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Abstract Art: Exploring Colour, Texture and Form

Abstract Art: Exploring Colour, Texture and Form

This engaging course invites students to delve into the vibrant world of abstract art with particular focus on the expressive potential of form, colour and texture. Each week will build on the last, developing your skills and inspiring you to expand your creative repertoire. Through a combination of practical exercises, artist studies, and personal experimentation, you will explore different abstract drawing and painting techniques, and develop your own visual language. Abstract Art at City Academy offers both structured guidance and the space for creative play and discovery.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS COURSE

Explore the freedom of abstract art as you experiment with colour, texture and form to develop a visual language that feels uniquely your own.

  • Build confidence creating abstract artwork in a supportive studio setting
  • Explore colour, texture and form through playful experimentation
  • Develop your own artistic voice without relying on realistic representation
  • Learn how traditional and unconventional materials can shape your work
  • Strengthen your understanding of composition, contrast and visual balance
  • Enjoy a creative course suitable for all levels
  • Use the course as a springboard into further drawing, painting or mixed media classes
  • Create artwork that feels expressive, personal and exploratory
Colour Exploration

Experiment with colour combinations, contrast and mood to create expressive abstract artwork with greater confidence.

Texture and Surface

Explore how texture, layering and surface detail can add depth, energy and interest to your work.

Shape and Form

Use shape, form and composition to create structure, rhythm and balance within abstract pieces.

Creative Experimentation

Work with traditional and unconventional materials, giving you freedom to test ideas and discover unexpected results.

Personal Visual Language

Develop a more individual artistic voice by exploring marks, materials and forms that feel personal to you.

Abstract Composition

Learn how to bring colour, texture and form together into a balanced and engaging abstract artwork.

Classes Starting Soon

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
19 Sep 2026
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
Dominic Kennedy
City Academy, Farringdon
£110.00
21 Nov 2026
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
Dominic Kennedy
City Academy, Farringdon
£110.00
19
Sep
19 Sep 2026
£110.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: Dominic Kennedy
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
21
Nov
21 Nov 2026
£110.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: Dominic Kennedy
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon

Course Content Breakdown: Techniques and Focus Areas

Introduction to Abstract Thinking
  • Learn how to move beyond realism and explore abstraction as a creative language

  • Understand how abstract art communicates through shape, gesture, and mark-making

  • Engage in practical exercises that help deconstruct familiar imagery and reimagine it in abstract terms

Exploring Colour Theory
  • Discover the emotional power of colour and how to use it effectively in your work

  • Explore colour relationships such as complementary, analogous, and triadic schemes

  • Experiment with limited palettes to create mood, harmony, and contrast
Developing Texture and Surface
  • Understand the building blocks of composition: space, rhythm, balance, and contrast

  • Explore how to use scale, orientation, and cropping to shape your visual narrative

  • Learn to simplify or complicate a piece for greater impact
Mixed Media Techniques
  • Combine various materials to generate unexpected and dynamic results

  • Incorporate collage elements, stencils, and resist techniques into your work

  • Learn the art of layering and reworking to build depth and complexity
Intuitive and Expressive Process
  • Use intuition and spontaneity as creative tools

  • Engage in timed exercises and gestural drawing to loosen up and stay present

  • Learn to let go of control and trust your instincts to guide the process
History & Inspiration
  • Gain inspiration from key figures in abstraction such as Kandinsky, Rothko, de Kooning, and Frankenthaler

  • Understand the development of abstract art through movements like Cubism, Abstract Expressionism, and Minimalism

  • Explore the work of contemporary abstract artists and discover new sources of influence
Personal Voice & Reflection
  • Identify recurring themes, marks, and colours in your work to develop a personal style

  • Take part in reflective exercises and peer discussions to deepen your understanding of your practice

  • Receive support in building confidence and continuing your creative journey beyond the course

Want to learn more?

Continue your creative journey with one of the courses below. Explore new artistic techniques, experiment with different approaches and keep developing your own creative style.

Your Art Supplies

City Academy's art studio has everything you need to get creative.

All materials, including paper, brushes and other art supplies, will be provided.

BENEFITS OF ART CLASSES
Your Art Supplies

Browse Courses

You can filter Courses by month and tutor

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
19 Sep 2026
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
Dominic Kennedy
City Academy, Farringdon
£110.00
21 Nov 2026
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
Dominic Kennedy
City Academy, Farringdon
£110.00
19
Sep
19 Sep 2026
£110.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: Dominic Kennedy
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
21
Nov
21 Nov 2026
£110.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: Dominic Kennedy
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
City Academy, Farringdon
City Academy, Farringdon
Closest Station: Farringdon
Closest Bus Stop: Hatton Garden
Dominic Kennedy
Dominic Kennedy