What to expect in Observation to Abstraction workshops
Workshop-style classes, and opportunity to focus on your painting in friendly and welcoming like-minded company.
Content-rich tutor input on the theme for the day and mix of imaginative structured exercises and more independent work.
You book per term. A term consist of three intensive one-day workshops, about a month apart with homework in between.
Term 1 runs each autumn. Term 2 runs after Christmas and up to Easter. Each term can be booked separately.
You join a group for a term, meeting on the same day of the week.
Maximum of 5 people per group.
Each workshop is repeated for all the different groups.
Now in its eleventh year (2019-20), each season has a new theme/subject.
The course title is a starting point for tutor input and student development.
Students work in a wide variety of styles from realistic (figurative), through loosened up/relaxed interpretations of the subject and ‘non-real’ abstract. There is no pressure to work in a particular style or to imitate Ella’s work or that of any other artist.
Subject matter varies, between still life and students’ own drawings and preparatory work.
All materials are included, so you don't have to remember what to bring. However, you do bring your own rags/paper towels, apron and packed lunch.
All levels are welcome, including beginners, rusty returners and experienced painters. However, Faster Friday groups are only for experienced and confident painters already very familiar with Ella’s approach and methods.
Workshops run 10am to 4pm in a light, warm, private studio in York Avenue, Headington, Oxford, with all materials, equipment and refreshments included, and easy parking right outside.
Constructive and generous feedback and dialogue, tailored to your aims and experience.
Input about managing the highs and lows of developing your painting, and taking your work to the next level, wherever you start from.
Tutor with twenty years' teaching experience, including as Visiting Lecturer in Life Drawing at Winchester School of Art in 2011.
Taster days: you can sometimes take a single, one-off workshop if there's a spare seat left somewhere. Taster days can be arranged from September onwards for Term 1 and from January onwards for Term 2.
To hear about future courses, please join the mailing list and tick the box for Headington classes.
Observation to Abstraction is not suitable for people who’d prefer to copy photographs, tutor demonstrations or the work of well-known artists.