“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.
Virtual on Zoom
Play with Abstraction – YB
Thu Jan 29-Mar 19, 2026, 1-3:30pm
Supply list provided after registration
Mini Soul Retreat: $195
Saturday May 16, 2026: 10am-4:30pm
Soul Retreat: $475 (early bird $425
June 12 (4pm) – 14 (4pm), 2026
(only 4 spots left 01/19/2026)
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.
Section 1: Overall Experience (Rate on a scale of 1-5)
1 = Strongly Disagree, 3 = Neutral, 5 = Strongly Agree
- The class was engaging and enjoyable overall. 5
- The pacing of the 3 sessions felt appropriate (not too rushed or too slow). 5
- The techniques, projects, or topics covered met my expectations. 5
- I felt motivated to create art during the sessions. 5
- The class inspired me to continue making art outside of the sessions. 5
- I gained new confidence in my artistic abilities. 5
Section 2: Impact on Your Art Journey (Open-ended)
- What was your favorite part of the class, and why? I enjoyed the entire class. One of my favorite parts was learning about Kadinsky, the person and artist. I appreciated Elisabeth’s PowerPoint’s that she shared about Kadinsky. I could see that she put in a lot of time and energy and the wealth of information was interesting and inspiring.
- How did this mini class affect your motivation or enthusiasm for your own art practice? I find that each of the classes I have taken with Elisabeth inspires to create and paint. As a novice painter, her encouragement results in my excitement to paint during the week and her enthusiasm is contagious!
- In what ways (if any) has this class inspired you or influenced your personal art journey? It is because of Elisabeth’s classes that I have a personal art journey!
- Did the class introduce any new ideas, techniques, or perspectives that you’ll carry forward in your own work? Please describe. I think the idea of intuitive painting is emphasized and discussed and very helpful, especially for someone like me so tied to shapes, so being a bit freer with brushstroke and staying in the moment.
- What could be improved for future mini classes (e.g., more time on certain topics, different materials, etc.)? I find it especially helpful when there is a demonstration. Not improvement, but I’d love a class that focuses on brushwork and color.
- Would you recommend this mini class to others? Why or why not? Absolutely YES! If someone wants an interesting, informative, fun class, take this wonderful class!
- Any additional comments or suggestions? Please keep teaching!
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.”
“Elisabeth has a special gift to connect with her students and help them to create their own approach to art.”
“Elisabeth always makes every class she offers very personable and fun. She engages each student to introspectively “feel” how they want to create art which is so inspiring.”
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
In this hands-on workshop you’ll build the full color wheel from scratch using only the primary colors: red, yellow and blue (+ white). Students can work in oils or acrylics.
Mix all six secondary colors (orange, green, purple)
Mix tertiary colors
Learn how to effectively lighten/darken colors (tint)
Learn why the wheel works and how to match colors
How to spot inherent values of colors
All skill levels welcome.
Leave with your own color wheel and deeper understanding of mixing and matching color.
Join the in-person intense 2-day Color Mixing Deep Dive at the Yellow Barn, July 25-26, 2026 (registration not open yet).
All you need: red, ultramarine blue, yellow plus titanium white and a disposable grey paper palette.
If you like you want to use the swatches as a reference for later use you can put the swatches on a canvas board (size at least 12×16″).
Paint it with acrylic mid tone grey (#5).
Use the brand of paint you’re always painting with.
You will be mixing with me so you get a feeling for mixing, understand colors and what you can do with them.
Online Color Mixing Workshop: Thu 01/22, 1-3:30pm
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
Vasily Kandinsky: Thu 12/3-18, 1-3pm
