Authentic Abstraction

learn a simple framework to create exciting abstract art

and never struggle for ideas again

Authentic Abstraction

learn a simple framework to create exciting abstract art and never struggle for ideas again

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING

“Clear, well demonstrated exercises by Natalie… a lovely simple way of embarking on abstraction in the landscape.”

***

"An inspirational tutor, helped me think of landscape painting in a whole new way - has given me the freedom to experiment."

***

"Really enjoyable - feel I have really gained from Natalie's experience, guidance and encouragement. Inspired to do more!"

Have you tried different ways to abstract your subject, but not yet found one that resonates with you? I found it surprisingly hard to know where to even begin!

I spent the last few years digging deep into my practice and trying to find better ways to connect with my subject and make the process of abstraction simpler.

Through this exploration I got really clear on my motivations, my interests and my strengths, and have finally developed a sustainable studio practice that excites and fulfils me.

Would you like to learn my 3 step framework that has helped me transform my art practice and opened up a limitless source of ideas?

Have you tried different ways to abstract your subject, but not yet found one that resonates with you? I found it surprisingly hard to know where to even begin!

I spent the last few years digging deep into my practice and trying to find better ways to connect with my subject and make the process of abstraction simpler.

Through this exploration I got really clear on my motivations, my interests and my strengths, and have finally developed a sustainable studio practice that excites and fulfils me.

Would you like to learn my 3 step framework that has helped me transform my art practice and opened up a limitless source of ideas?

INNER

thoughts

Are any of these familiar?

I don't know how to take what I see and abstract it.

I don't know where to begin.

I don't really know what I'm looking for/at.

I don't know what I'm trying to achieve/say.

What if I do it wrong?

I've tried making abstract art before and I just couldn't get it.

I have felt all these things too!

Join me to learn the unique process I created to help myself which totally transformed my practice.

It begins with 3 steps....

step one

GATHER

This step is vital to really dig deep and understand how you feel about your subject and why.

What you learn here will be the key to making art that is authentically you and clarifies how you see the world.

step one

GATHER

This step is vital to really dig deep and understand how you feel about your subject and why.

What you learn here will be the key to making art that is authentically you and clarifies how you see the world.

step two

RECONNECT

This for me was the step that was missing.

Having an easy and fun way to reconnect with your subject at various stages of the
process will deepen your relationship with both your themes and your artwork.

step two

RECONNECT

This for me was the step that was missing.

Having an easy and fun way to reconnect with your subject at various stages of the
process will deepen your relationship with both your themes and your artwork.

step three

APPLY

Take all you’ve learnt and use it to create exciting and vibrant art that is truly unique and authentic to you.

step three

APPLY

Take all you’ve learnt and use it to create exciting and vibrant art that is truly unique and authentic to you.

This class is for you if you want to:

learn a simple step by step process to guide you through my abstraction process.
learn some basic principles of abstracting that can be used exactly as they are or adapted into your own process.
walk away from this course with an inner confidence to approach abstraction in a way that brings joy and an abundance of ideas.
find a limitless source of inspiration to support the making of work that is totally personal to you.
release fear around doing it wrong, not understanding it or not resonating with other artists' methods.

In this online class I'll be sharing my entire process of abstraction, from gathering the data to completing the work.

Are you ready to join me?

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING

"Informative and inspiring - more please!"

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"Supportive, interesting, thought provoking and pushed the boundaries. Difficult, challenging, new and different. Thank you!"

***

"I really loved the mix of being in the landscape and in the studio painting. Wouldn't change a thing!"

Bringing together YOUR PRACTICE and MY FRAMEWORK

I feel it's really important to encourage my class participants to be confident to challenge things in their own way, so I teach just enough to begin that process and ensure an understanding so that you can take those ideas and continue to develop and push them in directions that interest and excite you.
I began testing this in face to face classes during 2023 and the response from participants was incredible!!

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING

“Enjoyable and empowering. Natalie was clear and engaging and I would love to do more sessions with her…. I have learned so much.”

***

"Very well thought out techniques and exercises. Thoroughly enjoyable."

***

"I found it very interesting learning new ways of drawing and painting... very liberating!"

This is authentically your practice, I'm simply providing the method behind it.

I've taken things I've learned and discovered through my own journey and created something that is unique to me.

In this class you'll learn how to take what you see and get to the essence of what it means to you, capture that in your work and create art that is totally unique and authentic to you

Never again will you struggle to know what to draw or paint as you'll have a framework that can be applied again and again to create a limitless source of inspiration and start points.

What's Included?

This is a fully self-paced, recorded, online class that you can access straight away, return to at any time and work through at your own pace.

With around 2 hours of content which guides you through the exercises I use in my own practice, filmed on location and in the studio, this class takes you through my complete process of abstraction - how to gather reference material and apply it to my work. When delivered in-person with teaching and application, this would equate to a 2-3 day course.

You will get an insight into my practice and how to use these exact exercises to dig deep and really learn about and understand your subject, tap into the essence of it and create artwork that is totally unique to you.

This is a PROCESS class, introducing you to a framework that you can take and apply to your own practice or adapt as you wish. Within it you will be taught specific exercises to help you connect with and express your subject, and ways to take that information and apply it to your work back in the studio.

The class covers the 3 main steps, and is subdivided into a 9-part framework:

Step 1 - GATHER

One of the most important stages of the process, we spend time gathering the information that is going to inspire and excite you. Much of this stage is done on location, and I invite you to join me (virtually!) at Cheesewring Quarry on Bodmin Moor as I share my favourite ways to connect with the landscape.

Step 2 - RECONNECT

Back in the studio I show you how I use this time to reconnect with my subject, tune into the essence of place and identify the key elements I want to bring into my work. These methods are fantastic to use if you can't get straight into the studio after gathering your data, if you've been away from the studio for a while or if you find yourself at a point where you're not sure what to do next and want some help getting 'unstuck'.

Step 3 - APPLY

Now we've identified our key themes and reconnected to our subject, I take you through ways to apply that to large paintings as well as working up the sketches made on location. This step will show you how you can use what you have to create an almost limitless source of ideas and new work from that one starting point.

Private Facebook Group

Sharing our ideas and progress helps us all grow, so I encourage class participants to join the private group and help create a community to support you in your ongoing development.

How much does it cost?

Lifetime access to this class is a one-time payment of £200 (GBP)

End the cycle of frustration and confusion around abstract painting and start your transformation today!

This class will help you quickly and easily understand what interests you and how to take what you see and create deeply meaningful, exciting and unlimited artworks.

Start your journey today and let's ignite your inner abstract artist!

"An inspirational tutor, helped me think of landscape painting in a whole new way - has given me the freedom to experiment."

End the cycle of frustration and confusion around abstract painting and start your transformation today!

This class will help you quickly and easily understand what interests you and how to take what you see and create deeply meaningful, exciting and unlimited artworks.

Start your journey today and let's ignite your inner abstract artist!

"An inspirational tutor, helped me think of landscape painting in a whole new way - has given me the freedom to experiment."

About your Tutor

The last few years have been a period of huge transformation for Natalie. During this time she’s fully consolidated her art practice, reflecting deeply and developing exciting projects and collaborations.

She is now a full-time artist living and working in Cornwall, painting in her Bude studio and teaching at the St Ives School of Painting and Royal Cornwall Museum as well as running her own classes locally.

She recently completed 2 years of study with the Newlyn Art School which has strengthened her sense of self, her ideas and interests and given her tools to be rigorous in her critical thinking.

In spring 2023 Natalie held her first solo show This Land at the Royal Cornwall Museum which debuted her explorations into natural earth pigments and writing about her beloved Cornwall landscape.

FAQs

How long do I have access to the class for?

As long as you want it! There is no set time to work through the content, you can do it at your own pace and if you need to take a break it will be there waiting for you when you get back!

What's the price in my local currency?

The class is priced in GBP at £200. Please use an online currency converter to get the most up to date exchange rate.

Can I watch it more than once?

Absolutely! You can log into the class and repeat the lessons as many times as you want.

What materials will I need?

You will get a full materials list on registration. I recommend using what you already have as this is a class about process not materials. If you are starting out in your creative journey then I suggest a basic art kit of dry materials (charcoal, soft pastels) and a small selection of acrylic paints and printing inks.

Is there anything else I need to know?

The emphasis on this class is very much about experimenting, investigating and adopting a 'what if' approach. My art practice is based around this attitude and it can lead to exciting and unexpected results! In this class I encourage you try something new and see how it can be adapted and incorporated into your own practice. Enjoy the process, push the materials and have a great deal of fun with it, and you never know where it might lead :)