Realism to Abstraction with Madison Faile

Realism to Abstraction with Madison Faile

Friday & Saturday, March 20 & 21, 2026.
10 AM to 4 PM.
Appropriate for intermediate artists, as well as more experienced painters.
Number of Students: Max 10.
$300, supplies needed, includes lunch on Saturday.

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In this workshop, students will create a series of four paintings developed from a single photographic reference, exploring a deliberate progression from representation to abstraction.

The first painting will focus on close observation, aiming for a realistic and representational interpretation of the source image. Each subsequent painting will evolve directly from the one before it, gradually loosening literal depiction and emphasizing shape, color, movement, and structure. Rather than starting fresh each time, students will build conceptually and visually on previous work, allowing abstraction to emerge organically.

By the final painting, students will complete a fully abstract work that remains conceptually rooted in the original subject matter. The emphasis of the workshop is on objective abstraction—learning how abstraction can be constructed intentionally and thoughtfully from observation, rather than invented without structure.

This workshop is ideal for painters interested in strengthening their visual decision-making, understanding abstraction as a process, and developing cohesive bodies of work.

Supply List (click on linked items to add them to you cart) SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Abstract Acrylic Paints (heavy body only, no liquid or fluid acrylic)

Primary Palette (mandatory)

Ivory Black
Titanium White
Ultramarine Blue
Vermillion or Cadmium Red
Cadmium Yellow Lemon Hue
Yellow Ochre

Secondary Palette (optional)

Venetian Pink
Payne’s Gray
Sap Green
Titan Buff
Raw Sienna
Burnt Umber
Chinese Orange
Chinese Blue

Stiff Bristle paint brushes, like Princeton Aspen Set or Princeton Dakota Set
Palette knife (Princeton Select Artiste Palette Knife #5 or #21)
Disposable palette (Grey Matters)
Four Canvases (all the same size), 9" x 12", OR 11" x 14"
Golden Retarder (Acrylic Medium)
Graphite pencils (optional)
PRINTED photo reference (8.5" x 11")
Paper towels
Water cup
An open mind and a sense of humor

Level 2: Intermediate - Assumes the student has some experience in the medium. Reviews basic techniques and offers individual assistance but moves at a faster pace.

UPDATED CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations made 14 days or more in advance of the event will receive a refund equal to 50% of the cost of the event. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. This will help ensure that the instructor will be paid for their time and effort of teaching the event.

Skill Level:	Beginner
Skill Details:

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Included Materials

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Class + Materials

This class cannot be purchased online. Please contact the store for more information.

Realism to Abstraction with Madison Faile
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