Breaking Boundaries: Female Pioneers in Abstract Art

In this brand new course, we will shine a spotlight on six trailblazing female abstractionists who left a mark on art history. This course is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the unique contributions of women to the ever-evolving landscape of abstract art. After this course, you will have a vast range of new techniques that you can incorporate into your future paintings.

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Course Overview:

Dive into the lives and artistic legacies of influential female abstract artists: Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Mitchell, Behjat Sadr, Ethel Schwabacher, Pat Steir, and Judith Foosaner. Every class is a voyage into the distinctive techniques and philosophies of each artist, seamlessly blending art history with hands-on exercises accessible to everyone, regardless of prior art experience.

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Key Highlights:

• Art History Immersion: Of the many abstract female artists, we chose these six specifically for their technique, completely different from one another. Experience the ethereal art of Helen Frankenthaler and her revolutionary soak-stain technique; delve into the expressive brushstrokes of Joan Mitchell; better understand color theory through the work of Ethel Schwabacher and more.
• Hands-On Practice: Translate art history into artistic expression through engaging hands-on exercises. Experiment with layering, wet-onto-wet techniques, scratching into wet paint, creating textures, painting in impasto, painting on a variety of substrates (unprimed canvas, wood, and more) mixing gel, debris, sand, or dirt into paint, learning from and emulating the distinctive style of each featured artist.
• Inclusive for All: No prior art experience is necessary. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this course welcomes everyone to discover the joy of abstract art.

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Scheduled around International Women's Day, this course pays homage to the contribution of female artists from the 1930s and on. During this era, women painters like Schwabacher, Frankenthaler, and Mitchell shattered conventions, challenging the male-dominated art scene. Their innovative approaches, from Sadr's action paintings to Frankenthaler's pioneering stain technique, redefined abstract art and paved the way for future generations of artists.

Join us in "Breaking Boundaries" as we celebrate the brilliance, resilience, and creativity of these remarkable women who shaped the direction of abstract art. Create art in a supportive and inspiring environment, where the power of abstract expression knows no bounds.