abstraction workshop
Abstraction is the art of expressing thought, feeling, or sensation through shape, rhythm, and mark-making, free from direct representation. It allows us to create not just what we see, but what we sense or imagine.
Abstraction or figuration? Perhaps they’re two ends of the same line. From the first cave marks in Ardales over 64,000 years ago, abstraction has been a modern act.
In this workshop, even as a beginner, you’ll enter a space where thinking and making go hand in hand. Whether drawn from the world around you or from within, your images may surprise you.
We all have marks inside us that want to break free, whether shamanic or minimalist.
This is a space for both personal discovery and shared creativity. With relaxed, structured guidance and room to explore, we’ll tap into something ancient and point, perhaps, playfully toward the future.
workshop overview
Duration: 3 hours
Group Size: 4 to 15 participants
Location: at my studio for small groups in Antwerp, private homes, office meeting rooms, rented events space of your choosing. All locations to be accessible by public transport
Moderator: Henry Whysall , artist with 25 years experience in painting, drawing, art history, design and architecture
Languages: native English, fluent French, very good understanding of Dutch, working Italian and Spanish
learning outcomes
By the end of the session, participants will:
Gain a deeper understanding of the fundaments of abstraction
Have learnt the first principals of mark making
Learn essential techniques and how to play with them
Complete an image that surprises
workshop structure
1. Welcome & Introduction (10 - 15 min)
Brief presentation on a variety of abstract images and their inspiration
Display of examples throughout the ages
Overview of materials and brief outline
2. Getting Started Session (45 mins – 1 hour)
Warm-up exercises, drawing balance, drawing dissonance
Varying your mark making
One-on-one support and feedback as images progress
3. Painting Session (1.5 hours)
Moving from drawing study to painting on small canvases or appropriate supports
The vital importance of what colour to use and how to apply
Independent work with personal guidance
4. Closing & Sharing (15 mins)
Informal group sharing of work
Who likes what and why, led by group
Round up questions with possible discussion on the next steps or continuing practice
materials
All materials can be provided, or a materials list can be sent in advance if participants prefer to bring their own.
Typical materials include:
Drawing paper & pencils
Small canvases or canvas boards
Acrylic or water colour paints, coloured paper, crayon
Brushes, palettes, cloths, beakers
Checking lighting and choice of music (optional)
pricing
Base fee for smaller group, 4 - 8 participants - €300
Base fee for larger group, 9 - 15 participants - €400
Materials, €15 per person
All workshops and team building sessions are tailored made. Prices may vary.
general
I’ll arrive 45 minutes before the session to prepare and set up the space. I recommend that participants arrive around 15 minutes early to settle in and make the most of the experience.
We’ll begin with a brief group tidy-up at the end of the session—this is part of normal studio practice. I’ll take care of the remaining clean-up afterwards.
contact me
Get in touch anytime with your questions or to make a booking for this workshop.
Henry Whysall studio
+32 (0)467 01 10 08