Workshop | Abstract Transformations | Acrylic Painting with Paul McCarthy

Join Paul McCarthy for a one-day workshop where you'll turn an old painting into a vibrant abstract work. Bring along a painting from your collection (we won’t be painting over it!) to serve as the inspiration for a bold, expressive reimagining on canvas.

Working in acrylics, you’ll explore techniques in abstraction under Paul’s expert guidance, learning how to experiment with colour, shape, and composition to create something uniquely fresh while retaining the essence of your original piece. This workshop offers a supportive, inspiring environment to dive into abstraction, suitable for artists of all levels eager to expand their skills.

This is a fun and exciting workshop where you will be pushed and so will the paint!

Represented by Sydney's Rochfort Gallery, Paul McCarthy's paintings combine Fauvism, Impressionism and Contemporary Abstraction. His exquisite colour combinations give his paintings an exotic flair, through which he captures and finds a whole new and dramatic light unique to his environment. 

Is this course right for me?

While all levels of artist are welcome, some prior experience with acrylics is recommended to gain the most from the day. 

Materials

Please bring all necessary materials, including your original painting and acrylic supplies.

• Your original painting 
• Paint palette (at least A4 size, flat - no wells). Tiles, perspex or old white plates work well.
• Rags or paper towels.
• Masking tape or bulldog clips.
• Selection of cheap bristle brushes – flat, round, small and large sizes.
• Sketchbook or visual diary for drawing ideas and compositions – Approx A3.
• Something to draw with e.g. pencils, charcoal or pastels – whatever you have.
• 1 x large square or rectangular canvas (about 18x18 inches or bigger) with a wide edge (1 inch). This does not have to be an expensive brand.
• Quality acrylic paints (Matisse preferred). It is important to have quality, artist grade paints to ensure you achieve the best outcome from your workshop. Inferior cheap paints just won’t do! The following colours will give you a great range to work from, and the tutor will also have extra colours for you to use. Please note: All paints should only be S1 as these are cheaper. Look for the “Hue” instead of the real pigments.
  • Titanium White
  • Mars Black or Paynes Grey
  • Raw Umber
  • Ultramarine Blue [cool blue]
  • Cerulean Blue (warm blue)
  • Cadmium Red or Scarlet hue [warm red]
  • Alizarin Crimson hue [cool red]
  • Cadmium Yellow Medium Hue [warm yellow] | Lemon Yellow Hue [cool yellow]
  • Additional paint colours – Yellow Ochre, Raw Sienna. If you already have paints or favourite colours bring them as well!

About studio classes

Our class sizes are small, ensuring you receive the individual tuition you need. We have a maximum of 12 students per class.

Unless otherwise noted, prices *exclude* art materials. Click here to see a list of local art supply retailers.

To learn about our studios, amenites and how to get there, click here.

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