2026-7-27 Abstractions in Acrylic WEBSITE.png
2026-7-27 Abstractions in Acrylic WEBSITE.png

Abstractions in Acrylic

from $136.00

Explore the practice of abstract painting with artist and instructor Tena Gilbreath. Regardless of painting experience, students can delve into acrylics while engaging in a variety of methods to experiment, consider, and create abstract art. We’ll approach each week with a new concept and project, intended to force you to reconsider how you create, regardless of your usual chosen media. Expect a new exercise each week, addressing themes such as sound map painting, gesture painting, collaborative improvisation painting, and more. All skill levels are welcome, and all supplies are provided!

This 4-week course will be held twice weekly from 1-3 pm on Mondays and Thursdays, July 27-August 20, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes. Select the appropriate option in the dropdown menu. Active memberships will be verified. Any outstanding balance will be due prior to the start of the class.

Do you have a current Art Reach membership?:

Explore the practice of abstract painting with artist and instructor Tena Gilbreath. Regardless of painting experience, students can delve into acrylics while engaging in a variety of methods to experiment, consider, and create abstract art. We’ll approach each week with a new concept and project, intended to force you to reconsider how you create, regardless of your usual chosen media. Expect a new exercise each week, addressing themes such as sound map painting, gesture painting, collaborative improvisation painting, and more. All skill levels are welcome, and all supplies are provided!

This 4-week course will be held twice weekly from 1-3 pm on Mondays and Thursdays, July 27-August 20, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended age: 14 and up

Please note: An active membership is not required to register. Active members receive a 15% discount on classes. Select the appropriate option in the dropdown menu. Active memberships will be verified. Any outstanding balance will be due prior to the start of the class.

SYLLABUS
Class 1: What Does Sound Look Like?
Explore the connection between music, color, line, and shape.
Students will:
  • Listen to a variety of musical selections
  •  Experiment with mark-making techniques
  •  Explore rhythm, tempo, and movement through paint
  •  Create a visual response to sound
Project: Sound Map Painting

Class 2: Texture & Emotion
Explore how texture can communicate feeling and atmosphere.
Students will:
  •  Experiment with a variety of textured materials
  •  Build dimensional painting surfaces
  •  Investigate the relationship between touch and emotion
  •  Create expressive abstract compositions
Project: Emotion Texture Painting

Class 3: Movement & Gesture
Discover how physical movement can influence painting.
Students will:
  •  Participate in movement-based creative exercises
  •  Explore gesture and expressive mark-making
  •  Work on larger surfaces
  •  Paint using the whole body rather than just the wrist and hand
Project: Gesture Painting
Class 4: Memory & Color
Use personal memories as inspiration for abstract artwork.
Students will:
  •  Explore color associations connected to memory
  •  Investigate mood and atmosphere
  •  Translate experiences into abstract visual language
  •  Develop personal color palettes
Project: Memory Painting

Class 5: Improvisation & Collaboration
Explore spontaneity, risk-taking, and creative discovery.
Students will:
  •  Practice improvisational painting techniques
  •  Learn to respond creatively to unexpected changes
  •  Participate in collaborative exercises
  •  Explore the concept of process over perfection
Project: Collaborative Improvisation Painting

Class 6: Layers & Visual Storytelling
Build complex paintings through layering and experimentation.
Students will:
  •  Explore layering techniques
  •  Combine texture, color, and mark-making
  •  Create depth and visual interest
  •  Reflect on how paintings evolve over time
Project: Layered Abstract Painting

Class 7: Finding Your Visual Voice
Develop a personal approach to abstract painting.
Students will:
  •  Identify recurring colors, marks, and themes
  •  Explore individual artistic interests
  •  Refine personal painting techniques
  •  Begin creating a cohesive body of work
Project: Abstract Series Development

Class 8: Final Painting Experience
Celebrate creativity and personal growth through a final painting project.
Students will:
  •  Create a large-scale abstract painting inspired by music and sensory exploration
  •  Reflect on their artistic journey
  •  Share their work with the group
  •  Participate in a supportive class discussion
Project: Final Abstract Painting

Course Goals
By the end of this course, students will:
  •  Develop confidence in abstract painting
  •  Explore the relationship between music, color, texture, and emotion
  •  Experiment with a variety of materials and techniques
  •  Discover a personal visual language
  •  Learn to trust the creative process
  •  Create a collection of original abstract artworks

"There is no right or wrong way to paint in this class. The goal is exploration, discovery, and finding your own unique artistic voice." — Tena Gilbreath, B.F.A. Studio Art