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Serendipity Patchwork & Quilting: Brenda Gael Smith

Serendipity Patchwork & Quilting: Brenda Gael Smith

Creating at Copacabana

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Abstraction in Action

Abstraction from Reality: Copa Abstractions: Weekly Art Project: Brenda Gael Smith

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.

Brenda developed this workshop especially for committed students looking to stretch their creative muscles and to explore abstraction both in concept and practice. 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;
  • Module 4: group presentations and feedback. The language of critique. All students are expected to participate in this module and contribute to a supportive environment.

*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.

2023 Workshop Dates

  • Group 1 (Weekdays) from 5am 3, 4 and 18 May and 8 June 2023 (This is the afternoon in North America and evenings in the UK and Europe.)
  • Group 2 (Weekends) from 6pm 6, 7 and 20 May and 10 June 2023 (This is morning time in the UK and Europe.)
Book your place with Brenda

What my students say:

Katherine Burgess (UK)

Katherine Burgess artwork from Abstraction in Action workshop with Brenda Gael Smith

Abstraction in Action is the third Serendipity workshop I’ve attended – Brenda is an excellent teacher and you forget that the classes are over Zoom. I’m not a very experienced quilter or quilt-maker but every step of this design-based process was explained brilliantly. The exercises were exciting and are something I will use again and again. Brenda gave me the confidence to run with my own idea and create designs personal to me, something I’ve never done before. I’m now brimming with ideas on how to take my ideas further.I’ve hugely enjoyed every aspect of this course – a big step out of my comfort zone but so worthwhile 😊.

Mary Whitehouse (UK)

This [Abstraction in Action] course is an excellent introduction to the process of abstract art. The blending of instruction and doing, sharing and feedback, led to a very productive series of workshops.

IG: @yorkstitcher
Blog: yorkstitcher.uk

Wendy Dowden (UK)

Just to say again how much I enjoyed the course (and indeed the other two I have done with you).
The simplification and economy concepts were a real lightbulb moment for me, learning to strip an idea down to the bare bones, removed even from the original colours.
I hope to be able to continue this in my future work.
It was also fun interacting with an international group of quilters.
I will look out for your future courses.

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Contact

Brenda Gael Smith
brenda@serendipitypatchwork.com.au

PO Box 131, Avoca Beach
NSW 2251 Australia

Tel: +61 412530190

Serendipity Studio News

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

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It’s 1 December and the official start of celebr It’s 1 December and the official start of celebrations for the Dreamlines Project. Come along to the Dreamlines party:

⭐️ Party #1: 6pm Monday 11 December UK time (5am Tuesday 12 December Sydney time)

⭐️ Party #2: 7pm Thursday 14 December EST (11am Friday 15 December Sydney time)

Register online today - Zoom registration links in the profile.

Add your composition to the Dreamlines Gallery (link in profile) and go into the draw to win a Sunset bundle of ten half metre solids from @thequiltshop 

New compositions are being added to Dreamlines Project gallery all the time including:

💜 Pointing left by @srbracelin USA
🤎 Oak Grove by Cyndy Holloway
🧡 All Roads Lead to Somewhere by Debbie Hollett, Canada
💙 in Memory of Wiebke by @patchworkartepi 
💛 Light by @patchworkartepi 
💚 Dreamlines by @zippyquilts 
❤️ Dreamlines Quilt 2023 in Bright Colors by @sleepingdogquilts 
💜 Kona Kona Kona by Linda Watt

Share your Dreamlines or start your Dreamlines today. The project files will be available until 31 December 2023. And it’s free!
#dreamlinesproject
#dreamlines2023
#learnwithbrenda
#improvquilt
#serendipitystudentgallery
@cory.calandra.devereaux meets her doppelgänger a @cory.calandra.devereaux meets her doppelgänger at @gosfordgallery.

Artwork by @randamagdiartist 

#doppelganger #artexcursion

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