The Living Abstract

Live Online Painting Workshop with Julie Bernstein Engelmann

The Living Abstract is a foundational workshop that helps you set up your painting for success and capture the living moment.

Intro to The Living Abstract workshop (4:03 min)

In three weekly sessions, you'll discover ways to let the paint sing, navigate the mid-process "beautiful mess," and bring your abstract painting to fulfilled completion — without losing its life force and what makes it beautiful.

“There. Now I can see it!” So declared my mentor, first-generation Abstract Expressionist Milton Resnick, as he dragged a loose line through a stiff painting. Suddenly, the painting was a unified whole instead of disconnected parts.

It was my first inkling that a painting has a life force of its own — and that, instead of inflicting myself on it, I could be receptive to it.

I invite you to approach abstraction in this natural way.

On Days 1 and 2, you’ll be guided step-by-step through a sequence of intuitive techniques that build on each other to create a painting that is authentic, dynamic, and deep.

You’ll learn about color mixing, color harmony, and composition to enhance your painting.

On Day 3, see your painting through the eyes of depth and flow. This key approach cuts through confusion, so you can complete your painting and bring it to life in a soul-satisfying way.

ENROLL NOW to secure your seat

The Living Abstract: Including Imagery in Your Abstract Painting
Online Workshop through the Sedona Arts Center
July 12, 19 and 26, 2024 (three consecutive Fridays)
11 am – 3 pm AZ/PDT on Zoom
Only 9 seats available, first come first served!
Info + Enroll

Or email me to be notified first when I announce future workshops

Here is what you get when you secure your seat

• A richly-layered original acrylic artwork that is meaningful and natural to you and comes to life before your eyes — and the discernment to know why it’s great.

• A sound foundation in abstract painting, so that you understand the dynamics of using background, middle ground, and foreground each for their proper function — which makes a world of difference to your mastery and confidence.

• Live demonstrations, hands-on painting, sharing, and enlightening feedback — held in the convenience of your home over 3 weekly Zoom sessions, 4 hours each (with snack break). Friendly class size—limited to 9—assures you get plenty of individual attention to address your needs and questions.

• Downloadable video demonstrations, class notes, and slides — so you can review the steps and concepts whenever you wish. They will touch you differently each time.

• BONUS: An invaluable Critique Points Checklist that frees you to put criticism aside until the proper moment.

Most attendees make paintings that surprise and amaze themselves. I can’t wait to see yours!

From Student Surveys:

“I absolutely loved Julie’s workshop. I learned so much that I will revisit time and again on all of my future paintings. I’m thankful for all of the resources she provided and the sharing of her rich experience. Julie is a gifted teacher in bringing out the kid, heart and spirit of a person and a group. She sees, simultaneously, the beauty and the areas for improvement in a huge range of works, styles and experience levels. The critiques of my work and of my fellow students were incredibly helpful. I can’t put into words how magical this experience was for me and it seems for the others as well. And I love the paintings I created in her workshop. I… feel like it’s my great good fortune to have had this special experience! Thank you!”

“Your ability in critiquing is outstanding. You are gifted in tuning into the artist and the painting. It is very impressive.”

“Julie is an excellent instructor. Her feedback was honest and sought after by everyone in the class. Her style of teaching resonated with me and I was able to walk out of the class with all of my goals met. Her passion for what she is doing is absolutely inspirational!”

“Julie - what can I say! you were great!...good demo showing your step by step technique, wonderful personal contact & critiques, sharing completed works & the feelings one can get from the paint colors & shapes—AND THE WONDERFUL HANDOUT - I enjoyed it immensely.”

“Julie was a lovely instructor. She was sensitive to each student. Well organized. Had an excellent hand out. And her class was most valuable And a great value.”

“I had been hoping to get some insight into painting abstractions, and possibly learn to 'free up' my style. Julie provided both, and so much more. Not only did Julie provide ways to 'tap into' and express our own individual uniqueness, she also shared the keys to making good abstractions, including color theory and mixing, composition, layering techniques, and other fundamentals of art. I learned so much! Her teaching style and personality gave us students the confidence to move forward, and her critiques were brilliant as she shared her experience about just what we needed to bring our paintings 'over the top.' I would take other classes from her and I recommend her highly.”

“I love Julie: Her art, her teaching style, and as a human being. She always makes a workshop a delightful experience.”

“Julie is fun, sweet, kind, enthusiastic, and a great teacher! She has the ability to help us see our artwork with fresh eyes looking for the good instead of focussing on the bad. It was a wonderful experience and I will take another class with her one of these days!”

Email me to be notified first when I announce future workshops

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