Saturday and Sunday, June 28 and 29; 10am to 4pm

Instructor: Diane Williams and Chuck Potter

Do you want your paintings to be show stoppers, grabbing the attention of the audience and juror? In this two-day workshop, we will practice 3 stages of creating abstract paintings that display authentic mark-making, compelling composition, rich color and fine polish.

Stage 1- Cutting Loose

Pushing the boundaries starts with PLAY. This is where we unlock possibilities. At this stage nothing is permanent, so there are no mistakes. Put your entire being into your movements. Feel the full extension of your body. Be aware of the exciting and varied strokes each brush makes.

Stage 2 - Discovering the Composition and Palette

It is completely natural to fall in love with all of your marks, but here is where you have to sacrifice many of those marks in order to direct your energy into a cohesive painting. Discovering composition is the most difficult stage of the painting, but can be very satisfying. Practice taking chances so that you push beyond good work into really great paintings.

Stage 3 - Finishing Touches

Once you are satisfied with the composition and palette, it is time to “kick it up a notch” and polish. How do your colors look? What about your edges and light? Learn about glazing, varnishing and waxing the surface. The goal is, when you are in a crowded group show, or applying for a juried exhibition you want to grab the attention of the and audience and judges. In this workshop you will learn to push your paintings beyond the ordinary to create truly exceptional work.

Instructors: Diane Williams and Chuck Potter both hold Master of Fine Arts degrees in Studio Art and Consciousness studies from John F Kennedy University in Berkeley. They studied at the University of Hangzhou China, incorporating calligraphy, traditional Chinese landscape painting and Chinese medicine with their western art practices. Their studios are in Crockett, Benicia and Greenville.

Fee: Members $300; Non-members $350

Where: Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, 1210 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael