Description
From Abstract to Figurative: Explore and Reveal
Public: Adults beginners to intermediate
Objective: Create a large personal work 24×36 or 30×40 in which a figurative subject gradually emerges from an abstract background, experimenting with a different technique each week.
structure of each course:
- 1:30 : Exploring a technique on watercolor paper
- 1:30 : Free and personal application on your large canvas
This workshop is for people who want to explore different materials, understand the basics of abstraction and create in an inspiring and friendly environment.
10 weeks program
Week 1 – Acrylic & color wheel: Letting go and abstract background
Techniques: free-flowing gestures, non-traditional tools (sponges, scrapers, etc.)
Objective: Create a vibrant and expressive background, without expectations. Exploration of the color wheel.
Week 2 – Matter and texture
Techniques: Texture paste, gesso
Objective: add depth and create visual and tactile points of interest.
Week 3 – Ink and Fluidity
Techniques: acrylic ink, colors, washes
Objective: playing with movement, transparency and the unexpected.
Week 4 – Collage & Fusion
Technique: basics of collage
Objective: to incorporate collage elements in a figurative or abstract way.
Week 5 – Graphic Design & Patterns
Techniques: pencils, pastels, markers, stencils
Objective: incorporate patterns, create rhythm and personalize the work.
Week 6 – Observation, superimposition and subject
Technique: sketch of a face, animal or symbol inspired by the composition
Objective: to identify shapes and to intuitively bring forth a figurative subject.
Week 7 – Splendor & Gilding
Techniques: gold leaf, metallic paint, luminous touches
Objective: add a valuable dimension and enhance certain areas.
Week 8 – Contrasts & Structure
Techniques: shadows/highlights, dry brushing, accentuation
Objective: to add depth to the subject and the overall composition.
Week 9 – Alterations & Finishing Touches
Technique: free tools to choose as needed.
Objective: balance the work, refine the details.
Week 10 – Opening & sharing: Presentation of the final works. Feedback on the creative process. Group discussion and celebration.
Practical information
Level : Beginner to intermediate
Location : Chalet Jean-Chénier, 515 Jean-Chénier Street (Aylmer sector)
Dates : Every Thursday, from January 22 to March 26, 2026
Hours : 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Language: Workshop offered in French (bilingual instructor)
Maximum: 10 participants
Cost : $180 for members ($195 for non-members)
Overall equipment
- 1 large canvas 24x36 inches or a similar or superior format (plan from week 1)
- Paper notebook all-purpose thick or watercolor 9×12 in or 11×14 in format, 5 to 10 sheets per lesson (plan from week 1)
- Acrylic paint (basic colors, black, white + some personal colors) (plan to start in week 1)
- Texture paste or modeling gel
- Acrylic ink (3-4 colors)
- Various brushes (flat, round, soft brush, hard brush)
- Spatulas and painting knives (to be prepared from week 1)
- Sponges (natural or synthetic) (plan for week 1)
- Scrapers (rigid cards or old credit cards) (plan for week 1)
- Watering cups or pots (to be prepared from week 1)
- Mechanical pencils (to be provided from week 1)
- Oil pastels
- Medium gel glue or white glue (like Mod Podge)
- Gold leaf
- Scissors
- Masking tape (plan for week 1)
- Cloths and paper towels (plan for week 1)
- Disposable gloves (optional) (plan for week 1)
- Apron or painting clothes (to be provided from week 1)
- Acrylic varnish spray or brush (optional if you want to varnish your artwork at the end)
Regarding the instructor: Anna Prince is a visual artist based in the Gatineau region. She holds a bachelor's degree in visual arts and graphic design and has been working full-time as an independent artist since 2022. Deeply connected to color, her work explores intuition, emotion, and the beauty of spontaneous gesture. She also weaves in a touch of realism, creating a dialogue between abstraction and figuration.
