Explore the basis of abstraction by studying color, line, and shape as they relate to composition. Learn to create exciting and innovative works of art, using a series of drawing, painting, and collage exercises designed to examine nontraditional ways of handling traditional materials and subject matter. The time-honored media of charcoal and pastel, as well as the newer liquid acrylic glazes and media, will be used.

This is a process-oriented class with an emphasis on finding a more intuitive way of working. Examination of contemporary art includes a visit to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden to view Everything Guillermo Kuitca: Paintings and Works on Paper, 1980-2008. The mid-career retrospective of Kuitca, an Argentinean artist, provides a comprehensive look at a contemporary artist’s life and work. Critiques and group discussion contribute to the process.

Instructor Delna Dastur is an experienced artist and teacher. She has exhibited widely.

8 sessions, 3 hours each

No class Nov. 25 and Dec. 2.