Pre-tax total cost of workshop: $800 (includes $25 registration and $25 materials fee), 30% deposit: $240
Dates: Thursday, September 17 – Sunday, September 20, 2026 **hours: 10am – 4pm**
Location: Art School, 15 NW Birch St, Coupeville
Materials: Williams_SupplyList
Level: All levels welcome

Join us for an immersive 4-day workshop: “Dimensions of Abstraction, Space, and Surface”!

Abstraction can be misunderstood— it isn’t just a lack of realism but a powerful language all its own. Think of René Magritte’s painting “The Treachery of Images,” which reminds us that a painted pipe is not a pipe at all, but a representation—an abstraction. In this workshop, we dive into the varied dimensions of abstraction, exploring its expressive and contemplative forms like Pollock’s dynamic traces or Rothko’s meditative fields.

Over four days, you’ll learn how to build a complete abstract piece, from creating dynamic surface textures to honing impactful compositions, ultimately achieving a polished final work. We’ll begin with surface preparation, building texture using vintage papers, tissue, plaster, and more, before moving into acrylic paint and mixed media. You’ll be encouraged to make untethered marks, embrace the unknown, and find composition and focal points without fear of mistakes. Finally, we’ll give you tools to refine your artwork to professional standards, so you can confidently present it in galleries or shows.

Instructor Bios
Diane Williams is renowned for her large-scale paintings, characterized by bold contrasts and vibrant hues, drawing viewers into compositions that explore nature and consciousness.

Chuck Potter has developed innovative techniques in plaster, focusing on ancient myth, curiosities of the cosmos, and geographical phenomena.

Blending Western and Eastern art practices from their studies at the University of Hangzhou, China, their work reflects a unique fusion. Operating from studios in Crockett, CA, and Greenville, CA, Diane and Chuck offer transformative workshops that extend beyond technique to delve into the depths of each artist’s desires. Through their shared YouTube channel and online workshop series, they enrich the artistic community worldwide.