Abstract Realism

Exploring Realism and Abstraction in Painting

Description:
“Every art expression is rooted fundamentally in the personality and temperament of the artist.” ~ Hans Hoffman

Jump into painting through the exploration of both the realistic and the abstract. This approach will deepen your understanding of composition while working with essential mediums like charcoal and oil paint. Study influential artists such as Rothko, Degas, and others.

This course is designed to be constructive and fun for both beginners and more developed artists as they hone their craft and refine their expressive brush marks.

Why is Abstraction Important to My Study of Art?

Composition: Abstraction offers a deeper understanding of composition on the picture plane.
Expressive Hand and Eye: Develop an expressive approach to art and achieve the “master mark.”
Push and Pull: Train your eye to create depth using color, contrast, shape, and space on the canvas.

Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will:

Efficiently use various drawing and painting materials to create aesthetically pleasing abstract spaces.
Render objects with a critical eye and mind.
Gain knowledge of abstract artists and their influence on the world.

Course of Study:
This course consists of 13 three-hour classes, during which students will:

Develop a deep understanding of the relationship between realism and abstraction.
Grasp the strength of expressive realism and painterly marks in artwork.
Create multiple canvases.
Deepen their knowledge of abstraction and its impact through lectures and studio practice.

Prerequisites:
None

Supplies:

If you already have oil painting supplies, please bring what you have. The instructor will help fine-tune your materials in the first class.

Spring 2025

1/15/2025

4/30/2025

1:00 PM

4:00 PM

WED

Main Building

708

Check Availability

Instructor:

Andrew Rodgers

The Executive Director of the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts, Andrew Rodgers, is an arts administrator, arts educator, and artist. He sits on the New Orleans Arts Council and is a passionate champion of the arts who has worked with arts institutions throughout the Gulf Coast to improve the lives of people through the arts.

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