“I never imagined I could paint like this. Elisabeth’s classes gave me the tools and confidence to start creating finally, and I haven’t stopped since!” Susan M.
Always wanted to paint but didn’t know where to start? Or maybe you’ve been painting for years and just want to feel excited about it again. Either way, you’re in the right place.
I teach acrylic and oil painting classes for adults, who want to learn, explore, and express themselves without being bogged down by too many rules or rigid techniques. Whether you join me online or in person, you’ll get a mix of solid skills, inspiring art history, and intuitive freedom that brings your creativity to life.
Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or returning after years, my programs help you trust your instincts, quiet the inner critic, and reconnect with your unique voice.
Through painting, retreats, and coaching, we don't just make art we make space for you to feel alive again. This isn’t a step-by-step formula. It’s a return to yourself through painting, reflection, intuition, or conversation.
Whether you're drawn to a retreat, curious about intuitive painting, or looking for a coach to help you move forward, everything I offer is grounded in the same belief: you already hold the answers. My role is to help you hear them.
A renewed sense of creative confidence
Tools to express yourself with more freedom
Insight into what’s holding you back and how to move through it
The joy of making something that feels like you
Courage to take imperfect action, in art and in life
Scroll down and follow what pulls you in. And if you’re not sure where to start reach out.
My classes are for curious beginners and experienced artists alike. You'll learn brushwork, color theory, and composition while exploring your unique voice. We’ll weave in art history to inspire and enrich your process.
Whether we’re painting flowers or playing with abstraction, you’ll leave with more confidence and clarity. Offered online and occasionally in-person in the Yellow Barn, Glen Echo MD.
Painting techniques that build confidence
Guidance in developing your personal style
Space to experiment and grow
“She gave me permission to let go of perfection.”
Imagine a weekend where time slows down. Where you’re surrounded by trees, fresh air, and an intimate small group of women who are just like you ready to reconnect with what really matters to you.
These 3-day retreats are a unique blend of painting, poetry, movement, journaling, clay, and nature. Each activity builds on the last, helping you loosen up, go inward, and rediscover what’s true for you. You’ll leave not only rested, but more alive.
The power of nature to quiet the mind
A safe, soulful community of like-hearted women
Rooted in the Creative Connection method by Natalie Rogers, these retreats are truly transformational.
“I came back from this retreat feeling more like myself than I have in years.”
Visual journaling is a gentle yet powerful way to explore your inner world. In small online groups, we combine guided prompts with painting your feelings in simple shapes and colors. Carl Jung is seen as the poster child of journaling with images (the Red Book).
New perspectives and personal insight
Safe space for expression and reflection
A creative ritual that transforms.
“It’s like therapy, without the therapy.”
Virtual on Zoom
Vasily Kandinsky exploration – 3 sessions
Thu Dec 4+11+18/2025, 1-3pm
Supply list on request
Virtual on Zoom
Play with Abstraction – 9 sessions
Thu Jan 29-Mar 19, 2026, 1-3:30pm
Supply list on request
Vasily Kandinsky is widely regarded as the pioneer of abstract art. Born in Moscow, Russia, he initially studied law and economics and had a promising academic career before dramatically changing course at age 30. In 1896 he moved to Munich to study painting, and there he later co-founded the influential expressionist group Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider) in 1911.
Kandinsky believed that art should express inner spiritual and emotional states rather than depict the external world. He developed a theory of art based on the psychological and spiritual effects of color and form, most famously laid out in his 1911 book Concerning the Spiritual in Art. Around 1910–1913 he created the very first purely abstract paintings in modern art history (his “Compositions,” “Improvisations,” and “Impressions” series).
After the Russian Revolution he briefly returned to Russia, then taught at the Bauhaus in Germany (1922–1933) until the Nazis closed it. He spent the last eleven years of his life in France, becoming a French citizen in 1939. His late Paris-period works are lighter, more biomorphic, and playful. By the time he died in 1944 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, he had produced hundreds of paintings, watercolors, and prints and written groundbreaking theoretical texts that still influence artists today.
A gentle, inspiring introduction for beginners and art lovers. No prior knowledge or drawing skills required.
Total duration: 3 live online sessions of 120 minutes each (plus optional home assignments and community discussion)
Session 1 – From Representation to Abstraction
Session 2 – The Birth of Abstraction & Spiritual in Art
Session 3 – Bauhaus, Late Paris Period & Legacy
Perfect for anyone curious about modern art, abstract painting, color theory, or simply wanting a creative and uplifting short course. All sessions are recorded so you can re-watch or catch up if you miss one
Medium: Oil on Canvas
b. 1866, Moscow; d. 1944, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
Online Play with Abstraction: Wed: 01/29-03/19, 1-3:30pm
Online Postwar Abstract Women: Thu 03/20-04/03, 1-3:30pm
Online Monoprint Postwar Women: Thu 04/24-05/15, 10am 12pm
Online Abstract Exploration: Thu 05/29-06/19, 10am-12pm
In person Intuitive Painting Workshop: Sat July 12 9:30am-4pm
Online Acrylic Painting for Beginners: Thu July 10-31, 10am-12pm
Play with Abstraction: Thu 9/25-11/20, 1-3:30pm
