Ways into abstract painting

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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.
Choose a starting date

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.

6 Dates Available

  • Start Date: 08 May 2025
    End Date: 05 Jun 2025
    Last Spaces Left
    Thu (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 5 sessions (over -5 weeks)
    Course Code: VM308
    Full fee £369.00 Senior fee £295.00 Concession £240.00
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  • Start Date: 09 May 2025
    End Date: 27 Jun 2025
    Fri (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 8 sessions (over -8 weeks)
    Course Code: VM681
    Full fee £369.00 Senior fee £295.00 Concession £240.00
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  • Start Date: 20 May 2025
    End Date: 08 Jul 2025
    Tue (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 8 sessions (over -8 weeks)
    Course Code: VM674
    Tutors:  Rebecca Allen
    Full fee £369.00 Senior fee £295.00 Concession £240.00
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  • Start Date: 19 Sep 2025
    End Date: 14 Nov 2025
    Fri (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 8 sessions (over -9 weeks)
    Course Code: VM053
    Full fee £389.00 Senior fee £311.00 Concession £253.00
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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.

Book your place
In stock
Only 1 left
SKU
230018
Full fee £369.00 Senior fee £295.00 Concession £240.00

What is the course about?

- 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?

You may be able to progress onto courses such as 'Ways into Landscape Painting', 'Draw, Paint, Print',
'Abstract Painting Weekend’, ‘Sketchbooks: observation to abstraction’, ‘Painting 1’ or ‘Painting 2 depending on your
level.

Henry Gibbons Guy See more See less
Mario Lautier Vella Tutor Website See more See less
Rebecca Allen See more See less
Ruth Brison See more See less
Eleanor Bedlow Tutor Website See more See less

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.