City Lit and is currently a Screenprint Fellow at the Royal Academy. I think that working with the other tutors we can inspire and help the students advance in their practice and explore the creative potential within combined digital and print media. I am an advocate for experimentation and would like to instigate conversations surrounding the relationship between the physical realm and the digital world. The method is the vessel for the message to be portrayed. From pixel to halftone and back again.
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.
Rebecca AllenSee moreSee less
After receiving a BFA degree from Kansas State University, Rebecca moved to New York and studied at the New York Studio School. There, she studied with a vast assortment of New York artists, many with ties to the abstract expressionist movement. The Studio School selected her as an exchangee student to study at the Slade School of Art in London for one year. Returning to New York, she received her MFA from Parsons School of Design. She has been teaching in London for over 20 years and created numerous courses, based on specific exhibitions and the permanent collection, at Dulwich Picture Gallery. Since 2010 she has been teaching at City Lit with courses including Life Drawing, Life Painting, Painting 2, Ways into Abstract Painting and many Watercolour courses. She has a background in figurative work, which has included observation, memory, and a love for tone and colour. More recent work is rooted in observation, yet more abstract in appearance, focusing on process and largely done using watercolour.
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/ways-into-abstract-painting-22643357Ways into abstract painting 2https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways-into-abstract-painting2_-_image_1-vm488-vm681-1080.jpg419419GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Painting/Courses/Art & design/Painting/Painting techniques & processes22851132191619191228511321916<p>A follow-on course from <em>Ways into abstract painting</em>, for students with some prior experience. Build skills in paint-handling, personal methods of developing abstract imagery, and increased confidence in discussing your work and themes. </p>00https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways-into-abstract-painting-2-image2-vm488-vm681-1080_1.jpg3057754Ways into abstract painting 2419419https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways-into-abstract-painting2_-_image_1-vm488-vm681-1080_3.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-10-01T00:00:00+00:00Oct 2026Art & designVH209419419Ways into abstract painting 2335272419Rolina Elsje Blok, Amanda Knightways-into-abstract-painting-2/vh209-2627<p>A follow-on course from <em>Ways into abstract painting</em>, for students with some prior experience. Build skills in paint-handling, personal methods of developing abstract imagery, and increased confidence in discussing your work and themes. </p>0000-Available|2026-10-01 00:00:00<p>The course will begin by introducing several different methods of arriving at abstraction, with more time dedicated to ways of personalizing and extending these enquiry routes through choices made in relation to paint-handling, colour, surface, media and scale.</p><p>In the second part of the course you will focus on individual project work. You will be supported in developing your own subject matter, and setting aims which may include working on a canvas or found-surfaces, using or inventing different types of painting tool, and embedding your chosen working methods .</p><p>Throughout the course you will continue to extend your visual and spoken language in relation to contemporary abstract painting, by looking and discussing in greater depth the work of practising artists, and your peer group.</p><p>A follow-on course from <em>Ways into abstract painting</em>, for students with some prior experience. Build skills in paint-handling, personal methods of developing abstract imagery, and increased confidence in discussing your work and themes. </p><ul><li>Developing research methods e.g. contemporary collage, music, drawing or chance - to stimulate and expand personal themes and ideas.</li><li>Continuing to expand an individual toolkit of marks, textures and media combinations.</li><li>Ongoing enquiry into the formal and expressive effects of colour, developing more confident personal usage.</li><li>Building skills and proficiency using acrylic paint media on a range of different surfaces, and at different scales. </li><li>Reflecting on your work (and the work of others) and articulating your decision-making processes with increased insight and confidence.</li></ul><ul><li>Identify two personalised methods of developing an abstract idea from research through to sustained painting (or series of paintings).</li><li>Evaluate and progress your approach to colour development over successive painting sessions. </li><li>Respond purposefully to planned and unplanned developments in composition.</li><li>Compare the effects of a range of material decisions e.g. increased scale, different types of surfaces and/or painting tools.</li><li>Articulate connections with contemporary abstract themes, painting practices, and contexts.</li></ul><p>This is a follow-on course from <em>Ways into abstract painting</em>. It would also be suitable for students from intermediate painting courses, specifically those that encourage individual research and experimentation.</p><p>This course will be taught using acrylic paint media. You will be guided through structured projects, setting the stage for your own work, extending technical skills with a range of surfaces, tools and acrylic-compatible mediums (there may be the option to use oils if that is your prior experience and preference).</p><p>You will also be encouraged to keep a sketchbook for gathering imagery. Project ideas will be developed in class, but gathering preparatory material outside of class will help you get the most out of this course.</p><p>All basic materials are included. Your tutor will advise on optional surfaces and tools that might extend your investigations. An A4 sketchbook is recommended for gathering imagery and developing project ideas.</p><p><em>Contemporary painting studio,</em> <em>Large-scale drawing and mixed-media</em>, <em>Drawing and painting from the imagination</em>, <em>Drawing and mindfulness: releasing the judging mind</em>, <em>Draw-paint-print</em>, <em>Contemporary sketchbook: mixed media projects, Large-scale sketchbook</em>.</p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesvirtual3067954Ways into abstract painting 2409409https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways-into-abstract-painting2_-_image_1-vm488-vm681-1080_5.jpgInStockEveningFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-04-30T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersApr 2027Art & designVM681409409Ways into abstract painting 2327266409Mario Lautier Vellaways-into-abstract-painting-2/vm681-2627<p>A follow-on course from <em>Ways into abstract painting</em>, for students with some prior experience. Build skills in paint-handling, personal methods of developing abstract imagery, and increased confidence in discussing your work and themes. </p>0000-Available|2027-04-30 00:00:00<p>The course will begin by introducing several different methods of arriving at abstraction, with more time dedicated to ways of personalizing and extending these enquiry routes through choices made in relation to paint-handling, colour, surface, media and scale.</p><p>In the second part of the course you will focus on individual project work. You will be supported in developing your own subject matter, and setting aims which may include working on a canvas or found-surfaces, using or inventing different types of painting tool, and embedding your chosen working methods .</p><p>Throughout the course you will continue to extend your visual and spoken language in relation to contemporary abstract painting, by looking and discussing in greater depth the work of practising artists, and your peer group.</p><p>A follow-on course from <em>Ways into abstract painting</em>, for students with some prior experience. Build skills in paint-handling, personal methods of developing abstract imagery, and increased confidence in discussing your work and themes. </p><ul><li>Developing research methods e.g. contemporary collage, music, drawing or chance - to stimulate and expand personal themes and ideas.</li><li>Continuing to expand an individual toolkit of marks, textures and media combinations.</li><li>Ongoing enquiry into the formal and expressive effects of colour, developing more confident personal usage.</li><li>Building skills and proficiency using acrylic paint media on a range of different surfaces, and at different scales. </li><li>Reflecting on your work (and the work of others) and articulating your decision-making processes with increased insight and confidence.</li></ul><ul><li>Identify two personalised methods of developing an abstract idea from research through to sustained painting (or series of paintings).</li><li>Evaluate and progress your approach to colour development over successive painting sessions. </li><li>Respond purposefully to planned and unplanned developments in composition.</li><li>Compare the effects of a range of material decisions e.g. increased scale, different types of surfaces and/or painting tools.</li><li>Articulate connections with contemporary abstract themes, painting practices, and contexts.</li></ul><p>This is a follow-on course from <em>Ways into abstract painting</em>. It would also be suitable for students from intermediate painting courses, specifically those that encourage individual research and experimentation.</p><p>This course will be taught using acrylic paint media. You will be guided through structured projects, setting the stage for your own work, extending technical skills with a range of surfaces, tools and acrylic-compatible mediums (there may be the option to use oils if that is your prior experience and preference).</p><p>You will also be encouraged to keep a sketchbook for gathering imagery. Project ideas will be developed in class, but gathering preparatory material outside of class will help you get the most out of this course.</p><p>All basic materials are included. Your tutor will advise on optional surfaces and tools that might extend your investigations. An A4 sketchbook is recommended for gathering imagery and developing project ideas.</p><p><em>Contemporary painting studio,</em> <em>Large-scale drawing and mixed-media</em>, <em>Drawing and painting from the imagination</em>, <em>Drawing and mindfulness: releasing the judging mind</em>, <em>Draw-paint-print</em>, <em>Contemporary sketchbook: mixed media projects, Large-scale sketchbook</em>.</p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesvirtual3067924Ways into abstract painting 2359359https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/w/a/ways-into-abstract-painting2_-_image_1-vm488-vm681-1080_4.jpgInStockEveningTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-02-09T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceFeb 2027Art & designVM488359359Ways into abstract painting 2287233359Rebecca Allenways-into-abstract-painting-2/vm488-2627<p>A follow-on course from <em>Ways into abstract painting</em>, for students with some prior experience. Build skills in paint-handling, personal methods of developing abstract imagery, and increased confidence in discussing your work and themes. </p>0000-Available|2027-02-09 00:00:00<p>The course will begin by introducing several different methods of arriving at abstraction, with more time dedicated to ways of personalizing and extending these enquiry routes through choices made in relation to paint-handling, colour, surface, media and scale.</p><p>In the second part of the course you will focus on individual project work. You will be supported in developing your own subject matter, and setting aims which may include working on a canvas or found-surfaces, using or inventing different types of painting tool, and embedding your chosen working methods .</p><p>Throughout the course you will continue to extend your visual and spoken language in relation to contemporary abstract painting, by looking and discussing in greater depth the work of practising artists, and your peer group.</p><p>A follow-on course from <em>Ways into abstract painting</em>, for students with some prior experience. Build skills in paint-handling, personal methods of developing abstract imagery, and increased confidence in discussing your work and themes. </p><ul><li>Developing research methods e.g. contemporary collage, music, drawing or chance - to stimulate and expand personal themes and ideas.</li><li>Continuing to expand an individual toolkit of marks, textures and media combinations.</li><li>Ongoing enquiry into the formal and expressive effects of colour, developing more confident personal usage.</li><li>Building skills and proficiency using acrylic paint media on a range of different surfaces, and at different scales. </li><li>Reflecting on your work (and the work of others) and articulating your decision-making processes with increased insight and confidence.</li></ul><ul><li>Identify two personalised methods of developing an abstract idea from research through to sustained painting (or series of paintings).</li><li>Evaluate and progress your approach to colour development over successive painting sessions. </li><li>Respond purposefully to planned and unplanned developments in composition.</li><li>Compare the effects of a range of material decisions e.g. increased scale, different types of surfaces and/or painting tools.</li><li>Articulate connections with contemporary abstract themes, painting practices, and contexts.</li></ul><p>This is a follow-on course from <em>Ways into abstract painting</em>. It would also be suitable for students from intermediate painting courses, specifically those that encourage individual research and experimentation.</p><p>This course will be taught using acrylic paint media. You will be guided through structured projects, setting the stage for your own work, extending technical skills with a range of surfaces, tools and acrylic-compatible mediums (there may be the option to use oils if that is your prior experience and preference).</p><p>You will also be encouraged to keep a sketchbook for gathering imagery. Project ideas will be developed in class, but gathering preparatory material outside of class will help you get the most out of this course.</p><p>All basic materials are included. Your tutor will advise on optional surfaces and tools that might extend your investigations. An A4 sketchbook is recommended for gathering imagery and developing project ideas.</p><p><em>Contemporary painting studio,</em> <em>Large-scale drawing and mixed-media</em>, <em>Drawing and painting from the imagination</em>, <em>Drawing and mindfulness: releasing the judging mind</em>, <em>Draw-paint-print</em>, <em>Contemporary sketchbook: mixed media projects, Large-scale sketchbook</em>.</p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesvirtual335,327,287419,409,359272,266,233VH209,VM681,VM488NONEThu,Fri,Tue01/10/26 - 29/10/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:305 sessions (over 5 weeks)55-10 weeksDaytime,EveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetRolina Elsje Blok, Amanda Knight,Mario Lautier Vella,Rebecca AllenAvailable courses2026-10-01T00:00:00+00:00,2027-04-30T00:00:00+00:00,2027-02-09T00:00:00+00:00Oct 2026,Apr 2027,Feb 2027Art & design359419,409,359Ways into abstract painting 2ways-into-abstract-painting-2/vh209-2627,ways-into-abstract-painting-2/vm681-2627,ways-into-abstract-painting-2/vm488-2627<p>A follow-on course from <em>Ways into abstract painting</em>, for students with some prior experience. Build skills in paint-handling, personal methods of developing abstract imagery, and increased confidence in discussing your work and themes. </p>0000-Available|2026-10-01 00:00:00<p>The course will begin by introducing several different methods of arriving at abstraction, with more time dedicated to ways of personalizing and extending these enquiry routes through choices made in relation to paint-handling, colour, surface, media and scale.</p><p>In the second part of the course you will focus on individual project work. You will be supported in developing your own subject matter, and setting aims which may include working on a canvas or found-surfaces, using or inventing different types of painting tool, and embedding your chosen working methods .</p><p>Throughout the course you will continue to extend your visual and spoken language in relation to contemporary abstract painting, by looking and discussing in greater depth the work of practising artists, and your peer group.</p><p>A follow-on course from <em>Ways into abstract painting</em>, for students with some prior experience. Build skills in paint-handling, personal methods of developing abstract imagery, and increased confidence in discussing your work and themes. </p><ul><li>Developing research methods e.g. contemporary collage, music, drawing or chance - to stimulate and expand personal themes and ideas.</li><li>Continuing to expand an individual toolkit of marks, textures and media combinations.</li><li>Ongoing enquiry into the formal and expressive effects of colour, developing more confident personal usage.</li><li>Building skills and proficiency using acrylic paint media on a range of different surfaces, and at different scales. </li><li>Reflecting on your work (and the work of others) and articulating your decision-making processes with increased insight and confidence.</li></ul><ul><li>Identify two personalised methods of developing an abstract idea from research through to sustained painting (or series of paintings).</li><li>Evaluate and progress your approach to colour development over successive painting sessions. </li><li>Respond purposefully to planned and unplanned developments in composition.</li><li>Compare the effects of a range of material decisions e.g. increased scale, different types of surfaces and/or painting tools.</li><li>Articulate connections with contemporary abstract themes, painting practices, and contexts.</li></ul><p>This is a follow-on course from <em>Ways into abstract painting</em>. It would also be suitable for students from intermediate painting courses, specifically those that encourage individual research and experimentation.</p><p>This course will be taught using acrylic paint media. You will be guided through structured projects, setting the stage for your own work, extending technical skills with a range of surfaces, tools and acrylic-compatible mediums (there may be the option to use oils if that is your prior experience and preference).</p><p>You will also be encouraged to keep a sketchbook for gathering imagery. Project ideas will be developed in class, but gathering preparatory material outside of class will help you get the most out of this course.</p><p>All basic materials are included. Your tutor will advise on optional surfaces and tools that might extend your investigations. An A4 sketchbook is recommended for gathering imagery and developing project ideas.</p><p><em>Contemporary painting studio,</em> <em>Large-scale drawing and mixed-media</em>, <em>Drawing and painting from the imagination</em>, <em>Drawing and mindfulness: releasing the judging mind</em>, <em>Draw-paint-print</em>, <em>Contemporary sketchbook: mixed media projects, Large-scale sketchbook</em>.</p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesconfigurable
