• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Serendipity and the Art of the Quilt

Serendipity and the Art of the Quilt

Creating with Brenda Gael Smith

  • WEBSITE
  • About
    • Biography
    • Resume
  • Shop
  • Gallery
    • Serendipity Gallery
    • Contemporary Textile Art
    • Monthly Art Project 2019
    • Weekly Art Project
  • Workshops & Programs
    • Workshop Booking Form
    • Overview
    • Workshops Brochure
    • 3 Hour Zoom Workshops
    • Schedule
    • Lectures & Programs
    • Abstraction from Reality
    • Bound to Please
    • Creating with Felt
    • Circular Explorations
    • Improvisation Plus
    • Lines of Beauty
    • Logs & Ladders
    • The Modern X
    • Shibori Serendipity
    • Stacks of Improvisation
    • Strata Various
  • Resources
    • Copyright Resources
    • Tutorials
    • Melody Quiltalong
  • News/Events
    • Calendar
    • Newsletter Sign Up
  • Blog
  • Contact

Abstraction in Action: Book for August/September

25 May 2021 Filed Under: Teaching, Zoom Workshops Leave a Comment

Bookings are now open for my live, interactive Zoom workshops for a range of time zones in mid 2021. In addition to the technique-based, 3 hour workshops, I offer a long format workshop with a focus on the design and composition process. Abstraction in Action is a four module/10 hour workshop for committed students looking to stretch their creative muscles and to explore abstraction both in concept and practice.  This workshop returns on 25/26 August, 9 and 30 September 2021. Spaces are limited.

Learn with Brenda: book your place!

Abstraction in Action Student Gallery

I am so excited about the work created by my students in the April sessions and their thoughtful participation. Thanks to the eight artists that have agreed to share their work below:

  • Paola Machetta writes about the “pocket sky” reflected in the windows at @thecultofquilt
  • Giovanna Nicolai was inspired by New York at night 🚖 @jonikquilts
  • Diane Garrison’s oozes summer with luscious watermelon
  • Joan Backus:
  • Deborah Laurie: blue fairy wren`
  • Vicki Martyn: architecture and portals
  • Eileen Donovan: prickly pear cactus
  • Marie McEachern: thistle

Abstraction in Action Course Outline

Learn how to create an abstract composition drawn from reality using YOUR preferred medium and techniques*. Working from a personal source of inspiration found in nature or place, students will learn the basics of abstraction through observation, reflection and repetition.

The multi-segment program includes:

  • Module 1 (3 hours): an overview of the history of abstraction in the visual arts including both non-objective abstraction and abstraction from reality; an introduction to the elements of design and developing your art vocabulary; warm-up composition exercises;
  • Module 2 (3 hours): inspiration gathering, setting parameters, compositional options and the principles of design; converting ideas into compositions;
  • Module 3 (optional): informal open studio session where Brenda is available to help troubleshoot abstraction issues; and
  • Module 4: review and feedback. The language of critique. All students are expected to participate in this module and contribute to a supportive environment.

Class sizes are capped to optimise a personal experience.

Course Dates: August/September 201

All dates are shown in Sydney time. Use the Time Zone Converter Tool to calculate the time at your location.

  • Module 1: 5am-8am Wednesday 25 August
  • Module 2: 5am-5am Thursday 26 August
  • Module 3: from 5am Thursday 9 September
  • Module 4: from 5am Thursday 30 September

*The Zoom version of this class does NOT include technique instruction. Students are expected to have the skills necessary to undertake the assignments in their preferred medium and techniques. While most students are likely to be working in fabric (eg piecing, applique, fusing, surface design), all mediums are welcome.

Abstraction in Action

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Blog Posts Straight to Your In Box


Blog Archives

Serendipity Studio Newsletter

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Rajah Award 2025
  • Art Quilt Australia 2025
  • Zig Zag Pizzazz at the Australasian Quilt Convention 2025
  • Glioblastoma: Statistics and Stories
  • Learn with me: 2025 workshops
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Footer

Contact

Brenda Gael Smith
brenda@serendipitypatchwork.com.au

PO Box 131, Avoca Beach
NSW 2251 Australia

Serendipity Studio News

Sign up for periodic updates from my studio - new artwork, workshops, exhibitions and other news

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

New on Instagram


This year (2026) marks the 20th anniversary of the
This year (2026) marks the 20th anniversary of the Australasian Quilt Convention. The entrance features a display of the brochure covers over the years and it was fun to identify 3 covers that include snippets of exhibits that I was involved with.

⭐️ 2009 was my first AQC. I was a tutor and my contribution to the “teach me” exhibit was “Grass” that you can see in the lower right corner.

⭐️ in 2013, the Twelve by Twelve International Art Quilt Project shared the Colourplay series which included a piece by @studioconway highlighting the plight of refugees in drought (see centre left)

⭐️ in 2020 the chronology was disrupted by the Covid pandemic but not before the brochure was published with “The Fuchsia’s Looking Bright m” by @darlingdi from @vision2020textiles who poseda poignant question: Will my optimistic dream of a brighter future turn out to be 2020 vision, or just a fun and fabulous fabric fusion of my favourite colours?

Congratulations to @craft.events_  on the 20th Anniversary 🤩


I am driven to abstraction. Abstraction is a persi
I am driven to abstraction. Abstraction is a persistent and insistent force in my creative practice. Working improvisationally, I capture the essence of my subjects to impart a sense of wonder of the natural world and a deep affinity to place. 

As part of the Rajah Award that I received last year, I will be sharing a selection of my textile paintings in a special exhibit at the Australasian Quilt Convention in  Melbourne presented by @craft.events_ 

Textile enthusiasts from across Australia and overseas gather at this exciting event. If you see me at AQC, please do say hello. I am looking forward to seeing everyone😍

#australasianquiltconvention  #rajahaward  #brendagaelsmithart #australasianquiltconvention2026