Discover the Unique Style of the Play with Abstraction Online Art Class
Are you ready to dive into the vibrant, boundless world of abstract art? My upcoming online class, Play with Abstraction, starting September 25, 2025, offers a unique and immersive experience designed for beginners and seasoned artists alike. This isn’t your typical painting class. It’s a journey that weaves together art history, diverse abstract styles, the works of both iconic and lesser-known abstract painters, and a deeply intuitive, Jungian-inspired approach. What sets this class apart is its dynamic curriculum, where students play an active role in shaping the direction of the styles and artists we explore. Let’s unpack what makes Play with Abstraction a one-of-a-kind creative adventure.
A Foundation in Art History – Context is Key
Abstract painting exploration isn’t just about splashing paint on a canvas. It’s a rich, multifaceted movement born from the radical ideas of early 20th-century artists. In Play with Abstraction, we begin with the historical roots of abstraction, tracing its evolution from Wassily Kandinsky’s spiritual color compositions to Jackson Pollock’s energetic drip paintings and Joan Mitchell’s lyrical brushstrokes. Each week, we’ll anchor our explorations in a brief dive into a specific movement, think Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Cubism, or Lyrical Abstraction. These historical touchstones provide context, helping you understand why abstract art emerged and how it continues to evolve.
But we don’t stop at the giants of art history. Alongside famous names like Mark Rothko and Piet Mondrian, we’ll spotlight lesser-known abstract painters whose contributions are equally inspiring. Artists like Alma Thomas, with her vibrant mosaic-like patterns, or Norman Lewis, whose subtle, emotive abstractions pushed boundaries in the face of adversity, will broaden your perspective. By blending the iconic with the overlooked, Play with Abstraction ensures you see the full spectrum of abstract art’s diversity, sparking inspiration for your own work.
Exploring Diverse Styles – A Playground of Possibilities
What makes abstract art so thrilling is its variety. There’s no single “right” way to create it. In this class, we embrace that diversity wholeheartedly. Each week, we’ll explore a different abstract style, from the bold, gestural strokes of Abstract Expressionism to the geometric precision of De Stijl or the fluid, emotive washes of Lyrical Abstraction. You’ll experiment with techniques inspired by these styles, using a range of media like acrylics, regular wall paint, and mixed media (think collage, texture paste, or even household items like crumpled paper or forks).
The beauty of this approach lies in its playfulness, true to the class’s name, Play with Abstraction. You’ll try your hand at creating textured surfaces reminiscent of Jean Dubuffet’s raw Art Brut, or soft, translucent layers inspired by Helen Frankenthaler’s soak-stain technique. The goal isn’t to mimic these styles but to use them as springboards for your own creative voice. Whether you’re drawn to the chaotic energy of Willem de Kooning or the serene minimalism of Agnes Martin, you’ll have the freedom to explore what resonates with you.
Student-Driven Curriculum – Your Voice Shapes the Journey
What truly sets Play with Abstraction apart is its intuitive, student-driven curriculum. While I provide a framework rooted in art history and diverse styles, you, the student, have a significant role in shaping the direction of our exploration. Early in the course, I’ll invite you to share your interests—perhaps you’re curious about the emotional depth of Mark Rothko’s color fields, or maybe you’re drawn to the playful, biomorphic shapes of Joan Miró. Through discussions on our online platform and live Zoom sessions, we’ll collectively decide which artists or styles to dive deeper into.
This collaborative approach ensures the class feels personal and relevant. For example, if several students express interest in abstract landscapes, we might spend a week exploring the works of Perle Fine or Pat Steir, adapting exercises to reflect their techniques. If another group is fascinated by collage, we could pivot to study Kurt Schwitters or Romare Bearden. This flexibility creates a dynamic, responsive learning environment where your curiosity drives the curriculum, making each session feel like a shared creative adventure.
A Jungian-Inspired Approach. Tapping into your Inner World
At the heart of Play with Abstraction lies a Jungian-inspired approach, drawing on the principles of Carl Jung’s active imagination and visual journaling. Abstract art, with its emphasis on emotion, intuition, and the subconscious, is a perfect medium for exploring your inner world. Each session begins with a brief mindfulness or visualization exercise. Perhaps imagining a color that feels alive or a shape that embodies a memory. These moments ground you in your intuitive self, encouraging you to paint from a place of authenticity rather than overthinking.
This Jungian lens aligns beautifully with abstract art’s history. Many pioneers, like Kandinsky, saw abstraction as a way to express spiritual or psychological truths. In class, you’ll channel this spirit through exercises that invite fearless exploration. For instance, you might create an intuitive painting inspired by Rolina van Vliet’s techniques, letting your brush move freely as you tap into an emotion or archetype. These exercises aren’t about producing a “perfect” piece but about discovering what emerges when you trust your instincts, a process that mirrors Jung’s belief in the transformative power of the creative unconscious.
How It Works in an Online Setting
Play with Abstraction is designed for accessibility and engagement in a virtual format. Hosted on Zoom, the class combines live sessions, video tutorials, demos, and interactive discussions. Each week, you’ll engage in:
Live Sessions: A 10–15 minute lecture on a historical movement or artist, followed by a live demo of a technique inspired by our recommended books (e.g., Laura Reiter’s collage projects, Jane Davies’ color exercises, or Rolina van Vliet’s intuitive painting). We’ll end with time for sharing and feedback, using Zoom’s screen-sharing or breakout rooms to build community.
Assignments: Weekly “play” tasks encourage experimentation, like creating a textured piece inspired by Davies or a lyrical abstraction based on van Vliet. You’ll upload photos of your work to our platform, along with reflections tying your creations to historical styles or personal insights.
Virtual Gallery: Throughout the course, we’ll build a digital gallery (using tools like Padlet or ArtSteps) to showcase your work. The final session features a virtual exhibition where you present a culminating piece, connecting it to a historical style or artist of your choice.
The online format makes the class accessible to all, with flexible material options (e.g., using household items for mixed media) and pre-recorded content for asynchronous learners. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, you’ll find a supportive space to experiment and grow.
Why This Class is Unique
So, what makes Play with Abstraction stand out? It’s the fusion of structure and freedom, history and intuition, individual and collective creativity. Unlike traditional art classes that focus on a single style or rigid techniques, this course celebrates the vastness of abstract art, from its historical roots to its modern expressions. By including both famous and lesser-known painters, we honor the diversity of voices that shape this genre. The student-driven curriculum ensures your interests guide our path, making the experience deeply personal. And the Jungian-inspired approach invites you to connect with your inner world, transforming abstract painting into a journey of self-discovery.
This class isn’t about mastering a “correct” way to paint abstractly. It’s about playing, exploring, and finding your unique voice within a rich historical context. Whether you’re captivated by the emotional intensity of Abstract Expressionism or the serene geometry of Minimalism, Play with Abstraction offers a space to experiment, reflect, and create.
Join Us This Fall
Ready to embark on this creative journey? Play with Abstraction begins September 25, 2025, and runs for 9 weeks, offering a blend of live Zoom sessions, hands-on exercises, and a vibrant online community. No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to play, explore, and let your intuition guide you. Sign up today to reserve your spot and join a group of curious, creative souls ready to dive into the world of abstract art.
For more details or to register, visit yellowbarnstudio.com. (registration opens August 2nd, 2025).
Let’s play with abstraction together. Historically informed, intuitively driven, and endlessly inspiring.
See you in class!
