“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
Play with Abstraction – 8 sessions
Supply list will be emailed after registration
Thu 1/29-3/19 1-3:30pm
Virtual on Zoom
Visual Journaling – 6 sessions (small group)
Thu Sep 25-Oct 30, 4-6pm
(registration open)
Buckle up!
This isn’t your grandma’s paint-by-numbers; it’s a playground for your inner wild child. With just us in the circle (virtually, of course), we’ll keep things intimate, supportive, and oh-so-personal. I’m thrilled you’re here, especially as we shake things up this round. No more just mimicking the masters (though we’ll nod to them); this time, we’re flipping the script to wear abstraction, feel it in our bones, and let it whisper your unique voice. Think less “copy de Kooning’s fury” and more “what does your chaos look like on a scarf that turns heads at brunch?”
Picture this: Instead of static canvases, we’re turning abstraction into functional fantasy. Each session, you’ll intuit abstract motifs inspired by a “garment challenge” a scarf for sunset strolls, a beach sarong that waves like ocean dreams, an evening gown panel that pulses with party energy. We’ll draw from women’s abstract trailblazers for sparks (e.g., Krasner’s layered scraps for a “remixed memory dress”), but the rules? Your intuition rules. No “right” way. Just prompts to chase what feels electric. For the newbies, we’ll start cozy (10-minute warm-ups); for you vets, we’ll amp the edge with collabs or wild constraints like “paint with your non-dominant hand while humming a playlist.” By session 9, you’ll have a mini “collection” of patterns that scream you. Maybe even scan ’em for real fabric prints via a quick app share (no tech overwhelm, promise).
This builds on those online “easy abstract ideas” like geometric pours or textured foils I’ve scoped out. Think fluid acrylic beach waves or palette-knife gown drapes, but we’re making it personal and wearable, not just wall art. Relatable? Hell yes! Imagine gifting your abstract scarf to a friend or wearing your “intuition wrap” to coffee. It’s abstraction that moves with you, pushing that sweet spot between playful and profound.
This isn’t just exercises. It’s a runway for your abstraction soul. The garment hooks make it relatable (who hasn’t daydreamed of a killer scarf?), while intuition prompts (music! Emotions! Breath!) coax out that personal zing, gently shoving hesitant hands toward the paint. For our super fans, the collabs and remixes will feel like inside jokes; newbies get scaffolds to soar. We’ll track “style seeds” in a shared digital journal, spotting patterns in your patterns. Homework? One 20-min “whisper session” weekly: Pick a prompt, play intuitively, snap a pic. No perfection; just presence.
What do you think, crew? Let’s co-create this wearable wonderland. Grab your paper, and let’s play. Your abstraction awaits!
At the end you choose what you want to have printed on a cushion, mug, scarf. The sky is the limit. It’s fun!
Several years ago I had this printed at Vistaprint. It comes all finished.
l also had totes and other items printed with my logo.
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
