Abstract painting – an introduction with Robert Sosner

Painting - Subject Led

Ref: SWE31998

Location: West Dean
£331
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About this course

Learn ways to start an abstract painting using line, colour, shape and frottage, then develop and complete abstract paintings. Gain insights into abstraction with brief talks on historical and contemporary themes.

Course Description

Learn about abstraction and discover the answers to key questions such as:

- How to start an abstract painting

- How to build your work once you have made a start

- The different ways of making an abstract painting

You will be guided through a series of practical exercises using line, colour, shape, frottage, resist techniques and collage. You will learn how to edit and develop your work to achieve surprising and exciting results.

The focus will be on expressive abstraction, and there will be short talks showing various types of abstract painting, using historical and contemporary examples.

At the end of the course, you will have gained an insight into the diversity of expression that this type of painting offers. You will have some tools that will enable you to make and develop your work after the course, and you will start to look at abstraction in a more informed way.

There will be group and individual tuition throughout.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

  • Paper for the first evening and some acrylic paint are provided to get you started.
  • For any materials you need to purchase from the shop, we suggest you do so during the first morning of your course, after having discussed them with your tutor.

What students need to bring

  • Acrylic paints (minimum of 59ml tube) in the following colours: Cadmium Red Hue, Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue Hue, Cadmium Yellow Hue, Lemon Yellow, Black, Titanium White and a green of your choice; any other colours you would like to bring
  • A selection of brushes - round and flat head - quality of your choosing
  • One flat head brush, 2 inches wide
  • Palette, A3 sketch pad
  • Water pots – jam jars/yogurt pots (some pots are available from the College)
  • Suitable clothing for working with acrylic paint

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • A good variety of art materials, including acrylic paint in a good range of colours, including Cadmium Red Hue, Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue Hue, Cadmium Yellow Hue, Lemon Yellow, Black, Titanium White and green, pencils, a good selection of brushes - round and flat, 2 inch wide flat brushes, palettes, paper in various weights and sizes, A3 sketch pads, canvases, etc.

Additional information

Have fun and experiment. Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals.

Tutors

Robert Sosner

Robert studied painting at Chelsea School of Art and has been a recipient of a bursary from the Pollock Krasner Foundation, New York. He has taught artists throughout the film and broadcast media industries and is a mentor to local professional artists.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.