Painting Your Visions: Dreams, Abstraction & the Inner World

What happens when you stop trying to paint what you see—and begin painting what you feel, imagine, remember, or envision?

Painting Your Visions is a nine-week exploration of abstract painting, dreams, symbolism, imagination, and the subconscious. Rather than beginning with the world directly in front of us, this class invites you to turn inward—using painting as a way to explore ideas, emotions, sensations, memories, and images that may not always have a literal form.

Throughout the course, we’ll look at abstract and contemporary artists alongside a little dream literature, symbolism, and the language of imagery. Some sessions may begin with an idea, dream, memory, image, or sensation; others may begin more simply—with a colour, a mark, a feeling, or a blank surface.

Short mindfulness exercises, reflection, and creative prompts will help us slow down and enter a more receptive and intuitive way of working. You’ll have opportunities to jot down thoughts, fragments, images, and associations before allowing them to develop visually through your chosen materials.

Much of our studio time will be devoted to making, experimenting, and following the painting wherever it wants to go. Through colour, texture, gesture, layering, symbols, and abstraction, we’ll explore how seemingly disconnected fragments can begin to form their own visual language—and how intuition can become an important part of the creative process.

You are welcome to work in acrylic, oil, watercolour, mixed-media, or a combination of materials, and to experiment with larger surfaces when your space allows. There is no required set of supplies: bring the materials you already have and enjoy using. A recommended materials list will also be available for anyone looking for a little guidance or inspiration.

No previous experience with abstract painting is required. More than learning how to make a particular kind of painting, this class is an invitation to become curious about your own imagery, loosen your attachment to making things “look right,” and discover what can emerge when you create from a place that is less analytical and more intuitive.

If you’ve ever wanted to explore abstraction as a way of giving form to something difficult to describe—a dream, memory, feeling, sensation, or vision—this class is for you.

Friday afternoons 3-6 pm beginning Feb 5th - March 19th, 2027

Online via Zoom
Ages 18+
All artistic experience levels welcome