“To see the world’s true beauty can dazzle your senses, and your hands can’t help but want to photograph, paint, or draw it. “Beauty brings copies of itself into being” ~Elaine Scarry”
Voyage | Abstract Landscapes
IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO THE CLASSROOM
$68
Lessons are prerecorded and downloadable with lifetime access.
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Art Supplies are listed at the bottom of this page.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
VOYAGE | Abstract Landscapes is a course about transforming your artistic approach to reflect how you see beauty in the world around you. The course will tap into your sense of wonder and creativity as you examine the places and experiences that mark your heart and find a new way to capture them onto the canvas.
You will learn that collaboration, experimentation, and connecting with your subject is the guiding force behind creating in an abstract style. It is about taking the time to stand back and reflect on your work and focus on the process, not the outcome -- it will transform your approach to painting.
This course will take you on a voyage of discovery as I lead you through my creative process of collecting inspiration and the steps I take to create a final painting on canvas.
FREE PREVIEW LESSONS | COLLECTING VISUAL INSPIRATION
In the first three (free) lessons, I encourage you to step into the world to gather a beautiful collection of inspiration through photographs, flora and found objects. Together, we will take steps to unravel everything you've collected into something that truly reflects who you are as an artist as you transform your ideas into compelling abstract landscape paintings.
Lessons Included In Free Preview:
The Traveling Art Supplies — My favorite art supplies, sketchbooks, and accessories I take with me on walks, Sunday drives, a weekend away, or a vacation of a lifetime.
Photographs, Found Objects, and Beautiful Paper — Capture everything that you find interesting with your camera. Zoom in on the smallest detail and zoom out to remember the beauty of your surroundings. Save every postcard, museum ticket, and brochure you gather along your journey. Write down the colors, weather, music, conversation, meals, and architecture in your sketchbook to inspire you back in the studio.
Gather and create an inspiration board to guide your work. Continue to add to throughout the entire process. Use it as a tool to reflect on your experiences and memories,
The Complete Course
LESSON 1 | OBJECTS OF BEAUTY
When your eyes fall upon a beautiful object, it is difficult to resist the urge to touch it, to hold it in your hand, and to study precisely what you find interesting.
Begin by looking around your home and gathering objects that made their way into your life for one reason or another. They can be anything: a small vintage bowl, your grandfather's watch, an old leather book, a postcard from a far-off place, a shell from a walk along the beach. Just look at your possessions and reconnect with them in a new way. They're part of your history and your truth.
Objects of Beauty is a visual collection of objects that can inspire your abstract work. And no glue is needed; once you're satisfied, take a photo
LESSON 2 | INSPIRED BY COLOR
Respond to your collection of inspiration through photos, objects of beauty, flora, and your inspiration board to create a harmonious color palette for your work.
I will be using acrylic paints, but feel free to use the medium of your choice. And remember, this is a time of experimentation. I suggest beginning with one side of the color wheel and slowly introducing other colors once you've explored and created color mixes you like.
LESSON 3 | HOW TO BEGIN
THUMBNAILS & SKETCHING
Now you have collected beautiful photos, created a collage of beautiful objects, and decided on a palette of colors to use in your work. But how do you actually begin? How do you use all those beautiful elements in your work?
The next step in capturing the beauty you see through lines, shapes, patterns, and composition is an important one to creating a successful abstract landscape painting. That is precisely what I will share with you in this fun lesson.
When we see something beautiful, we are compelled to capture it through drawing, painting, print work, and photography. We want to hold on to it by any means possible.
LESSON 4 | THE MINIATURES
I love this lesson! It is all about simple shapes, moving the paint with your fingers, and creating a magical world in miniature to mesmerize the viewer.
LESSON 5 | LAND & SKY
A lesson that is the perfect next step!
Paint a moody abstract landscape on paper inspired by your miniature paintings, photographs, and everything you've brought together in your inspiration board.
I will share my techniques for layering colors and creating expressive movement that will bring beautiful energy to your paintings. In this lesson, you will learn how to create a rich, atmospheric mood that will transform your paintings into compelling art pieces.
LESSON 6 | HARBOR NIGHTS
Abstract Landscape On Canvas
In honoring the process of creativity, you've taken thoughtful steps toward creating your final piece of artwork. Perhaps even the beginning of a series of paintings resulting in numerous new works.
In this lesson, I will demonstrate how to create a moody, atmospheric landscape through multiple layers of glazing, scraping away layers, and mark-making. I will share glazing techniques to prepare your canvas, allowing your first brush strokes to be applied effortlessly and creating a luminous first layer that will guide the rest of your painting.
Most importantly, I will remind you to take breaks to reflect on your work and contemplate your inspiration board, photographs, and other paintings, giving your final piece time to rest. This is one of the most important lessons I've learned as an artist, which has transformed how I approach my work—a constant reminder that it is about the creative process, and not the final outcome.
I hope it will do the same for you.
BONUS | MONOPRINTS
Gelli Plate Printing On Hot Press Watercolor Paper
This lesson is ALL about discovery and fun.
In this lesson, we will create a series of moody, abstract landscapes through layers of color and delicate marks in pastels. I've discovered that this is the perfect way to experiment with color, texture, marks, and more.
Note: If you don't have a Gelli plate, please watch the video first to see if it is something you're interested in purchasing. I must confess that I took a long time to try one, and now I'm hooked!
ART SUPPLIES
MY THOUGHTS ON ART SUPPLIES
It is easy to get swept away with art supplies, especially when you begin a new class. You don't need everything on the list! I suggest that you substitute with what you have on hand. I've made my best discoveries through substitution. I always recommend watching the video first; if there is something new, decide if you want to try it. I have put an asterisk next to my favorites and items you might enjoy using in the class.
Please feel free to substitute any color, brand, or supply for something you already have.
PAPERS & CANVAS
Arches Oil Paper (Feel free to substitute with Mixed Media Paper or Watercolor Paper)
Hot Press Watercolor Paper (Any Brand)
Canvas (Any Size -- I'm using 11 x 14 purchased from Michaels)
Golden Satin Glazing Liquid -- This will help you achieve beautiful glazes.
Acrylic Paints (Any Brands)
Colors I'm using: Indigo, Azurite Hue, Cerulean, Sap Green, Burnt Sienna, Raw Sienna, Black, White, Titan Buff.
Pastels (Any Brand, soft or hard) Colors to work with your paint color selection.
Tools & Brushes
Assorted Brushes (I like a 1 and 2 inch Flat Brush
Putty Knife (hardware store)
Color Shaper (optional)
Your favorite mark-making tools
Gelli-Plate (Optional -- I'm using a 5x7)
Brayer (Optional)