abstractions: atelier skythunder

What would you paint?

Learning more about abstract art and creativity

These courses are for anyone interested in developing their creativity, using abstract forms of expression as the outcome.

They are for people who want to do this using paint. The courses assume no particular experience with painting, as the focus is on using painting methods as a way of releasing creative insights. The courses use creativity exercises and other ways to encourage fresh thinking.

Courses will be held when there are enough people to form a small group to take the course, as it is helpful in this journey to abstraction to build on the experiences of other people as well. This is also a more robust creative environment, and just makes the time more interesting. Individual tutoring can be arranged but that is very much a different process.

Generally, you’ll need a few colours of paint (acrylic is advised as it is affordable and easy to use at all levels of skill, but watercolour is also an option as are pastels, whatever you have to hand), and something to paint on – a pad of reasonably heavy paper (300 gsm) and bigger than A4 size is good. The different course descriptions give a bit more on what materials you’ll need.

The Abstract Imagination

This course offers folk an introduction to abstract painting. This means learning to see more than the vase, bowl of fruit or tree. It means being able to speak to others through paintings that express emotions, feelings, beliefs, attitudes, and rich images. It will appeal to people who would like something more than the usual still life or figurative art class.

Using traditional and familiar objects, forms, techniques and methods accessible to all, the course will enable the development of the abstract imagination. This course can be a single one-off session of a couple of hours, a half-day or a day or more depending on staying power and interest. But it is intended to get individuals to the point where they may be comfortable developing their own abstract vision, which is better dealt with in the course Dining at the Abstract Café.

Materials for this are not supplied, but all one needs to bring are something to work on (paper, small canvas), something to work with (paint/brushes, crayon, pencils), but no more than 5 colours plus white, but not black, and an easel of some sort. Also bring material you like, whether photographs, objects, etc. Course requires at least 5 people.

Dining at the Abstract Café

This is a series of sessions for those seeking sustained abstract working time and a desire to develop their own approach to abstraction. “Dining” comprises 5 half-day sessions spread out over a couple of months – breakfast, lunch, tea time, dinner, and midnight snack. This course is designed to challenge individual artistic sensibilities over the five sessions and offers a refreshing outlet for those looking for new forms of artistic expression.

Materials are not supplied. In the interests of simplicity, paper or small canvas (say 40cm x 50 cm size), no more than 10 colours plus white but not black, brushes, palette knives, pastry brushes, sponges, masking tape, crayons, pencils, watercolours, whatever, plus a notebook for the pensive bits and an easel. The key is not to be distracted by the technologies of creating art itself. Course requires at least 5 people.

The Creative ‘i’

This is a 5-day programme that focuses on producing abstract art, using structured creativity exercises coupled with painting explorations. It is summer only and residential, held in the Gironde region of France, and subject to demand for between 5 and 10 participants.

One painting session will held at a Château, offering opportunities to explore different visual aspects of the vineyard, wine making, the caves, etc. as a source inspiration. Château sessions will also involve wine tasting and a wine appreciation session from the vintner. There will also be an “en plein air” session in a small town to explore abstract visualisation of the built environment. Evenings will involve ‘abstract’ dinners prepared by local chefs. A spousal programme is also available.

As they say in the film Bottle Shock, wine is “bottled sunshine”. Now think about painting that.

Please email or call for specific details.

Art and Creativity in the Workplace

From my experience (having run an MBA programme, designed and led leadership programmes, and worked with executives in the public and private sectors), courses which bring together creativity, innovation and art offer opportunities to explore new directions in thinking.

Courses can focus on any or all of the following:

• business strategy

• market development

• leadership

• team development

• innovation opportunity development

• creativity and problem-solving

• visualisation of complex/wicked problems

• policy development

In addition, these events can be tailored around blending creativity and art with corporate retreats. They can be held residentially to suit your specific requirements.

Please enquire if you are interested in something for your workplace.

Other Short Courses

These more specific courses may be of interest; all are half-day.

1. abstract still-life

2. abstract landscape and cityscape

3. abstract figurative

4. abstract abstract