MOVING TOWARDS ABSTRACTION |
NEXT ROUND - Commencing MARCH 2025
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This course is designed for students passionate about exploring the theories and techniques that underpin abstraction, equipping them with the skills to intentionally integrate abstraction into their independent artistic practice.
The course is delivered in two parts. Part A – Deconstruction of Form In the initial phase of the course, students will engage in five stand-alone studies that explore various approaches to the deconstruction of form. These studies serve as the foundation for understanding the evolution of abstraction in art, paving the way for creative experimentation. Part B - Independent Abstract Investigation- Date TBC Building on the foundational knowledge gained in Part A, Part B offers students the opportunity to hone their independent focus. Within a supportive and mentored class framework, participants will embark on their unique abstract investigations, pushing the boundaries of their creative expression. Theoretical Exploration Throughout the course, all creative activities are thoughtfully intertwined with accessible theoretical investigations. We will delve into the development of abstraction, drawing inspiration from the Modernist movements of Cubism, Der Blaue Reiter, Futurism, De Stijl, Colour Field and more. By tracing the deconstruction of representation in art, we will understand how and why abstraction evolved, a transformation that became an inevitable outcome after centuries of artists striving to capture visual reality. We will examine how artists of the Modernist movement distanced themselves from traditional systems of patronage and forged Avant guard paths that embraced independent practice and experimentation. This shift necessitated the abandonment of representation and the rejection of prescribed narratives. Understanding this historical context will help enrich your artistic perspective and give context to abstraction that goes beyond pattern building. Artistic Evolution Each lesson will focus on a particular movement and collection artists, with focus on how they approached the deconstruction and reconstruction of form. Following the theoretical introduction we move into a series of structured practical activities in drawing, painting and mixed media in order to explore particular techniques with focus on colour, movement and composition. These artistic investigations form the basis of small mosaic studies which are completed between classes. Contemporary Application While the Modernist movement has now past, its underlying philosophies and techniques continue to resonate in contemporary artistic practice. This course empowers you to apply these considered techniques to your chosen themes and subjects helping to springboard your mosaic practice. |
Prerequiste Knowledge
This course is best suited to students who have completed Andamento Level 4 and above. Minimum prerequisite of Andamento Level 3 or equivalent study which includes understanding Classical Andamento (Level 1), Contemporary Andamento (Level 2), as well as a comprehensive understanding of Colour Theory (Level 3). If you are not sure if this is suitable for you, please contact me to discuss. What's Included
1. 10 hours of live tuition. 2. Access to lesson recordings during the course. 3. Extras recordings, tips, tricks, research links. 4. Access to the Class Forum for class image sharing and feedback. |
LEVEL 6 - Basic materials needed
You may need other props or resources for preparatory studies however no specialty items are required.
Any tesserae is suitable - you can make it work by now ;)
- Pencil, eraser, ruler, A4 paper, permanent marker
- A4 Tracing paper pad, or tracing paper and clipboard
- General art materials for exercises such as coloured pencils, watercolours, acrylic or oil paints, soft pastels or oil pastels, glue, brushes, collage papers.
- Visual diary, art papers, canvas panels for preparatory drawing and painting.
- Mixed range of tesserae for studies
- Cutters for your choice of tesserae
- Cement Based Adhesive/ Thinset/ oxides
- Small substrates for colour palettes.
- Small substrates for mosaic studies.
You may need other props or resources for preparatory studies however no specialty items are required.
Any tesserae is suitable - you can make it work by now ;)