Abstract and Experimental Painting

Ages: 18+
Term: Summer
Length: 10 weeks

Overview

Embark on an exciting journey into the world of abstract and experimental painting, where spontaneous creativity meets technical skill.

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Course information

Over 10 weeks, this vibrant new course invites artists of all levels, whether you’re experienced or just beginning, to explore innovative approaches to making art that moves beyond realistic representation. Focused on personal expression and artistic discovery, you'll learn how to push boundaries and develop your own visual language through a series of guided experiments and playful exploration.

Throughout this course, you'll experiment with a variety of techniques experimenting with bold brushwork, gestural marks, layering textures, and combining mixed media like printmaking, collage and unconventional materials. Guided by an expert tutor, you'll explore how colour, form, and surface can evoke emotion, movement and meaning, allowing you to create dynamic series that reflect your unique voice. Emphasis will be placed on spontaneous improvisation as well as deliberate composition, encouraging both intuitive and reflective practice.

Focusing on individual growth, the course encourages you to challenge traditional ideas of form and structure, experimenting freely to discover new ways of creating and expressing. You'll produce a series of compelling artworks that document your evolving style, supported by constructive feedback and peer discussion to facilitate continual improvement. By the end of the course, you’ll have developed a cohesive body of work suitable for your portfolio or personal practice, alongside a deeper understanding of how abstract and experimental art can communicate powerful ideas.

This course is perfect for those eager to challenge their creative boundaries in a supportive environment for risk-taking and innovation. Whether you're looking to refresh your practice, add new techniques to your toolkit, or simply enjoy the process of intuitive painting, this course aims to inspire experimentation, confidence, and individuality in your artistic journey.

Techniques for expressive brushwork and mark-making
Experimentation with layering, texturing, and mixed media
Approaches to capturing movement, texture, and emotional resonance
Developing a personal style through thematic exploration
Collaborative feedback sessions and one-to-one guidance
Techniques for abstract composition and colour manipulation
Opportunities to experiment with printmaking, collage, and unconventional materials
Crafting a cohesive series of artworks for your portfolio

At the end of the course you'll:

Develop a distinctive series of abstract and experimental artworks
Gain confidence in handling diverse media and expressive techniques
Receive constructive peer and tutor feedback to refine your style
Recognise your progress in conveying emotion and movement through art

You can request a certificate to confirm your achievements, providing you've a 100% attendance record. To request a certificate please get in touch with us at academy@aub.ac.uk and confirm your name and the title of course you've completed.

Will I be assessed?

No, there's no formal assessment. As the course progresses your tutor will measure your overall performance and offer essential guidance and feedback, so you know how you're getting on.

What you need to know

Summer term 2027

Saturdays 10 and 24 April; 8 and 22 May; 5 June (5 alternating Saturdays, 09.00–16.00)

Age

Suitable for adults aged 18+.

Level

Beginners or anyone with some experience who want to refresh or develop their skills further.

Experience or qualifications required

Prior experience in drawing or painting is recommended but not essential. Beginners with a strong desire to experiment are welcome.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: academy@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.

£375

Any additional costs

You may need to purchase some materials for this course – please refer to the ‘What to bring to class’ section for further information.

Additional materials and resources will be provided by AUB and is included in your course fee.

A sketchbook or mixed-media pad (A4 or A3 recommended)
Brushes, palette knives, or tools for mark-making
Acrylics, inks, or mixed media materials
Collage or printmaking materials (optional)
Any personal tools or materials to experiment with
Eraser
Sharpener
Pair of scissors or a craft knife
A3 portfolio case

A student stands painting two cherries in a sketch book.

Suggested Suppliers

Information about resourcing specialist materials/consumables that you may need to bring these with you

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AUB Academy FAQs – Evening and Weekend and Saturday Art School

If you have any questions about our Evening and Saturday Short Courses, you may find the answers in here.

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Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully before booking onto our Evening and Weekend courses.

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Beyond the course

This could just be the start of your creative journey! After this course, you could further your artistic skills with another short course or look to the future and explore our creative qualifications that can prepare you to further your current career, enable you to retrain to an alternative career path or prepare you for future creative arts studies.