The Art of Inner Expression: Session 1
Basic mindful art making practices
Through mindful creative practice, artists can harness the essential steps of expressive drawing to release their visual voice by focusing on the process rather than the outcome. This meditative approach involves paying close, non-judgmental attention to the movement of the hand, the sensation of the tool on the surface, and the spontaneous marks that emerge. To deepen this experience, ideas from collage can be incorporated by intuitively selecting and arranging found images, textures, and words to build a visual narrative that reflects internal feelings. The tactile acts of cutting and layering become grounding exercises that help the mind stay focused on the present. Ultimately, the transformative process of monotype printing enables artists to harness chance and create unique, one-of-a-kind images. By applying ink to a surface and drawing into it with various tools or textures, artists can transfer a fleeting impression onto paper. This practice encourages adaptability and confidence in the face of unpredictable results. Together, these techniques invite a holistic creative exploration, using art to quiet the mind, increase self-awareness, and express one's inner world.
Week One - Line: Understanding the expressive qualities of lines and their role in creating form and movement.
Week Two - Shape: Exploring different types of shapes (geometric and organic) and how they interact to create visual interest.
Week Three - Learning about light and darkness, and how to use it to create depth and emphasis.
Attending the Inner Art of Expression Sessions 2 and 3 after this class is strongly recommended.
About alison barrows-young
Alison Barrows-Young's passion for art is imprinted on her DNA. With generations of artists in her family, it is no wonder why Alison has always followed her heart to create. Her parents encouraged her at a young age to pursue her art, beginning when she was just a child.
Alison holds a bachelor’s in fine arts from Antioch/SVA and a master’s in fine arts from Florida State University. She also has a master’s in education from Concordia University in Portland Oregon. Throughout her life, Alison has divided her career between teaching and professional studio art. She has taught art practice for over 30 years and is particularly fond of teaching art theory along with visual expression.
Link to Alison’s Website: www.barrowsyoung.com
Schedule
September 22, 29, October 6, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Supply list
SFAIH White Paint Markers Pens, or similar product - $6.99 (Amazon)
Lichamp Wide Masking Tape, 2 inches, or similar product - $7.59 (Amazon)
Gel Press Monoprinting Plate, 8” x 10”, or similar - $25.99 (Amazon)
Betem 24-Color Dual Tip Acrylic Paint Pen Set, or similar product - $8.99 (Amazon)
POSCA 8-Color Paint Marker Set, PC-5M Medium, or similar product - highlighters work - $14.42 (Amazon)
Crayola Adult Colored Pencils, 36 assorted with sharpener, or similar product - $12.79 (Amazon)
UHU Permanent Clear Application Glue Stick, 1.41 oz (2-pack) - $7.99 (Amazon)
2 Pcs Rubber Roller Brayer Rollers, or similar product - $9.99 (Amazon)
HOMEXCEL Swedish Dishcloths for Kitchen, 10-pack - $6.99 (Amazon) or an industrial-size container of wet wipes
Amsterdam Standard Series Acrylics, primary set, 5 x 120 ml - $26.17 (Amazon)
Mixed Media Sketchbook, 9" x 12" - hardcover, spiral-bound, 60 sheets, 98 lb/160 gsm, or similar - $13.99 (Amazon)
Sharpie Permanent Markers Variety Pack, includes chisel, fine, and ultra-fine tips, or similar product - $5.74 (Amazon)
Sdanart 12-piece Acrylic Paint Brush Set, or similar product - $7.91 (Amazon)
Two 16-oz plastic containers for water
Assorted papers or interesting pages from magazines
One high-quality, image-dense, glossy magazine
Roll of paper towels
No need to bring the entire supply list for every class:
Week 1
Bring: Sketchbook, Black Sharpies, Color Pencils, and/or Paint Markers/Pens
Week 2
Add to Week 1 Supplies: Scissors, Glue Stick, and Variety of Papers and/or Magazine Pages.
Week 3
Add to Week 1 and 2 Supplies: Gel Plate, Acrylic Paints, Brayers, Wet Wipes or Reusable Swedish Dishcloths.