This 3-day summer school will explore how to and why we should make an image that does not directly reference the world of visible objects.

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Without an object to directly reference, one faces the blank canvas with no easily accessible idea of what to paint. Even once started, it can be easy to abandon, with no clear direction towards a resolution. This class will help you negotiate the uncertain territory of abstract painting.

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Finding something one cannot see requires plenty of tenacity, along with intuition, knowledge, tools, and luck. We will consider methods and concepts that can help us find paths to exciting possibilities. With colour theory, mark-making, arbitrary criteria, mind wandering and much more, we will search for the new! Our guides will be the 125 years of abstract painting, from the alien voices guiding Hilma af Klint’s compositions, to Albert Oehlen’s premonition of knowledge.

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The class will be conducted with humour, insight, and individual attention to developing your own way of making an image. It is suitable for any level – a desire to apply oneself is all that’s required. 

Please bring pen & notebook, paints (preferably acrylic or watercolour) and/or coloured drawing materials, brushes, painting surfaces (paper, board, or canvas), plus three small random objects.