This document provides an overview for an art class that will cover various abstraction and realism techniques over multiple sessions. It includes definitions of abstract expressionism and notes key artists that influenced the movement such as Franz Kline, Arshile Gorky, and Helen Frankenthaler. The class will involve exercises with mixed media collage, assemblage, found objects, and critiques. Students are instructed to focus on techniques like alternating positive and negative shapes, blowing up small details from photos, and using light washes on paper to draw imaginary shapes. Examples from artists such as Joseph Stella are provided for inspiration.

1. March 20Abstraction & Realism I
March 27Abstraction & Realism II
April 3 Mixed Media Collage I
April 10 Mixed Media Collage II
April 17 Assemblage & Found Objects
April 24 Crit
Abstract and
Real
DAY TWO
Glenn Hirsch, Instructor
Caroline Burton
Michahelles ·
Asheville Art
Museum collection

2. “Abstract Expressionism”
An art movement that originated in New York in
the 1940s and 1950s and aimed at subjective
emotional expression with particular emphasis
on the creative spontaneous act (e.g., action
painting).

3. A key element to abstract
expressionism is the alternation
of “positive’ and ‘negative’
shape.
Black against white?
White against black?
Seeing both at the same time is
another way to create ‘rhythm’
and ‘energy’ in a painting.

4. Do you see bats
or angels?
(M.C. Escher engraving, 1930)

5. Franz Kline (1910-1962) was an American painter associated with the
Abstract Expressionist movement of the 1940s and 1950s.

6. Franz Kline, 1956

9. Arshile Gorky (1904-1948) was an Armenian-American
painter, who had a seminal influence on Abstract
Expressionism.

10. (Arshile Gorky 1940)

12. Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011) was an American
abstract expressionist painter. She was a major
contributor to the history of postwar American
painting.

15. Graham Sutherland (1903-1980) was an English artist who is notable for his
work in glass, fabrics, prints and portraits. His work was much inspired by
landscape and religion, and he designed the tapestry for the re-built
Coventry Cathedral.

16. (Graham Sutherland 1945)

18. What we’ll do
tonight.
• Taking Nature
out of context
• Blowing up
something
small
• Draw the
shapes
between
things

19. Select a TINY portion from
the photo and draw it, let
it fill the page

20. 1. Light wash on paper first
and let it dry
2. Draw shapes, add color. The photo is just for
inspiration, you don’t have to follow it.

21. Use your
imagination!

22. Joseph Stella
“Spring” 1916

23. Negative Shape
Create a shape by
painting the
background
around it