LESSONS SCHEDULE
Welcome to my Absolute Beginner’s Abstract Art 4-Day Workshop.
My name is Charles Farran. I am 79 years old and live a full and vibrant life as a full-time abstract artist and jazz musician. I create abstract artworks that are collected internationally, and when I’m not painting, I can usually be found playing the drums with my band.
For a while now, I have been considering offering abstract art lessons to help absolute beginners discover the joy of painting—whether as a creative hobby, a way to relax, or even as a potential side income. Perhaps now is the perfect time for you to explore this exciting world of colour and expression.
Workshop Details
- Duration: 4 days
- Location: My home studio in Poundbury, Dorset
- Group size: Maximum of 3 students (to allow plenty of one-to-one guidance)
- Materials provided: Acrylic paints, brushes, and canvas surfaces
- What to bring: Old clothes or an apron (it can get messy!) and a packed lunch
- Extras: Complimentary tea and coffee available throughout the day
What to Expect
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never painted or drawn before—I promise that by the end of the week, you’ll have created at least one painting to take home and treasure. You may even make some new, like-minded friends along the way.
Each day, we will explore abstract art step by step, with no pressure and plenty of encouragement. I aim to make sure you have fun while learning at your own pace.
SCHEDULE
Day One
- Brief self-introductions from each participant
- Share why you want to paint and what you hope to gain from the week
- Talk on abstract art and its history
- Discussion of the instructor’s artistic influences
- Why abstract art is a genuine art form
- Presentation of the instructor’s own artworks
- Introduction to key art books used for inspiration
- Students may borrow one book overnight and exchange with others during the week
- Why acrylics are recommended for beginners compared to oils or watercolours
- Overview of acrylic paint brands and their qualities
- Discussion of surfaces and canvases to be used throughout the week
- Overview of essential brushes, tools, mediums, and cleaning items
- Q&A session with students
- Tips on how to easily correct mistakes
- Why acrylics are ideal for both beginners and advanced artists
Day Two
Our focus today will be on something that may not sound very exciting at first, but is essential for good painting: surface preparation. We’ll look at the different supports you’ll be working on—such as canvases and canvas boards—and how to get them ready.
The key material here is Gesso. Gesso is a thick, white primer used to prepare surfaces like canvas, wood panels, and other absorbent materials. It creates a stable, slightly textured ground that helps paint adhere properly and prevents it from soaking into the surface.
Although most canvases sold today come “pre-primed,” we’ll be applying at least two additional coats of Gesso. I’ll explain why this makes such a difference and how it improves the final painting.
By the end of today’s session, you’ll prepare your first canvas with Gesso, laying the foundation for the work ahead.
Tomorrow, we will begin discussing your first abstract painting, which will be your focus for the next two days. We need to explore your thoughts and ideas for this piece, including composition and colour choices.
Day Three
This is probably the biggest day of the week when you will discover the excitement of your first abstract painting. I want you to paint from your heart and your experiences, while taking some ideas from other experienced artists.
You will soon discover that copying someone else’s abstract art is almost impossible. I tried in my early days, but trust me, it’s not possible.
I often see a painting in a television film and quickly use my phone camera to record it for future reference. This way, when I next have ‘blank canvas syndrome’, I can go back to the saved pictures for inspiration.
Blank canvas syndrome is when you have a new blank canvas in front of you, but have no idea where this is going to go. Trust me, we all suffer from it.
Day Four
Well, here we are on our final day. Over the past week, we’ve made new friends and explored the world of abstract art—its history, the tools of the trade, and the many paints and media that can help us develop our work. I’ll also share my favourite paint suppliers along with some practical tips on how to avoid spending unnecessarily.
Today, we return to our very first paintings. There will be plenty of time to step back, reflect, and make any last adjustments that could bring your work to life. This is also an excellent opportunity to invite feedback from your new friends on the course. And remember—one of the wonderful advantages of acrylic paint is its flexibility: even once your painting is hanging on the wall at home, you can still make changes.
As we close this week together, I hope you take away not only new ideas and techniques, but also the confidence to call yourself an artist.
We’ll finish with a complimentary pub lunch, giving us time to celebrate, and share what we’ve learned, and chat about how I can continue to support your artistic journey in the months ahead.