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. Students will share their work in weekly online discussion threads, where they will have the opportunity to give and receive feedback, as well as inspire one another, in a relaxed and supportive creative community. There will also be warm-up exercises, technical and conceptual information, step-by-step demo images, and links to relevant artists. Weekly live one-hour videoconferencing sessions provide students with a real-time venue for asking questions, getting feedback, and participating in short drawing exercises and small-group discussions in Zoom breakout rooms. This course will energize your creative process and give you the confidence and skills necessary to pursue your own abstract drawing practice.