Exploring Color in Abstract Painting

Instructor: Heather Neilson

Date(s): Sundays, November 1 - 22, 2026

Time: 2 pm - 4:30 pm

Ages: 18+

Members: $135

Non-Members: $150

Registration deadline: October 27

Description:

Deepen your understanding of color through a series of focused, hands on studio explorations designed for painters with some experience in acrylics and abstract painting.

If you struggle to create paintings with rich, sophisticated color, this workshop will provide a practical foundation for developing color that feels intentional and uniquely your own. Through guided exercises and experimentation, you'll explore color mixing, value, color relationships, and palette development while gaining a deeper understanding of how color shapes the visual experience. The emphasis is on discovery through making rather than color theory lectures or finished paintings.

Open Studio Time:

Upon approval from the instructor, workshop participants will be granted access to the lab throughout the duration of the workshop. Aside from scheduled workshop hours, the lab is available for independent use Tuesday – Sunday from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm.

Materials:

Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media Pad, 18"x24" https://www.amazon.com/Strathmore-462-118-Mixed-Media-Sheets/dp/

Acceptable alternatives are Acrylic paper, canvas paper or watercolor

paper that is at least 140lbs. Size can be smaller.

• Acrylic paints -

Recommend GOLDEN Fluids https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Fluid-Medium-8-Ounce-. However, you can work with any brand

and type of acrylic paints.

Colors should include:

(If using recommended GOLDEN Fluids, 1 ounce size should suffice

for all colors except 4 ounces for Titanium white):• Titanium White

• Carbon Black

• 2-5 variations of cool colors (Blues, Greens, Violets)

• 2-5 variations of warm colors (Yellows, Reds, Oranges).

Here are some of Heather’s favorite colors and links (note: these are

just ideas):

Warms:

Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Azo Gold, Quinacridone Magenta,

Alazarin Crimson, Napthol Red Medium, Titan Buff, Van Dyke Brown,

Burnt Umber

Cools:

Paynes Gray, Cerulean Blue Deep, Ultramarine Blue, Teal, Green

Gold, Prussian Blue, Sap Green, Titan Green Pale, Permanent Violet

Dark

Neutrals/Other:

Raw Umber

Bone Black

Note: During the course, Heather will show additional palette options

for further exploration. Purchasing these additional colors is entirely

optional.

• An assortment of brushes. Have a few sizes with one that is at least 1

inch width. You can use any brand of brushes - recommend soft

synthetic bristles if you are using fluid acrylic paints.

Silverbrush makes high quality brushes. You can purchase directly

from Silverbrush site. Use Discount Code HeatherNeilson10 at

checkout for 10% off any of their products.

SilverSilk 88 1 1/2 “

Silverwhite Edgewater wash 1 “

• Fluid Matte Medium - GOLDEN brand recommended, 8 ounces or

next smallest bottle. OR regular Matte Medium. Any brand is fine.• OPTIONAL: White Gesso GOLDEN recommended but any brand is

fine.

• Yellow frog tape - 1” (.94”)  https://www.amazon.com/Duck-280220-Delicate-Surface-Painters/dp/Alternatively, Artist Tape in 1” (or close)

width.

• Something flat and sturdy to tape your paper to that is larger than

18x24 such as a 20x30 piece of foam core or drawing board. You can

purchase a piece of foam core from me in the first class for $5.

Please also bring:

• A roll of paper towels (recommend Blue shop papers towels from

hardware store)

• Flat Palette for paint. Options include palette paper, freezer paper,

large metal or plastic tray.

• Palette knife (preferably metal)

• Plastic container for water. A large yogurt container works well.

• A ruler

• A pencil and/or pen

• A mixed media journal for notes and…

I will be assigning optional homework and will give you other ideas for

working in a journal. Any size or type is fine just look for one suitable for

mixed media or wet media. Here are a few options:

• Canson XL Mixed media

• Strathmore visual mixed media

• Strathmore mixed media (this is a high quality, but more

expensive, option)

Optional:

• Latex Gloves

• Apron

• Mark making tools - scrapers, brayers, oil pastels, markers, etc

Instructor Bio:

Heather Neilson is an abstract painter and mixed media artist with over 30 years of experience in the studio. She studied at The Art Students League of New York and has trained with several master artists, continously evolving her process through exploration and experimentation. Over the past decade, Heather has also been an active and passionate art educator, trained by GOLDEN Paints, and committed to helping others tap into their creative voice. Before pursuing art full-time, she worked professionally in marketing and holds a B.A. in Communications from Rutgers University.

Instructor's Website: https://www.heatherneilsonart.com

All workshops are held at the Five Points Arts Center, 855 University Drive

Workshops may be cancelled due to low enrollment if a minimum number of participants are not met. Registrants will be notified in advance and a refund or credit will be arranged (see workshop polices below for details).

Workshop Policies: Please review the terms of our workshop policies here