In this hands-on abstract acrylic painting class, you’ll learn how to look at the world around you and transform real-life subjects, shapes, colors, and textures into expressive artwork. Rather than simply painting what you see, you’ll simplify, exaggerate, layer, and reimagine it in your own unique way.
Experiment with a playful mix of techniques, including spray paint and stencils and expressive brushwork like splattering, dripping, and pouring. Along the way, you’ll dive into color theory and color mixing, exploring how color combinations can create contrast, harmony, depth, and energy.
Whether you’re new to abstract painting or looking to break out of your usual creative routine, this class is all about experimentation, play, and developing your own artistic voice. Come ready to take risks, get messy, and discover new ways of seeing and making!
All materials provided.
Two Tuesdays: November 3 & 10
12:30-2:30 PM
$80
Ages 16+
Arista Alanis
Arista Alanis is a third-generation Mexican American who spent most of her youth growing up in the suburbs of Houston, Texas. She earned a BFA from Texas Woman’s University and an MFA from Louisiana State University. Alanis moved to Vermont in 1995, where she began working as a staff artist at the Vermont Studio Center (VSC). She served as the School Arts Coordinator for the Vermont Studio Center for twenty years in partnership with Johnson Elementary School. Since 1989, Alanis has displayed her art at numerous national exhibitions, and her work is part of many public and private collections.
Arista Alanis is a Vermont Arts Council FY2024 Creation Grantee. She continues to live in northern Vermont, where she spends her days painting, working part-time at VSC, and taking endless walks.