An Introduction to Abstraction

You’ll learn basic painting techniques as you work with artist Valerie Allen, who will guide and encourage you at every step. Val will be available throughout the workshop for questions and to offer feedback and share her knowledge of abstract art. We’ll explore different methods and approaches to abstract painting, all the while developing an understanding of abstraction as an increasingly popular art genre. Abstraction is one of the most exciting art forms available, and it’s a great way to switch off from the stresses of your daily life and express yourself.
Are you ready to have a lot of fun while learning abstract painting?
This one-day, three hour workshop is conducted on Zoom. The zoom link will be sent prior to the workshop. Accurate emails are required as well as telephone. Workshop Session will be recorded and emailed to students (subject to *tech availability) and available for a limited time to review by enrolled artists . Each artist is invited to join the interactive Abstraction Now! Community Facebook group that is growing into a like-minded community.
Wednesday 6–9pm: January 4, 2023.
$45.00
Supply List
2 sheets of sketching paper for practice can be 11×14 or larger.
Sharpie fine point pen
Styrofoam plates for palettes
Pencils (I like Ebony Design Pencils)
Piece or two of soft charcoal
Blue Tape or Frog Tape that is 1″ wide
Three paint brushes either flat or filbert. Small, Medium 1/2 inch width and Large 1 inch width
Palette knife
Old credit card or hotel flat key to use as a scraper
Golden Soft Gel Gloss or Matte to use as collage glue and glazing medium
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS CAN BE PURCHASED LATER IF YOU DECIDE TO TAKE ABSTRACT PAINTING TO THE NEXT LEVEL AFTER THIS WORKSHOP.

Sketchbook 12″x12″ Here is an Amazon Link to the Kraft Paper Colored book Valerie is using. Sketchbook Link.
Two 12″x12″ canvas boards or stretched canvas
Notebook sheet protectors
Sheets of white tissue paper
Acrylic Paints: I use Golden Artist Colors Titanium White, Carbon Black, Quinacridone Red, Benzimidazolone Yellow Medium, Phthalo Blue (Green Shade) Bring your favorites, too.
I will be talking about Golden gels and pastes. Inthe future you may want to pick up an 8 oz. container of one or more of the following: crackle paste, glass bead gel and/or light molding paste and an iridescent color.
Start collecting interesting items to collage. Can be as simple as packaging, documents, fabrics. I really enjoy starched cheesecloth.
Valerie Allen is a visual artist living in Michigan. She received her BFA from University of Cincinnati, associate degree in interior design from Delta College, and post-graduate studies at Central Michigan University. She was the curator of Studio 23 in Bay City, Michigan and is currently a certified working artist for Golden Artist Colors of New Berlin, New York. Allen is a podcast co-host of Art Ladders: The Creative Climb with Valerie Allen and Armin Mersmann.
Allen has exhibited nationally including the Chicago Biennial, New American Drawing in Santa Fe, New Mexico and the National Collage Society in Massachusetts. Recently her work was shown at Site: Brooklyn in New York and her paintings were included in the American Abstract Painters exhibit for the 25th anniversary of the Lore Degenstein Gallery at Susquehanna University, Pennsylvania.
Valerie Allen has lectured across Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana on painting with acrylics. These lectures are presented at art departments, art guilds, art stores and associations. She has taught art at Delta College, Kirtland Community College, Alpena Community College, Northwood University, Midland Center for the Arts, Studio 23, Bloomfield Birmingham Art Center, all in Michigan, and conducted workshops throughout the Midwest.
Allen has juried exhibits in the Midwest, including Anton Art Center’s Michigan Annual XLVIII, Ann Arbor Women Artists Summer Show, Midwest National Abstract Art Exhibition by Indiana’s Southside Art League and was the juror for the 2021 Great Northern International Art Explosion. She has attended artists residencies at the Atlantic Center for the Arts, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Wave Pool Gallery in Cincinnati, Ohio and Sam and Adele Golden Foundation in New Berlin, New York. Summer of 2022 Allen was an artist in residence at Port Austin Residency program in Michigan and Golden Apple Residency in Maine. In June 2022, she received Great Lakes Bay Region Artist of the Year from Saginaw Arts.
Please email me with any questions or suggestions if you work in other mediums. valerieallenart@gmail.com