Abstract Painting: Create beautiful abstract art without all the pressure

In this class, I will show you my very favorite way to create some abstract art without the pressure we put on ourselves when we sit down to create. I used to get so frustrated when I sat down at my table to create art and I was staring at a blank paper. I wanted to paint a masterpiece without all the work and practice. I expected great things to just appear on my paper and I'd go away mad without anything decent to show for my time... and it was so discouraging that it would be months before I'd go back and try again.

This technique I'm going to share with you isn't new, but it truly changed my relationship with my art and my expectations when I sit down to paint. It doesn't really matter what level you are at, this is a great technique for all of us. Perfect for experimenting and learning our papers and supplies, trying out new ideas and color palettes.

Now, every time I sit to create one of these - I'm truly pleased and pretty happy when I get up from my paint table. I know you'll love creating these... I cannot wait to see your pieces!

This class is for you if:

• You love learning new techniques for your art
• You are interested in abstract painting
• You love experimenting with art supplies
• You love watching how others approach their painting practice

Supplies: I encourage you to use your supplies you have on hand to do your projects. You do not have to purchase any specific supplies for this class. It is all about experimenting with the supplies you have and learning to let loose.

• Watercolor paper - I Iike cold press and hot press at least 140lb. You can also use oil/acrylic paper - I think the one I'm using in class is 138lb
• Ceramic paint palette - I show you 2 in class if you are interested in checking them out - I show you one from Sylvan Clayworks and one from Sugarhouse Ceramic Co. You don't need one for class - you can use anything for your paints like paint palette paper or paper plates, etc...
• Various paintbrushes and mark making tools
• Various paints in your favorite colors. I'm using a variety of acrylic paints in this class, but feel free to use watercolors, oil paints, inks, etc... the sky is the limit on the supplies you could choose to use and experiment with.
• I'm using some soft pastels in class - pick some out in your favorite colors if you choose to use any at all.
• Various Neocolor II Crayons - I love using these and they are water-soluble.
• Disposable gloves if you are using any toxic art supplies
• I love using a Stabilo black pencil and the Posca Pen to make marks in my work
• A few cradled boards if you want to mount your finished pieces to boards.
• Finishing spray - I show you several I have used to finish my pieces to protect the art.

This is most of the supplies I chose to experiment with in this project... but as I mentioned above - don't think you need to go out and buy tons of new supplies (unless you just want to...). Try this project with some of the supplies you have on hand and grow from there.

By the end of this class, you'll be inspired and ready to create some beautiful abstract of your own.

Your project: Is simple... you'll grab some paper and supplies and play. This is your time to experiment with your papers, your supplies, your mark-making, your color choices, etc... all without any expectations of the outcome. Let yourself create with abandoned and when you get to a point that you think you are ready... then search out some smaller pieces within your piece, as I show you, to cut out for your series.