Art that elevates the room
5 weeks | 2.5 h / session
Discover the principles and creative potential of abstract painting in this structured course designed for beginner to intermediate adult artists interested in creating artwork for elevated living spaces. Students will explore abstraction through a design-conscious lens, working with acrylic paint, mixed media, modelling paste, and more to create layered, intentional compositions suited for interior environments. Through guided projects and focused experimentation, students will build confidence in developing abstract work that balances personal expression with visual harmony.
Through live demonstrations, progressive exercises, and step-by-step instruction, students will deepen their understanding of:
- Abstract composition, balance, and visual flow
- Colour relationships, palette building, and mood creation
- Texture and layering using acrylics, modelling paste, and mixed media
- Scale, proportion, and creating art that responds to space
- Developing cohesive, interior-ready abstract pieces with intention
Whether you’re new to abstraction or looking to refine your approach, this course offers clear guidance, creative exploration, and supportive feedback to help you create confident, thoughtful abstract artwork designed to live beautifully within a space.
Materials Disclaimer: All materials will be provided for the workshop. Participants are welcome to bring their own canvas if they have a custom idea in mind. We recommend canvases no larger than approximately 30 × 40 inches to ensure there is sufficient time during the workshop to complete the piece.
Meet the Instructor
Ivana Tovilla-Batiz is an honours graduate of OCAD University’s Drawing & Painting program and a proud RHAS alumna who began her artistic journey with us over a decade ago. With years of experience teaching drawing, Ivana brings both technical mastery and a passion for nurturing artistic growth in her students. Studying under Prof. Baerg during her undergraduate years profoundly shaped her artistic approach. Drawing inspiration from the rich history of abstract art in her native Mexico and her Polish-Mexican heritage, she has developed a practice centered on bold and expressive abstract painting. Through the AICAD Exchange, Ivana studied abroad at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), and she has also attended the prestigious Pre-College Summer Intensive Program for Illustration at Parsons The New School in New York. Drawing on her diverse training and professional practice, Ivana’s workshop invites students to explore the rich potential of black-and-white drawing, focusing on depth, value, contrast, and the play of light and shadow across different materials.
Intimate group setting
We’ve got the materials covered
Limited to 10 participants. Save your spot today!
