Abstract Naturalism

Instructor: Alex Beard

Course Title: Art and Philosophy: Lessons from the Natural World

Description:
Join Alex Beard in this unique course combining art and philosophy, breaking down the boundaries of realism to uncover insights from the natural world. This course blends art history and studio work rather than focusing on plein air painting. This is a nuts and bolts beginning to end class dedicated to oil painting, techniques, application, and composition.

What You’ll Explore:

The connection between mathematics (e.g., the Divine Proportion, Fibonacci) and art.
How personal observation of nature and immediate surroundings informs subject, composition, and execution.

The course includes:

Oil painting on canvas

A final project developed over multiple sessions, culminating in a class presentation.

Prerequisites:

Drawing proficiency is preferred.
Some fine art experience is recommended, in particular a familiarity or specific desire to understand, oil painting.

Supplies:

There is no need to purchase supplies before the first class.
Detailed supplies for subsequent sessions will be discussed during the first class.

Spring 2025

1/16/2025

5/1/2025

1:00 PM

4:00 PM

THU

Main Building

708

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Instructor:

Alex Beard

American painter and author Alex Beard is best known for his elaborate wildlife compositions created in his signature style of gestural painting, which he has coined “Abstract Naturalism.”

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