For beginners to advanced.
In this course, you will learn how to create optical illusions in contemporary abstractions. It will teach you how to produce the trompe l’oeil effect (“deceive the eye” in French) in a non-representational painting - the “floating brushstrokes”. Optical illusions in art existed for centuries; the Great Masters during the Renaissance developed the techniques for impressive dimensionality in painting, paving the way for contemporary artists to reinvent and appropriate those methods for abstract art. Abstract illusionism is one of those new art forms of the 20th century.
How is it done? Masterful depiction of space in realism is produced by means of lights and shadows; the same means are used in abstract compositions. This type of Abstract art is pretty rare, like a precious gem. Artists who possess this wizardry are seen as almost magicians.
You will be introduced to several methods for how to play with the illusion of depth on a flat surface of canvas. Your teacher will demonstrate the “secret sauce” that makes it work.
You will learn -
- how to create a mysterious-looking, impressive abstract painting
- the tricks that create optical effects in abstract art
- how to make an ordinary abstraction extraordinary
This course is for
- any artist who wants to draw more admirers to their art
- art students interested in how to improve a not very successful painting
- anyone whose abstracts look too flat
- a beginner seeking an easy introduction to painting
- someone wishing to learn how to create abstract art
Course schedule
Week 1 (Class 1 & 2): First, you will learn how the illusion is created and create studies to practice each technique in your sketchbook.
Week 2 (Class 3 & 4): Paint an abstract piece on canvas.
Week 3 (Class 5 & 6): Add the optical tricks. Your finished painting is guaranteed to wow your viewers.
This course is available for "remote" learning and will be available to anyone with access to an internet device with a microphone (this includes most models of computers, tablets). Classes will take place with a "Live" instructor at the date/times listed below.
Upon registration, the instructor will send along additional information about how to log-on and participate in the class.
