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About the Class

An abstract painting workshop using the power of play, experimentation, and intuition to create layered, unique, acrylic paintings that will surprise and delight you. Absolutely no talent or previous experience is required, but this approach can be freeing for practicing artists, too. At the end of the workshop series, you’ll have two finished paintings you’ll love. We build our paintings by adding layers week by week.

Session 1: Start Where You Art
We start by scribbling on the canvases to loosen up and warm up. We paint words of intention on the surface. Then we make broad strokes of bold color, using big brushes. We start with a warm color palette on one canvas (red, orange,yellow, pink) and a cool palette on the other (green, blue, teal, violet). Then we add a bit of black and white to both paintings.

Session 2: Happy Little Accidents
Today is all about play. We will make random marks and lines. We will swoop, drip, swirl, sketch and stamp with fingers, objects, stencils, and smaller brushes. Each layer has a presence; we don’t obliterate layers but instead use the improvisational principle of “yes, and” to build our paintings.

Session 3: Subject Matters
This session is all about exploring composition. We may chalk outlines on our canvas, or we may create masking shapes or stencils out of paper to create designs that feel “on purpose.” The instructor has a stencil library for painters to use, as well as a projector that will allow artists to draw outlines of digital images, if they wish.

Session 4: Wholeness and Completion
Today we put the finishing touches on our paintings, including our artist signature. Some may wish to make small final marks with acrylic markers, which will be provided. We will do a gallery walk of each other’s work, and comment on what we love. We reflect on what the process has taught us, and dream and scheme about possible next steps on our creative itinerary.

Supplies:

  • Square Canvas or Canvas Panel (20x20" suggested)
  • Acrylic Paints Assorted Colors
  • Assorted Brushes
  • Optional: Glazing fluid or Acrylic inks, art stencils, things to stamp with (pill bottles, legos, bubble wrap, etc)
  • Instructor will also share art stencils, some paint and inks, and things to stamp with for students to use, if they wish

 

Minimum # of Students: 4

Maximum # of Students: 8

Just a friendly reminder that classes which do not meet the minimum enrollment requirements will be canceled.

About the Teacher

Liz Heichelbech is an artist, author, educator and creativity coach. She holds a BFA from University of Arizona, and an M. Ed. from Lesley University. She is a certified Martha Beck Wayfinder Life Coach, and a member of the Creativity Coaching Association. Her adult creativity and coloring book, Start Where You Art, was published by Literary Kitchen press in 2024. She has taught painting, drawing, and creativity workshops at Tucson Medical Center, Weston Arts and Innovation Center, Weston Middle School, Rainbow Lifelong Learning, online at Art Instead Happy Hour, and with individuals in her own coaching practice, Creative Incites. She helps people develop their creativity, however they define it, in order to solve problems, enhance intuition, manage stress, achieve goals, realize dreams, and amplify joy.

Upcoming

[4 Weeks Starting April 8] Improvisational Painting Course / Wednesdays 11:00am-1:00pm / Liz Heichelbech

Regular price $260.00
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About the Class

An abstract painting workshop using the power of play, experimentation, and intuition to create layered, unique, acrylic paintings that will surprise and delight you. Absolutely no talent or previous experience is required, but this approach can be freeing for practicing artists, too. At the end of the workshop series, you’ll have two finished paintings you’ll love. We build our paintings by adding layers week by week.

Session 1: Start Where You Art
We start by scribbling on the canvases to loosen up and warm up. We paint words of intention on the surface. Then we make broad strokes of bold color, using big brushes. We start with a warm color palette on one canvas (red, orange,yellow, pink) and a cool palette on the other (green, blue, teal, violet). Then we add a bit of black and white to both paintings.

Session 2: Happy Little Accidents
Today is all about play. We will make random marks and lines. We will swoop, drip, swirl, sketch and stamp with fingers, objects, stencils, and smaller brushes. Each layer has a presence; we don’t obliterate layers but instead use the improvisational principle of “yes, and” to build our paintings.

Session 3: Subject Matters
This session is all about exploring composition. We may chalk outlines on our canvas, or we may create masking shapes or stencils out of paper to create designs that feel “on purpose.” The instructor has a stencil library for painters to use, as well as a projector that will allow artists to draw outlines of digital images, if they wish.

Session 4: Wholeness and Completion
Today we put the finishing touches on our paintings, including our artist signature. Some may wish to make small final marks with acrylic markers, which will be provided. We will do a gallery walk of each other’s work, and comment on what we love. We reflect on what the process has taught us, and dream and scheme about possible next steps on our creative itinerary.

Supplies:

  • Square Canvas or Canvas Panel (20x20" suggested)
  • Acrylic Paints Assorted Colors
  • Assorted Brushes
  • Optional: Glazing fluid or Acrylic inks, art stencils, things to stamp with (pill bottles, legos, bubble wrap, etc)
  • Instructor will also share art stencils, some paint and inks, and things to stamp with for students to use, if they wish

 

Minimum # of Students: 4

Maximum # of Students: 8

Just a friendly reminder that classes which do not meet the minimum enrollment requirements will be canceled.

About the Teacher

Liz Heichelbech is an artist, author, educator and creativity coach. She holds a BFA from University of Arizona, and an M. Ed. from Lesley University. She is a certified Martha Beck Wayfinder Life Coach, and a member of the Creativity Coaching Association. Her adult creativity and coloring book, Start Where You Art, was published by Literary Kitchen press in 2024. She has taught painting, drawing, and creativity workshops at Tucson Medical Center, Weston Arts and Innovation Center, Weston Middle School, Rainbow Lifelong Learning, online at Art Instead Happy Hour, and with individuals in her own coaching practice, Creative Incites. She helps people develop their creativity, however they define it, in order to solve problems, enhance intuition, manage stress, achieve goals, realize dreams, and amplify joy.

Cancellation Policy