Acrylic ABSTRACT with a Painting Knife. Part 1

This Acrylic Abstract Painting course will have you painting this dynamic Abstract right from the start. You will mix clean colours and apply them to your canvas using pieces of Cotton Rag and the Painting Knife. You will start by doing a simple Colour Mixing Exercise using the Painting Knife to mix and apply the colours. The purpose of this is to introduce you to the colours and tints that you will be mixing for the featured Abstract in this course!

The composition for this Abstract is simple and you will learn how to mix colours effectively with just 2 Primary Colours and White. You will also mix a variety of a Secondary Colour and a range of Tints with the addition of White. You will also create a Focal Point with colour accents that pop off the canvas so that the eye is drawn to it.

The colour theme for this Abstract is based on rich dark Crimsons, Burnt Oranges and bright Lemons. Understanding how to create a colour theme and focal point and mix clean colours and tints is vital to the success of any Abstract Painting.       

If you have no previous knowledge or experience of painting Abstracts, by following this easy step by step course you will quickly learn the fundamentals of how to mix colours and tints. You will enjoy using your Painting Knife and pieces of Cotton Rag to apply the paint to your canvas and also blend the edges of your colours together.

You will start painting immediately using pieces of Rag to block in the main areas of colour. Applying the paint this way is a fun and enjoyable way to get you started and it will help you to keep a loose approach. You will then use your Painting Knife to develop the Abstract applying thick colours and use the tip of the Knife to scratch marks into the wet paint to create shapes of visual interest and texture!

I will demonstrate each step so that you can watch and paint along with me as you progress through the course. You will see plenty of close ups of colour mixing on the palette and applying the paint to the canvas with rags and knife.

I know that you will really enjoy the freedom of painting using the techniques in this course and at the same time you will gain a good understanding of how to mix colours successfully. Also you’ll have a great amount of fun in the process!  Here’s to your enjoyment! Let's paint Abstract!

Who is the ABSTRACTS in ACRYLICS instructor?

My name is Gerald Ashcroft Artist and Teacher and I have run many Abstract and Landscape workshops over the years.
I have created this course for beginners who want to discover the freedom and fun of Abstract Painting with pieces of Cotton Rag and a Painting Knife. I want to show you just what you can achieve by using a very limited palette of colours to create an Abstract with a Colour Theme that works!

Workshop Testimonials Western Australia:

Prior to joining Gerald’s Abstract Workshop I had no experience painting since I left school several decades ago. With great patience, Gerald guided our group through colours, mixing shades & different techniques with painting knife, brush to good old gravity. From being very apprehensive at the beginning, I gained much needed confidence with Gerald’s step by step approach.

My opinion of my own ability has grown in a positive way since these workshops & I now look forward to putting brush to canvas on a regular basis.
Liz  Perth WA

This is just a note to thank you for your excellent recent workshop.
As usual you displayed a high degree of professionalism and knowledge coupled with a friendly, encouraging manner.
Your classes are always enjoyable and importantly your style of teaching, which is focused and structured, enables real learning to take place. I particularly appreciated your emphasis on tone and the 'blocking in' method you taught and found it to be very helpful.

Thank you and I look forward to the next workshop!
Chris  Perth WA

I think what I enjoyed most about my course in Painting Landscapes with Gerald Ashcroft was his gentle way of putting everyone at ease, regardless of our experience or level of skill. Genuinely interested in each student, he encouraged us to explore techniques and research other opportunities to develop our practice.
Jo  Perth WA