Nature in Abstraction

Beginner

Intermediate

Fall 2026

Schedule

Thursdays November 5 - December 10
10am - 12pm

Location

Virtual

Course Fee

$375 +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 six-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. *This course is open to new and returning students

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 didn't think they were artists either.

"I really didn't know the first thing about Contemporary art beforehand. He has a real talent for encouraging and inspiring students — everyone leaves his classes feeling great about themselves and their work."

Jamie Mudrick · Art of Colour

"A very engaging and fun class. It's a fantastic way to help loosen up and get the creative juices flowing. If I was able to, I would take this course every time it's offered."

Leslie Greenbaum · Drawing More Expressively

"I loved all of the exercises — it was very inspiring for me and a fabulous entry into drawing. It was way too short. The four weeks flew by."

Jamie Mudrick · Drawing More Expressively

"She was incredibly patient with me as a first time painter and gave detailed instruction on how to move my piece forward while preserving and helping me to find my own artistic style."

Adult student · Acrylic Art 101

"I am a beginner painter and learned a lot and now feel confident to paint on my own. I attended three courses — it was a lovely experience."

Shipra Pandey · Acrylic Art 101

"Rachel's demeanor is great. Her feedback and inclusiveness made it a comfortable environment. This class made me look forward to Monday evenings."

Itzel Rendon · Drawing for Beginners

"I really appreciate the focus on right-brain thinking and learning to be in a more receptive, curious state. The warm-up exercises were fun and novel — it helped me get out of my own way."

S. Siskind · Drawing for Beginners

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