Unplug from the busyness of everyday life and discover the calming, playful and liberating world of abstract art. This introductory two-part workshop combines simple mindfulness practices with the fundamentals of abstract art, creating an opportunity to slow down, experiment and reconnect with your natural creativity. No artistic experience or previous workshop attendance is required — just curiosity and a willingness to try something different.

Explore how colour, line, shape, texture, pattern and mark-making can be used to express ideas, feelings and sensations without needing to create a recognisable picture. Through a series of relaxed, guided creative exercises, you’ll experiment with drawing, doodling, painting, collage, mixed media and simple abstract composition.

Each session begins with gentle relaxation and breathing techniques to help shift attention away from the distractions of everyday life and into the present moment. You’ll then be encouraged to explore the creative process without worrying about perfection, judgement or producing a “right” result. Along the way, discover some of the basic principles and approaches of abstraction while learning how creative play can become a simple tool for relaxation, self-expression and wellbeing.

Course Outline:

Session 1 – Unplug & Explore: The Basics of Abstract Art

• Introduction to mindful creativity and using art as a way to slow down and reset. Breathing & Grounding.
• Abstract Art 101: exploring what abstract art is — and what it isn’t.
• Discover the basic building blocks of abstraction: line, shape, colour, texture, pattern, space and mark-making.
• Explore intuitive drawing, doodling and expressive mark-making without the pressure of creating a recognisable image.
• Experiment with colour, layering and simple mixed-media techniques.
• Create a small series of abstract artworks through guided creative techniques.

Session 2 – Play, Layer & Express: Finding Your Abstract Voice

• Begin with a short mindfulness/creative reset.
• Explore how colour, mood, movement and emotion can influence abstract artwork.
• Learn simple techniques for layering, blending, mark-making, contrast and texture.
• Explore composition and how to create balance, movement and visual interest.
• Discover how to let go of perfection and embrace process, experimentation and happy accidents.
• Develop a personal abstract piece using techniques explored throughout the workshop

h4.Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the workshop, participants will have:

• An introduction to the fundamentals of abstract art and abstractionism.
• Explored the creative elements of line, shape, colour, texture, pattern and composition.
• Experimented with a variety of drawing, painting and mixed-media techniques.
• Developed greater confidence in creative experimentation and intuitive mark-making.
• Experienced simple mindfulness and breathing techniques that can support relaxation and present-moment awareness.
• Explored how creative activity can be used as a personal relaxation and self-care practice.
• Practised letting go of perfection, judgement and the expectation of a particular outcome.
• Created a collection of personal abstract artworks to take home.
• Discovered new ways to approach creativity with curiosity, playfulness and freedom.

• Gained ideas and techniques that can be continued independently after the workshop.

Art Media Materials:

A range of creative materials will be used (some provided) and may include:

• Coloured pencils
• Watercolour pencils
• Felt pens and coloured markers
• Soft pastels
• Acrylic paints
• Inks
• Mixed-media art papers
• Canvas

Participants may be asked to bring additional materials for particular activities. The tutor will provide details prior to the commencement of the workshop.

Participants will have the opportunity to combine and layer different materials to discover how colour, texture, line and pattern can transform an artwork.

No artistic experience is required. All levels of creative experience and artistic flair are welcome. No prerequisite or previous introductory workshop attendance is required.

Art Supplies Discount:

As a bonus for learning Art with SGSCC, all enrolled students are entitled to a generous 10% discount off the purchase of art supplies when they shop in-store at Eckersley’s Art & Craft, Taren Point!
View Eckersley's Website for product ideas.

About the Tutor:

Facilitated by an Artist/Art Therapy and Holistic Creative Arts Therapist.

Melissa (Mel) Martin is a local contemporary Artist, Holistic Creative Art Therapist and a Mindfulness practitioner, who is passionate about enabling one’s inner ability to create, through artistic expression, seeking to inspire and promote wellbeing through an artistic journey of healing and personal growth.

Mel facilitates local art classes/workshops in the community and privately, where she explores with small groups their true selves and the potential they have and the fear that is holding them back. By engaging in this therapy, Mel is able to reach into the lives of the people she can help more directly or build a personalised service for an individual or group looking for opportunities to learn how to relax, reduce stress, improve confidence, empathy/compassion, problem solving skills and workflow.
Mel works with kids, adolescents

Mel’s Art of Zen is Mel’s business entity located here in the Shire.

Qualifications:
Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapy (HICAT) Diploma,
Holistic Therapies College, QLD
Art Therapy Diploma, Health & Harmony College, QLD.
BSc (Psychology), UNSW.
Change Management Post Graduate Diploma, CSU.
HR Management Certificate,
Sydney University.
Member -International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT)
Working With Children Check Approved.
Services NSW.

Other Information:

• To ensure resources are ready for you at the start of your course, we ask you ideally enrol at least one week before the course commences.
• All courses need a minimum number of students to run ("we try our hardest to get those") . If your course does not have enough students it will be cancelled before the commencement and you will be informed.