What to expect in Observation to Abstraction workshops
Workshop-style classes, and opportunity to focus on your painting in like-minded company.
You book a term at a time. A term consists of three one-day workshops, about a month apart with homework in between. Term 1 runs each autumn. Term 2 runs early in the year up to Easter. Each term can be booked separately.
You join a group for the term that runs on the same day of the week. Each workshop is repeated for all the different groups.
Now in its eleventh year (2019-20 season), every season has a new theme/subject and uses observational work as a foundation to develp from, into loosening up, experimentation, and various degrees of abstraction.
The course title provides a starting point and a focus for experiments and direction of development. But students work in a wide variety of styles from realistic (figurative), through loosened up/relaxed interpretations of the subject to the wholly abstract. There is no pressure to work in a particular style or to imitate Ella’s work or that of any other artist.
The subject matter varies, between still life and students’ own drawings and preparatory work.
A mixture of imaginative guided exercises, and more independent work, practicing and developing the theme.
All materials are included, so you don't have to remember what to bring. However, you do bring your own apron, lunch, and rags/paper towels.
All levels are welcome, from beginners and rusty returners to experienced painters. Hhowever, Faster Friday groups are only for experienced painters already 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 working through the highs and lows of developing a coherent body of work and taking your work to the next level, wherever you’re starting from.
Tutor with over nineteen years' teaching experience, including as Visiting Lecturer in Life Drawing at Winchester School of Art in 2011.
The course isn't suitable for people who want to copy photographs, tutor demonstrations or a well-known artist, or who are uninterested in the connections between drawing (in the widest sense) and painting.
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.