WE DO MAGIC, THEY SAY.

Introducing Abstract in Pastel
and Mixed Media

An Online Course
with Marla Baggetta

Perhaps you have the expressed intention to paint abstractly or maybe you experienced a sense of restlessness or dissatisfaction with the way you work right now and want to make a shift. Maybe you’ve always been curious about abstraction but didn’t quite know how to approach it. If any of these ring true, then this Workshop is just for you.

This comprehensive course is designed for pastel artists of all skill levels who are looking to learn the fundamentals of creating stunning abstract paintings in pastels.

By the end of the workshop, you will have a strong understanding of the principles of abstract painting and how to apply them to your work. I guarantee your work will be transformed and you will have gained the confidence to create beautiful, dynamic abstract art that reflects your own unique style and voice.

This online workshop has over 9 hours of video and a 70+ page illustrated study guide. You’ll have lifetime access to all the videos, you can work at your own pace, safely from the comfort of your own home from any device for a seamless and modern online experience.

Over 9 Hours of Video

We have worked hard to bring you high quality instructional videos that provides easy to follow, clear and detailed instruction.  You’ll have lifetime access to all the videos enabling you work at your own pace in the comfort of your own home from any device for a seamless and modern online experience.

Beautifully Illustrated PDF

Our 70+ page detailed coursework presents you with an illustrated guide to materials, theory and wisdom from an expert instructor and professional artist covering everything you need to get started with Abstract in Pastel.  Divided into 11 highly structured chapters, Marla will guide you through all of the necessary groundwork, reinforced with exciting exercises and step-by-step demonstrations, providing you a roadmap to becoming an accomplished artist.

Private Facebook Community

 You’ll also have access to a private Facebook group where you can share your progress, ask questions of Marla and a community of your fellow students who are also taking the course to keep you motivated and inspired along the way. 

Course Contents

Each chapter focuses on a Study or a Step By Step Demo

Chapter 1:
Introduction

There is something intensely personal about abstract art that is not as apparent in other artistic movements. Through abstraction, the artist is forced to draw out the essentials in an image
leading to a resonant individual expression. This essential form often gets lost in the details of an objective image. Personally, I find a deeper connection to abstract with my history of image-making and a clearer understanding of what is required to create something of beauty.

Chapter 2:
Materials + Tools

This workshop is materials intensive so I encourage you to feel free to make as many substitutions as needed to fit both your budget and the availability of materials in your area. Part of the creativity is in coming up with unique solutions to tools and materials.

Chapter 3:
Elements of Art

The elements of art are the basic building blocks of a painting or sculpture. They provide the structure and framework for the work, and without them, there would be nothing to work with. Each element has its own unique purpose and function. When used together effectively, these elements can create a powerful and expressive piece of art. They allow artists to explore their creative potential and express their ideas and emotions in a visual form.

Chapter 4:
The Principles of Design

f you think of chapter three as the “what”, think of this chapter as the “how”. During this chapter we’ll use some of the principles of design to guide us through four warm-up exercises.

Chapter 5:
Language of Marks

This chapter is your warm-up chapter and probaably the most important part of the workshop. Stretch yourself and do some serious “play”. Here is where you’ll discover your personal mark-making vocabulary that will inform the rest of your work of the projects.

Chapter 6:
Abstract Landscapes

This lesson uses three different reference photos. We’ll be making two versions from each reference for a total of six small studies. For the first version of each reference we’ll be painting a representational version as the basis for an abstracted version. The contrast of the two versions will help to clarify your choices and inform the other workshop projects.

Chapter 7:
Abstract Still Life

This project has two parts. For the first part we’ll use our still life reference as a starting point and stay relatively close to it, meaning when we are finished, a viewer will know that we painted a colorful still life of flowers with a quality of light and form. For the second part of the lesson we’ll crop in on a section of this piece and create a second variation that may or may not be even more abstracted. Less about flowers and more about color, shape and the abstract patterns these create.

Chapter 8:
Abstract Animal

Crows are wonderful birds to draw and paint with their interesting silhouette and powerful character. Capturing their attitude, movements and form makes these pieces full of potential. Bringing in lots of media and tools will add to the delight of doing these three versions!

Chapter 9:
Abstract Plant

For this lesson we’ll start with a simple object to depict as a starting point. Gather up your materials and get ready for some serious play. Create three different backgrounds and then approach each version differently. We’ll be working on all three versions simultaneously to facilitate experimentation, play and to give us a chance to let under-paintings dry between working on the three pieces. These are done on the tabletop with a small box of pastels but you are welcome to use whatever pastel palette you have.

Chapter 10:
Abstract Non-Representational

For both projects, we are in the realm of imagination, improvisation and play. All of the previous exercises and projects will play a part in creating imagery that is entirely non-representational. Be sure to have your mark making practices handy. Put on some favorite music and let the spirits move you! Pick some favorite colors for the underpainting and let the piece be very personal. Put some color and marks down and then respond to those and let the piece evolve organically.

Chapter 11:
Afterword

When you create an image you are opening a portal to through which your viewer might share in something that you saw or felt. Does it lift you and your viewer, heal comfort and inspire? I believe this is the very best we can do as artists and it is an auspicious goal!

Abstract in Pastel!

24/7/365 Lifetime COURSE aCCESS

Get started mastering Abstract in Pastel in this incredible Online Workshop!

Beautifully Designed Ebook

80+ pages of in-depth content

In Depth Theory and Guidance

Marla isolates the complex principles of painting and investigates them practically and simply so any student can comprehend and execute even the most difficult problems. Moving from simple to more involved concepts, each lesson builds on the previous so you’ll gain a sound foundation to further your study and practice of painting.

Step by Step Guided Demonstrations

Marla guides you through the time-tested fundamentals step by step, stroke by stroke from the very beginning stages of a drawing to the finish line in a logical and enjoyable path. Marla  stresses the need to develop your own judgement and individual voice as an artist.

A Lifetime of Artist Experience
At Your Fingertips

Over 35 years as a professional artist and teacher

Stunning Artwork, Photographs and Illustration

Following Marla's Instruction is a Pleasure and A Breeze
thanks to Creative and Beautiful Design

Marl a Has Thousands of Satisfied Students

What people say?

I was both stimulated and excited at the prospect of taking on a totally new medium. I adored the class work and the interaction with other students. I hope to take another class soon and I feel I have learned a great deal in”mark making” and with a new medium upon which to play. Thanks, Marla!
Donna
Santa Fe
I have been so impressed with your online painting lessons. You put so much work into presenting the concepts clearly with your teaching, examples, and demos. There is so much content on your site and I’m still scratching the surface of your offerings but I feel that every exercise you suggest helps me grow in depth and breadth. Thank you for your commitment (and perfectionism) to giving us the best learning experience.
Francesca
Montana

World Class Video Instruction

Like having a teacher at the easel with you, no matter where you are

Fun and Easeful Instruction

With a lifetime of experience as an artist and educator, Marla brings an unparalleled combination of joy and wisdom directly to your home. We have worked hard to offer beautiful and clear video instruction, providing valuable education and insight, that will keep you inspired for months and even years.

Up Close and Personal at the Easel

Following along while learning has never been easier! The demonstration view shows the progress of each painting, the reference photo and thumbnail when appropriate, so you get to see how each piece is built from start to finish. Marla narrates her progress in real time as she is painting, so you won’t miss a thing!

Abstract in Pastel!

24/7/365 COURSE ACCESS​

Get started mastering Abstract in Pastel with this incredible Online Workshop!

Frequently Asked Questions

You need to log into the site to participate in the workshop so you will need an internet connection. Workshops and Subscriptions are accessible on iPads, tablets, computers, laptops and even phones – any device you can watch access the web on.

If you have any problems with playing a video or hearing a video, try these steps: 

1) Check your internet connection and reset your internet connection if necessary.

2) Clear your browser cache and history.

2) Update your browser, or try another browser (like Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer).

Sure, you can open a support ticket and we’ll help you right away. Just Email Suport  and we will reply within 24 hours! If we don’t know the answer to your question, we’ll ask Marla and she’ll reply as quickly as she can.

The workshop assignments are online accessible 24×7 – you can take the lessons any time you want. You are not required to complete the course in a specified amount of time. You get access to all the assignments in the workshop at once in a secure member’s area on PaintingLessonsWithMarla.com

When you register for the workshop, you’ll get a Student Account which gives you access to the My Courses area on the PaintingLessonsWithMarla.com website. Your Student Account will allow you take lessons and complete assignments any time you want.

You get lifetime access to the workshop and lessons you pay for so you can finish your painting any time.  It’s fun to keep up with your fellow artists and see how they are doing too but you can stop and come back to it any time, 24×7.  Assignment reminders are sent via email but you can complete them at your own pace – no problem at all! 

100% Digital Online Course

Works With All Devices

24/7 Access No Matter Where You Are

Easy To Follow

Our Site has been carefully designed to be easy to follow. Our simple learning system tracks your progress and takes out the hassle, allowing you to focus on panting!

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