How to Paint an Abstract Art

Fun foundation painting.  Work in progress.

Putting in the tiny details.

'Untitled' by Sherie Sloane.  Finished Painting - Detail.

Watercolor on Strathmore Cold Press Paper

Art should be fun.  Remember how fun it was painting in grade school? Laying the colors with our brushes without knowing the 'rules' of color combination, hues, focal point and subject placement.  All the tenets of art that seem to hold many emerging artists from fully expressing themselves.

With dull skies hovering the city in this cold autumn weather, I craved for punches of color on my paper. At the same time, I wanted to create something cheery and bright.  I happened to stumble on my boys' building blocks on my way to the studio in the wee hours this morning.  That was my starting 'block'.

One after the other, I painted squares in random sizes and colors, not thinking about any rules.  It was my time, in my own island of imagination and creativity.  Away (even for a moment) from the rigors of daily routines.  After the paper is filled with squares, I painted some of the squares with darker colors to bring out shapes to represent the subjects that developed in my mind during the process.  The difficult part is when to stop, especially when you're having fun. 

Maybe next time, I'll try circles.  So if you think abstract art is just for serious artists, think again.  You can do art and have fun too.  

'Every child is an artist.  The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.'  

~Pablo Picasso

Feel free to share!  Send a photo if you decide to do this project, I'll be happy to see and share your art here.  Take care.

Painting Workshop Photos

Here are some photos from last Sunday's art workshop in Millenium Park, Chicago.
Despite of the rain forecast, the painting workshop had a great turnout.

Family Fun Festival Tent in Millenium Park presented by Target.

Mom and son from Europe painting together.

Tourists and Chicago locals paint the Chicago skyline.
More than sixty (adults and kids) participated in the workshop.

The busy budding artists.

Dawson, age 9 paints one of the larger cityscape.

I gave Dawson, age 9 instructions and he did great!

Little artists ages 3, 5, 7 painted away.

Two-year old masterpiece.

A two year old happily shows off her work.

Giving the little artists freedom to express themselves.

Artists from age 1 to 63 came and tried their hands on painting.

Listening to artist's instructions.

Families paint together.

Some families came all the way from Wisconsin, Michigan and Florida
to attend the free painting workshop.

One-hour painting by Katelyn, age 11.

One-hour painting by Emma, age 17.

Leave a comment below if you wish to be notified of future art workshops.  

Huge thanks to Strathmore Artist Papers for providing the art materials.
Thanks to all who came, volunteered and participated.

See you again next time!  And Great Job Everyone!

Free Painting Workshop

Click image to zoom.

If you missed the one last month, then don't miss this weekend's free art workshop in Millenium Park, Chicago.  Here's your chance to paint the beautiful Chicago skyline for free.
Mark your calendar this Sunday, July 24 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Bring the kids, your spouse, friends, relatives, even co workers. Post workshop, go around the promenade to experience Millenium Park's Family Fun Festival's shows and activities.  

Thanks to our gracious sponsor Strathmore Artist Papers for providing the art materials for our students.

See you there!  Be there at least half an hour early, seats fill up fast.  Bring extra brushes and pencils too.  

Click the icon to RSVP.

Post Workshop Photos

Here are more photos from the Painting Workshop I did at the Chicago Children's Museum two weeks ago.

Click on images for full view.

Students' Painting

My students this year ranged from one to seventy-eight year olds.  Who says age matters when it comes to learning a new skill?  On top of painting their own artworks, each participant took part in painting the collaborative piece. Forty one artists (including me) made their marks on the finished painting, including the tiniest, one-year old artist.

Actual Workshop Instructor Painting

Now, meet the amazing budding artists and see their cool works below.

Participants' and their Paintings

If you missed it this year, make sure to mark your calendar on June 2012 for the bigger and better painting workshop.  Best of all, it's free for the whole family.  

Don't leave just yet.  If you're around Chicago on July 24 (Sunday) and want to learn how to paint Chicago cityscape in canvas, join us at the Family Fun Festival in Millenium Park from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.  More details to follow soon.

Learn-To-Paint Workshop

A family paints together.

Little artists try their hands on painting.

Artists for the day.

My three year old student paints the background.

Move over Monet, the new Master is here.

Not too young for art.  My tiniest, one and a half year old student.

Moms, kids and even grandparents showed up for the workshop.

Students got free watercolor pads from Strathmore Artist Papers.

Here are some photos from the Learn-To-Paint art workshop I did yesterday at the Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier.  If you missed it this year, stay tuned for next year's workshop.  

I'll be posting more photos soon.  Thanks to all who came.  See you again next year!

Learn To Paint in One Hour - For Free

Learn to Paint

Click image to zoom.

Map

Click image to zoom.

Tropical Fruits by Sherie Sloane

Actual Workshop Painting

Is learning a new trade or skill in one of your to-do-list this summer?  Here's your chance to check that off from your list.  Learn how to paint in watercolor in an hour, all for free.  Materials are provided.  All you have to do is make time.  It's only an hour, and best it's on a weekend.  

Who knew you can be an artist in less than the time you commute from work to home or from running errands.  But for three years, sixty students went home feeling accomplished and happy to declare they're officially an 'artist' after attending my annual summer painting workshop.  Best proof is hanging their finished paintings on their walls for everyone to admire.

So what are you waiting for?  Mark your calendar this Sunday, June 12 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. You have a date with me!  A painting date that is.  Bring the kids, your spouse, friends, in laws or co workers. Post workshop, go around the museum to experience the Passport to the World event shows and activities.  

Thanks to our gracious sponsors Strathmore Artist Papers for providing the watercolor papers for our students and Dick Blick Chicago.

See you there!  Be there at least half an hour early, seats fill up fast.  Bring extra brushes and pencils too.  

Click the icon above to RSVP.

The Artist is Back

After few months of being away, I am back with new and exciting creations.  But first, let me thank all the folks who have been patiently messaging me, wanting to know when I'll be back in the 'artsy-crafty' circle.  Thank you for all the heartfelt messages.

I took a brief blogging sabbatical to dedicate more time to writing a book and pen a couple of articles.  I've been privileged to write the winter newsletter for Strathmore Artist this year. 

What a great honor it is to be able to inspire not only artists, but those who aspire to fulfill their creative pursuits.  So if your enthusiasm is running a little low, I invite you to take some time to read the free artist e-newsletters from Strathmore.  I guarantee you, you'll be thanking yourself you did.

Thanks for stopping by again.