Abstract Expressionism in Acrylics | Mark Gawne
About this workshop
Let go of your ‘blank canvas’ fears and free up your mind!
This workshop guides you through the processes essential in creating an expressionist art piece. Expressionism can be underlying personal experience, a singular design and colour decorative process or a piece that denotes strength or timidity.
You, as the artist have free reign. For instance you can progress your painting to include comtemplative downtime, or you can go hard and fast with vigour and abandon with little retrospection.
Whichever method you use, the outcome needs to be true to you and more particularly, satisfying for you as the artist.
What will I learn?
This workshop will start with a chat about the fundamentals of Abstract Expressionism, as an aid to help you understand when the movement started and where it is now.
You will learn how to begin your painting through several methods; drawing with pencil/charcoal, mixing colours, shaping, scratching, rubbing etc. The next step is a first coat of Acrylic colour, teaching you how to apply the paint and the processes of marking or taking away paint; how to look for accidental areas of colour and textures to leave in the artwork ; how to problem solve and visualise where the artwork is headed.
You continue to bring your artwork together with guidance from Mark who will watch you closely and let you know when he thinks your artwork is becoming in danger of over work - this will enable you to complete your artwork.
Who is this course suitable for?
This course would suit all skill levels from beginners to advanced.
What do I need to bring?
See the Materials List below
What is provided?
- Easels, tables and chairs.
- Tea and coffee (please bring your own cup)
- A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
- Connection to the Bienarté art community
About the Tutor
After attaining his degree in Fine Art, Mark completed his Masters degree studying German and American Abstract Expressionism (1919-1950s). His love is ‘Abstract Expressionism’ which draws on his personal experiences and is aimed at emotional expression with particular emphasis on the spontaneous creative act. Mark's work is characterised by gestural brush-strokes or mark-making and the impression of spontaneity
He has been selected as a finalist for a number of awards, including the Tattersalls Art prize, the Cairns Regional Art Prize (People’s Choice winner) and Mark was the inaugural winner of the Edward Koch foundation prize to name a few.
This course has no current classes. Please the waiting list.
Course testimonials:
- Class was free-flowing allowing for all levels of artist to grasp the concept of Abstract Expressionism at their own pace. Mark provided continual instruction and feedback throughout the day and worked closely with all students to ensure they walked away from class with a piece of work that took them out of their comfort zone a little, but were happy at the same time. Theresa from Brisbane
- Mark gave us one-on-one attention which was extremely appreciated, had a great sense of humour, friendly and very approachable... it was very good. Deborah from Yarrabilba