Take some creative time out and join us for some utterly inventive, abstract painting. Fabulous for those just starting out with painting as well as for traditional / conventional painters seeking to think ‘outside the box‘ to free up their creative techniques. There is so much more than simply throwing some colourful paint on your canvas and calling it Abstract Art! Abstraction requires skill and imagination to produce captivating works, and is a superb representation of ideas, objects, thoughts and mental images. Abstract Art is most certainly in a league of its own. In this workshop, we will delve in and explore respected Abstract Genres such as Abstract Expressionism, Geometric Abstraction and Object / Image Distortion. You will learn how to mix and apply your paints, how to incorporate imagination, invention and effective composition, as well as how to creatively use tools and clever techniques to capture texture, movement and beautiful artistic effects. If you have thought about signing up to a creative workshop that will allow you to focus on artistic and expressive freedom, then this workshop is ideal for you. Get set to uncover and release your unique Abstract style in a super inventive class environment with Jo‘s guidance at hand. No concession.

Agenda

* Essence of Abstraction
* Abstract Genres
a) Geometric Abstraction
b) Abstract Expressionism
c) Object/Image Distortion/Interpretation
* Mixing Colours
* Paint Effects
* Application Techniques
* Creating Impact and Highlights
* Composition and Design Ideas
* Inspiration Sources
* Imagination and Invention


Tutor Profile/Personal Introduction:
I‘m sure I must have been born with a pencil in my hand. I was told I could draw before I could walk or talk! My desire to draw, paint and design instinctively grew as I did. I followed my passion and formally studied Fine Arts, Commercial Art, Illustration, and Graphic Design. Happy days being a free spirited, quaintly eccentric art student! My progression into creative make-up came about with a love for make-up itself, my freaky fascination for Horror/Sci-Fi movies and admiration for the Theatre. My artistic learning continued, I studied Professional Make-up. With art tools in one hand and make-up tools in the other, I focused on freelance Illustration and Design, and Creative Make-up for Weddings, Fashion Shows, and Theatre Productions. Communication, mind and behaviour always had me captivated, and becoming a proud mum inspired me to hit the books again. I went on to study Psychology.

Teaching entered my world initially designing and conducting psych-infused art programs. Teaching took hold of my heart and I was pleasantly steered into tutoring college classes to share my knowledge and much loved skills. My studio structured classes are all about learning new skills and techniques, and also about the important process of discovering and developing individual abilities with freedom and guidance. I value and place emphasis on my class environment being relaxed and comfortable to make learning thoroughly enjoyable. All classes are composed to be super easy to follow and understand. Participants of all ages present their creative and expressive uniqueness, and are always friendly and enthusiastic. They even (kindly) laugh at my bad jokes! For me, teaching is a true pleasure. Jo.

Course/Workshop Enquiries: Reach Jo via MCC or by email at: retroraspberrystudios@hotmail.com (emails answered promptly)

Materials

Do not purchase equipment until you confirm that the course is running.

Bring lunch (tea and coffee available).

* Acrylic Paints - any type. These can be found in art supply stores, department stores and thrifty bargain shops. Bring along your basic Red, Blue, Yellow, Black and White - essential for colour learning. Any other colours of choice may also be brought along. Bring enough paint with you to allow you the freedom to be creative without fear of running out.
* Brushes - a variety of different sizes and shapes. May even be low-cost brushes bought from hardware stores. Choose soft bristle brushes, along with some coarse ones for texture. Synthetic brushes are ideal.
* Canvas Boards - any type. Also widely available and can even be found in thrifty bargain shops. Bring AT LEAST 4, varying sizes approx. 30x40cm or 40x50cm.
* Drawing Paper Pad - any type. Simply to be used for colour work and practice. A3 size preferred.
* A Lead Pencil, Eraser, Sharpener and Ruler.
* Paint Palettes - a couple of large ones or even some white plates (must be white), or a disposable palette pad. Lots of room/space for mixing colours.
* 2 large cups or jars for water.
* Some kitchen paper towel.
* A small hand towel for water spills and clean-up.
* An apron if desired.
* Additional creative items will be supplied by Jo.

Included as part of Jo‘s Courses/Workshops, participants will receive:

* Essential notes and information/picture sheets to keep for future use.
* Issued with photo references and creative items used for in-class activities (where needed).
* Provided with a drawing/painting easel used during class (where needed).
* Be given individual one-on-one guidance and constructive feedback throughout class.
* Help is not over when class is over! Jo will be available for further help or assistance at any time after course/workshop is completed. Contact details will be available to participants at their discretion.

Venue

403 HUME HIGHWAY LIVERPOOL
The College office (Suite 5) and Training Rooms (Suite 8) are located at 403 Hume Highway, above Aussie Home Loans between Brinlay Paints and Little Kingdom Child Care Centre. For disabled access and those with mobility issues there is a Platform Stairlift provided contact the College office on 8080 2121 for more information.
Parking underneath the building is limited to evening and weekends with a maximum of 12 non-stacker spaces accessed via an unnamed lane off Boundary Road (behind Brinlay Paints). Unrestricted parking is available in Reilly Street, Alderson Avenue, Gill Avenue and Boundary Road west of Gill Avenue on the College (western) side of the Hume Highway and in Congressional Drive and the Collingwood Museum (including 3 disabled parking spaces) on the eastern side of the highway.
Public Transport (Go to transportnsw.info for more details). Buses connect from railway stations - the closest being Liverpool station.
Bus Routes: 851, 852, 855, 856, 857, 870, 871, 872. Going North: Bus stop on Hume Hwy (outside College - after Boundary Road). Going South: 2 Bus stops on Hume Hwy: 1. near Monteclair Avenue and 2. opposite Boundary Road.

Comments from previous students of this class

Jo refreshes her courses on a regular basis.