Intuitive Abstraction: Color and Composition

Abstract painting presents complex challenges for the painter. This workshop delves into the intriguing paradox that immense freedom can be found within limitations. Constricting our focus serves as a catalyst for expanding creativity. Participants will engage in diverse painting techniques, guided by specific prompts exploring color and composition. These encompass value studies, the interplay of transparent and opaque paint, limited palettes, color schemes, positive and negative space, line, form, scale, space, common compositional formats, and observational work. Utilizing various tools and techniques, intuitive decisions unfold within defined parameters to distill essential expressions. Each day commences with an inspiring slideshow of contemporary artists, followed by instructor-led exercises and demonstrations.

Born in Chicago in 1961, Cohen was strongly affected by the classic graphic influences of a mid-century urban environment. Everyday exposure to modern architecture, graphic design, photography, painting and sculpture permanently imprinted her mind.

Zoe’s abstract painting springs from her lifelong fascination with mid-century art and design, Abstract Expressionism, The New York School painters and the historic influences which shifted the locus of the international art scene from Nazi occupied Europe to New York following WWII.

Teaching has become an integral part of her art practice.

6 - 8 substrates (canvas, panel, heavy paper no larger than 20 x 20)

1 pad palette paper

1 palette knife

1 rubber printmaking brayer

2 + paint scraping tools (hardware store / auto parts store)

6 - 8 brushes (1/2" - 2+ variety of types if possible)

6 - 8+ tubes acrylic paint - opaque (NOT transparent)

1 - 2 tubes transparent paint

variety of drawing tools: neo-color crayons, markers, graphite etc

1 water media sketchbook for color mixing

spray bottle

pencils / pens

Scissors / ruler

* Natural Earth Paints can be combined with other acrylic paints

Optional:

Nitrile gloves

alcohol wipes / rubbing alcohol

collage papers / books to repurpose

Stencils / additional paint scrapers

painters tape

* any other favorite tools / materials your intuition advises!

Shop towels

Nitrile gloves

Alcohol wipes

Stencils

Acrylic inks / some transparent paints

Additional scraping tools (*no worries if you don’t have these)

[By ‘scraping tools’ I mean metal / plastic putty knives from the

hardware store, bowl scrapers or auto body tools for bonding]