Nature in Abstraction

Advanced

Beginner

Intermediate

Mixed Media

Summer 2026

Schedule

Thursdays, July 2, 16, 23, 30 (4 weeks)
10am - 12pm

Location

Virtual

Course Fee

$265 +HST

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About this course

Nature’s organic geometry, shifting colours, and complex lines offer such vast inspiration in creativity and design. For centuries, the natural world has served as both a mirror for human emotion and a catalyst for artistic innovation. This four-week course invites you to step away from literal representation and instead use the natural world as a springboard for pure, abstract expression.
Through a thoughtful exploration of line, shape, form, and colour, we will look at our environment with fresh eyes, translating sensory observations into imaginative visual languages. Moving fluidly between drawing, painting, mixed media, and experimental printing, we will study the practices of artists who find their voice in the outdoors. While we will ground our work in fundamental art-making techniques and approaches, this course is ultimately an invitation to practice the art of letting go, allowing intuition and creative experimentation to take the lead.

What you'll learn

Deconstruct the Landscape: Translate organic natural forms into an abstract visual vocabulary using line, shape, and structure.
Master Expressive Color: Use colour palettes intuitively to build atmospheric depth and evoke the mood or light of the natural world.
Utilize Mixed Media: Experiment confidently with layered textures, mixed-media applications, and basic monoprinting techniques.
Practice Process-Led Artistry: Embrace a trial-and-error approach to art-making, letting go of realism to favour intuitive, experimental choices.
Develop a Personal Aesthetic: Combine fundamental studio techniques with personal observation to resolve a cohesive abstract series.

What students say

They weren't sure either.

"An oasis of pure happiness. The teacher's relaxed competence and warmth, combined with that particular combination of solitude and togetherness that Zoom provides, were perfect."

Leslie Cooper · Virtual class

"My drawing class is what I imagine meditation is like. The class begins and your brain immediately takes you to another place — a zen-like space that's deeply relaxing. Magical."

Leslie Milrod · Drawing class

"As a beginner I was concerned the content may be challenging, however our instructor was very knowledgeable, patient and provided excellent guidance, demonstrations and feedback. I recommend the course to anyone wanting to learn."

Melanie Marshall · Watercolour Essentials

Evan Hutchinson

Royal Academy of Arts (U.K.) · Toronto Metropolitan University B.F.A. · ARAS Creative Director · Multimedia & Lens-Based Specialist

Evan Hutchinson is the Instructor and Creative Director at the Avenue Road Arts School. After completing her B.F.A. at Toronto Metropolitan University, she relocated to London, U.K., where she developed and facilitated art classes for the public at the Royal Academy of Arts. Upon returning to Canada, Evan continued her practice of leading art programs for public and private schools and low-income families across Ontario. Her independent art and teaching practice is rooted in multimedia, including drawing, painting, collage, and lens-based media. Using an interest in human social and psychological behavior, she explores various forms of facilitated experimentation that attempt to question the world around us.

FAQs

Please find answers to commonly asked questions here. If you're still in doubt, don't hesitate to contact us: contactus@avenueroadartsschool.com