This one-day workshop is an immersive introduction to intuitive abstract painting, focused on process, experimentation, and attentive looking rather than making a “finished” picture. Together, we’ll explore how to work without a plan, allowing the painting to evolve through layers, marks, and response.
Participants will create up to four 12“ x 12“ cradled wood panels, working with acrylic paint and a variety of mark making tools and materials to build layers. The day will also include a short collage based composition exercise to loosen up and explore value, balance, shape, and line.
This workshop is open to all levels and abilities, welcomes anyone curious about abstraction, process, and more importantly, play. The atmosphere will be relaxed, supportive, and focused on fun and discovery.
About the Instructor: Nancy Cloonan is an abstract painter based in Plymouth, MA whose paintings are an amalgamation of the shapes, lines, and ordinary gems she sees while walking every day.
Cloonan earned her BA in studio art with a concentration in printmaking and photography from Hartwick College, Oneonta, New York. She has consumed an abundance of courses and workshops in a variety of mediums since her undergraduate degree. She now focuses on abstract, mixed media on wood and paper.
Cloonan's work has been exhibited and collected throughout the USA. She has been featured in Artypants Magazine twice. Cloonan is currently seeking gallery representation.
Lifelong learning is imperative for Cloonan. In addition to her painting practice, she has facilitated workshops for adults and youth, has been an artist in residence for K-5 students, and has experience mentoring and being mentored.
Materials List:
- Tracing paper pad
- Shop towels - blue, Scott brand work best (Home Depot has them)
- 4 pack/value pack cradled wood panels, 12”x12” or 10”x10” (Michael’s usually has them)
- Value pack of brushes - get the cheap ones
- Gloss medium
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Silicone bowl scraper (only if you have one handy!)
- Acrylic paints: artist grade, not student or craft grade (see below)
I use mostly Golden, but Liquitex is a good option. You could buy a starter set so you’d have the primaries. If you buy separately: titanium white, ultramarine blue, cerulean blue, cadmium red light, cadmium red dark, cadmium yellow dark, cadmium yellow light. A couple transparent colors: green gold, manganese blue
If you don’t want to commit to all of these, thats fine too! I’ll have some extra paints for you to use.
Additional Information:
Please help us be respectful to our neighbors.
Do not park in front of neighbors or turn around in their driveways.
