Courses

Break free from realism by delving into the imaginative and conceptual world of abstraction. In this course, we will use a variety of strategies—from highly structured plans to wildly spontaneous accidents—to examine what it means to create abstract art. In weekly projects, we will experiment with various drawing materials (pens, pencils, and sumi ink and brush, among others), techniques, and strategies, including gesture drawing, collage, mixed media, and chance. Through these projects, we will explore a variety of ideas and subject matter through the lens of abstraction, including nonrepresentational geometry, repetition, pattern, ambiguity, and metaphor. There will also be warm-up exercises, step-by-step demos, info on relevant artists, as well as one-on-one and group discussions that will guide our process of inquiry within a relaxed and supportive creative community. This course will energize your creative process and give you the confidence and skills necessary to pursue your own abstract drawing practice.