Heather Neilson
Website: heatherneilsonart.com
Area of Operation: New England, Connecticut
Events:
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Introduction to Expressive Abstract Painting
In this one-day painting workshop, you will learn approaches for creating expressive abstract paintings using acrylic paint and mark making tools. Through exercises on high quality mixed media paper and GOLDEN acrylic paints, you will be introduced to concepts of composition, color, value and shape as it relates to abstract painting. You will learn how to use acrylic paints and other tools but, most of all, you will be encouraged to trust your instincts and tame the inner critic. This is a terrific workshop if you are new to abstract painting, new to acrylics or just want to hone your skills and nurture your art practice. Mostly, you will learn how to loosen up and enjoy painting from a place of intuition and expression. This workshop is suitable for all levels. You will be painting in Heather’s studio at Whiting Mills, a beautiful and comfortable space.
Date: March 16th, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 03:30 PM
Venue: Whiting Mills Studio 509, Winsted, Connecticut, United States
Contact: Heather Neilson
Email: [email protected]
Fee: 195
Event Open to Public
https://www.heatherneilsonart.com/expressive-abstract-painting-workshop
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Expressive Abstract Painting
xplore expressive abstract painting and build your abstract painting skills. Day 1: Heather will guide you in exercises that explore the principles of value, color, shape, composition and more as it relates to abstract painting. Day 2: You will explore 1-2 larger paintings 24×18” on mixed media paper using the concepts explored in Day 1.Heather will demonstrate how to use high quality GOLDEN fluid acrylic paint and assorted mark-making tools.Beyond structured exercises, you’ll learn to trust your intuition, cultivate mindfulness, and embrace your artistic voice. Learn to tame the inner critic in a warm and non-judgmental setting.This workshop is suitable for all levels.
Date: February 22nd, 2025 - February 23rd, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 03:30 PM
Venue: Washington Arts Association, Washington Depot, Connecticut, United States
Fee: $250
Event Open to Public
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Online Mixed Media Collage
Join me for six weeks of mixed media collage, where you'll create custom painted papers, learn fundamental art principles, and create one-of-a-kind collages in a welcoming, relaxed setting. With guidance in using acrylic paint, collage materials, and various mark-making tools, you’ll explore techniques that allow you to discover and develop your own artistic style. Designed for all experience levels, this course offers a blend of independent creation and supportive community. Each week, join us for live Zoom sessions where we’ll discuss student work, answer questions, and explore fresh ideas to deepen your mixed media practice. The course begins on February 5th, with optional live sessions for a flexible learning experience. Week 1 - Painted Papers: Creating Custom Collage Materials Start with the basics by creating your own set of painted papers to bring unique elements into your collages. Week 2 - Understanding Value: Working with Black, White, and Grey Explore the concept of value through black, white, and grey studies to add depth and contrast to your work. Week 3 - Exploring Color: Working with Limited Palettes Experiment with limited color palettes to find harmonious, cohesive combinations that enhance your designs. Week 4 - Shape Studies: Experimenting with Form Learn to incorporate different shapes, from organic to geometric, to add movement and structure to your collages. Week 5 - Composition Basics: Building a Strong Foundation Dive into composition principles, exploring ways to arrange elements effectively to create balanced, engaging works. Week 6 - Finishing Touches: Adding Materials and Refining Details Refine your pieces with additional materials and techniques, bringing your work to a polished, personal finish.
Date: February 5th, 2025 - March 12th, 2025
Time: 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Venue: Online via Zoom, , , United States
Contact: Heather Neilson
Email: [email protected]
Fee: 190
Event Open to Public
https://www.heatherneilsonart.com/online-art-classes/mixed-media-collage
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Expressive Abstract Painting
Explore expressive abstract painting and build your abstract painting skills and confidence. You will be guided through exercises on the principles of value, color, shape, composition and more. You will also learn how to use GOLDEN acrylic paint and assorted mark-making tools. Beyond structured exercises, you’ll learn to trust your intuition, cultivate mindfulness, and embrace your artistic voice. Learn to tame the inner critic in a warm and non-judgmental setting and bring your full human experience to your art.
Date: January 17th, 2025 - March 7th, 2025
Time: 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Venue: Washington Arts Association, Washington Depot, Connecticut, United States
Fee: 280
Event Open to Public
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Introduction to Mixed Media Collage
In this one-day, all levels workshop, you will create several abstract pieces on high quality mixed media paper using a variety of collage papers, acrylic paint and mark making tools. In the morning, Heather will guide you in creating two collages using core art principles and explain supplies and approaches. This will warm you up for the afternoon where you are invited to explore 1-2 additional collages inspired by the morning exercises. Heather provides ideas for your work while encouraging you to explore and experiment. There will be time to share and discuss each other’s results at the end of class. The goal is to have fun, learn some skills and meet like minded people. And, you will have created some personal and unique works of art to bring home.
Date: January 5th, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 03:30 PM
Venue: Whiting Mills Studio 509, Winsted, Connecticut, United States
Contact: Heather Neilson
Email: [email protected]
Fee: 195
Event Open to Public
https://www.heatherneilsonart.com/abstract-mixed-media-collage-workshop
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Temporal Nature: Mixed Media Explorations
oin me for an immersive workshop where we'll explore mixed media techniques inspired by nature, time, and notions of sentimentality. This course is designed to help you develop your artistic voice while drawing inspiration from the world around and within us. Day 1-2: Material Transformation - Learn and apply multiple techniques to alter papers and fabrics, especially recycled or vintage materials, including: Painting on muslin GOLDEN gel mediums and pastes application Painting with a variety of mediums and techniques Hand sewing techniques Controlled burning Thread manipulation Day 3-4: Reinterpret and reimagine your collage elements into personal and unique artwork This is an ideal workshop if you have taken at least one mixed media collage class with me or have some prior collage experience. Most importantly, this is perfect if you love the process of creating collage materials and have an infinity towards earthy, recycled and distressed elements. This course is just as much about the creation of the collage materials as it is the making of finished artworks. You will leave with lots of collage material to continue making artwork. Bring your human experience, curiosity, and your creativity. Let's explore the intersection of nature, time and histories.
Date: October 8th, 2024 - October 29th, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 02:30 PM
Venue: Whiting Mills Studio 509, Winsted, Connecticut, United States
Contact: Heather Neilson
Email: [email protected]
Fee: 250
Event Open to Public
https://www.heatherneilsonart.com/abstract-mixed-media-collage-temporal-nature
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Mixed Media Collage
In this workshop, you will create several Abstract Mixed Media Collages on high quality mixed media paper using a variety of collage papers, acrylic paint and mark making tools. In the morning, you will learn approaches for adhering collage and building your work. Heather will guide you in creating two collages using core art principles of value, color, shape and composition. In the afternoon, you will explore 1-2 additional collages, with additional ideas and guidance from Heather. This workshop is suitable for the novice, intermediate and experienced artist. The goal is to have fun, learn some new skills and meet like-minded people. And, you will have created some personal and unique works of art to bring home.
Date: September 22nd, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 03:30 PM
Venue: Silvermine Arts Center, New Canaan, Connecticut, United States
Fee: $175
Event Open to Public
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Expressive Abstract Painting
Program Description Explore expressive abstract painting and build your acrylic painting skills and confidence. You will be guided through exercises on the principles of value, color, shape, composition and more. You will also learn how to use GOLDEN acrylic paint and assorted mark making tools. There will be plenty of time to explore on your own, with guidance from Heather. Beyond structured exercises, you’ll learn to trust your intuition, cultivate mindfulness, and embrace your artistic voice. Learn to tame the inner critic in a warm and non-judgmental setting and bring your full human experience to your art.
Date: September 20th, 2024 - November 8th, 2024
Time: 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Venue: Washington Arts Association, Washington Depot, Connecticut, United States
Fee: $280
Event Open to Public
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Online Abstract Painting Level II
For abstract painters seeking new challenges and techniques. This course builds on foundational skills, offering structured exercises to expand your artistic repertoire. Deepen your abstract painting practice in a supportive, challenging environment. Week 1 - Value: Explore depth and contrast using varied tools and methods Week 2 - Color: Advance your understanding of color relationships by mixing primary, secondary and tertiary colors to develop sophisticated color palettes. Week 3 - Shape: Experiment with unconventional mark-making techniques to create varied and interesting shapes. Week 4 - Composition: Transform intuitive marks and expressive painting into a deliberate composition and practice with more compositions. Week 5 - Integration: How to bring the elements together in a new, larger piece with a focus on unconventional tools, loosening up and building up layers with value, color, composition and shape in mind. Features: Weekly bonus exercises Private Facebook group for sharing and collaboration with direct feedback from Heather Each week Heather highlights and discusses student work posted to the facebook group. Flexible participation: Attend live and/or work offline at your own pace. You do not need to attend the live sessions. Recorded exercises and sessions available indefinitely (guaranteed for at least one year) Are you…. Feeling stagnant? Get inspired through fun and interesting exercises Seeking deeper skills? Learn new methods to broaden your artistic toolset Lacking direction? Receive guided instruction while maintaining creative freedom Tire of painting alone? Connect with a community of like-minded artists for support and motivation Reaching a plateau? Refine your skills in value, color, shape, and composition
Date: September 18th, 2024 - October 23rd, 2024
Time: 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Venue: Online via Zoom, , , United States
Contact: Heather Neilson
Email: [email protected]
Fee: $175
Event Open to Public
https://www.heatherneilsonart.com/online-abstract-painting-2
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Expressive Abstract Painting
Explore expressive abstract painting and build your acrylic painting skills and confidence. You will be guided through exercises on the principles of value, color, shape, composition and more. You will also learn how to use GOLDEN acrylic paint and assorted mark making tools. There will be plenty of time to explore on your own, with guidance from Heather. Beyond structured exercises, you’ll learn to trust your intuition, cultivate mindfulness, and embrace your artistic voice. Learn to tame the inner critic in a warm and non-judgmental setting and bring your full human experience to your art.
Date: September 16th, 2024 - November 4th, 2024
Time: 06:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Venue: West Hartford Art League, West Hartford, Connecticut, United States
Fee: $210
Event Open to Public
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Abstract landscape
Create four beautiful abstract landscapes using fluid acrylics, mediums, layering, and distinctive mark-making techniques. This is a hands-on workshop where you will create abstract landscapes on quality archival paper. Instructor Heather Neilson will teach you how to work with GOLDEN fluid paints and mediums to build layers to add depth and complexity to your pieces. You will also learn color principles to apply to your paintings and experiment with mark-making to bring character and texture to your artwork. Gain practical skills, build confidence, and add your personal flair to your abstract landscapes.
Date: September 14th, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 02:30 PM
Venue: Five Points Art Center, Torrington, Connecticut, United States
Fee: $90
Event Open to Public
https://fivepointsarts.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/fivepointsarts/event.jsp?event=914&
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Expressive Abstract Painting
Explore expressive abstract painting and build your abstract painting skills and confidence. You will be guided through exercises on the principles of value, color, shape, composition and more. You will also learn how to use GOLDEN acrylic paint and assorted mark-making tools. Beyond structured exercises, you’ll learn to trust your intuition, cultivate mindfulness, and embrace your artistic voice. Learn to tame the inner critic in a warm and non-judgmental setting and bring your full human experience to your art.
Date: July 12th, 2024 - August 30th, 2024
Time: 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Venue: Washington Arts Association, Washington Depot, Connecticut, United States
Fee: $280
Event Open to Public
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Garden Inspired Gel Plate Printing and Mixed Media Collage
Gel Plate Printing and Mixed Media Collage Inspired by Nature June 29-30, 2024 10am-3pm Whiting Mills, Winsted CT Are you inspired by nature, the garden and botanical forms? Do you like paper, paint, ephemera and collage? Spring is a perfect time to honor our love of nature by using fresh leaves and other nature inspired techniques in our art making practice. "What I see in Nature is a magnificent structure that we can comprehend only very imperfectly, and that must fill a thinking person with a feeling of humility." - Albert Einstein Day 1 Create monoprints using a gel plate, fresh leaves, paint and more. Using fresh leaves, paper and ephemera provided by Heather, you will learn how to use high quality GOLDEN OPEN and regular acrylics to create a variety of effects. Learn color combinations that work well with this process and how varying ways of applying the paint and other techniques can create visually stunning results. All supplies are included for Day 1. Day 2 Build an abstract mixed media collage painting on wood panel using your gel plate prints from the first day, acrylic paint, mark making tools and more. You will learn how to incorporate your prints along with other materials to develop a cohesive and strong mixed media painting.
Date: June 29th, 2024 - June 30th, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Venue: Whiting Mills Studio 509, Winsted, Connecticut, United States
Contact: Heather Neilson
Email: [email protected]
Fee: 290
Event Open to Public
https://www.heatherneilsonart.com/gel-plate-mixed-media-collage
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Abstract Painting Level I Online
Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm live via Zoom June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 3 2024 Learn how to develop abstract paintings and boost your confidence using acrylic paint, mediums and mark-making tools. Heather will guide you through fun and engaging exercises so you can learn basic art principles but also practice being free and expressive. This is a perfect class if you: Aspire to delve into abstract painting but are uncertain where to begin. Desire guidance, skills and techniques but also time to experiment and play. Seek to deepen your understanding of acrylic paints. Want to overcome self-criticism and develop your unique, artistic potential. Need inspiration and strategies for getting unstuck. This course is designed to help you work in the moment, with spontaneity and by using your intuition. And, you will also learn and experiment with the fundamental principles of value, color, composition, and shape. Week 1 – Value – how to use dark, light and mid-tones to create drama or subtlety Week 2 – Color – how to mix and use a limited color palette to achieve powerful results Week 3 – Composition – how to develop underlying structures for satisfying and pleasing abstract paintings Week 4 – Shape – how to create a variety of shapes to create interest and variety Week 5 - Putting it all together! - review the lessons and discuss how to incorporate it into future work, ideas for making the work stronger, and Q&A/sharing. After this class you will: Feel more confident in your abstract painting skills Be able to apply fundamental art principles to your work Refresh your perspective and interest in abstract painting Understand your unique approach and where you can keep growing We will gather LIVE on Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm via Zoom to work on the exercises together and for discussion. There is also a private Facebook group where you can share your work, ask questions and generally engage with Heather and others in the class when not in the live session. And, not to worry if you miss a live session or want to go back after the class is over. All live sessions and exercises are recorded and available for at least one year.
Date: June 5th, 2024 - July 3rd, 2024
Time: 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Venue: Online via Zoom, , ,
Contact: Heather Neilson
Email: [email protected]
Fee: 175
Event Open to Public
https://www.heatherneilsonart.com/online-abstract-painting-level-1
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Abstract Mixed Media Collage
Sunday, June 2, 2024 10am-3:00pm Whiting Mills, Winsted, CT In this one-day workshop, you will create several Abstract Mixed Media Collages on high quality mixed media paper using a variety of collage papers, acrylic paint and mark making tools. In the morning, Heather will review the supplies and teach you methods for adhering collage and approaches to building your work. Heather will then guide you in creating two collages using core art principles. This will warm you up for the afternoon where you are invited to explore 1-2 additional collages, with additional instruction and options. Heather is there to guide you every step of the way while giving you room to explore and experiment. There will be time to share and discuss each other’s work. The goal is to have fun, relax, learn some skills and meet like minded people in one of Heather’s most popular workshops. And you will have created some personal and unique works of art to bring home. All supplies are included! In addition to the paper you will be working on, Heather provides high quality GOLDEN acrylic paints, Silver brushes and lots of collage fodder and tools. This workshop is suitable for the novice, intermediate and experienced artist. You will be making art in Heather’s studio at Whiting Mills, a beautiful and comfortable space.
Date: June 2nd, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Venue: Whiting Mills Studio 509, Winsted, Connecticut, United States
Contact: Heather Neilson
Email: [email protected]
Fee: 175
Event Open to Public
https://www.heatherneilsonart.com/abstract-mixed-media-collage-workshop
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Expressive Abstract Painting Workshop
Expressive Abstract Painting Workshop In this one-day painting workshop, you will learn approaches for creating expressive abstract paintings using acrylic paint and mark making tools. Through exercises on high quality mixed media paper and GOLDEN acrylic paints, you will be introduced to concepts of composition, color, value and shape as it relates to abstract painting. You will learn how to use acrylic paints and other tools but, most of all, you will be encouraged to trust your instincts and tame the inner critic. This is a terrific workshop if you are new to abstract painting, new to acrylics or just want to hone your skills and nurture your art practice. Mostly, you will learn how to loosen up and enjoy painting from a place of intuition and expression. You will be painting in Heather’s studio at Whiting Mills, a beautiful and comfortable space. Sunday, June 1, 2024 10am-3:00pm Whiting Mills, Studio 509 Winsted, CT
Date: June 1st, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Venue: Whiting Mills Studio 509, Winsted, Connecticut, United States
Contact: Heather Neilson
Email: [email protected]
Fee: 175
Event Open to Public
https://www.heatherneilsonart.com/expressive-abstract-painting-workshop