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Abstraction in Mixed Media: Learn to Develop a Powerful Abstract Painting

Create a compelling abstract piece: explore intuition, layering, balance, focal points, and mixed media techniques with bold, experimental tools.

program overview

This workshop guides you through the full journey of creating a compelling abstract work from start to finish. You’ll strengthen your artistic instincts while learning how to build a meaningful concept or visual narrative that anchors your piece.

We will explore:

  • Developing intuitive decision-making
  • Building, adjusting, and refining layers
  • Finding balance between control and spontaneity
  • Creating dynamic focal points and luminous highlights

Using a wide range of mixed media materials — including collage, paint, crayons, oil pastels, and unexpected household tools like plastic wrap and Q-tips — you’ll experiment with texture, mark-making, and innovative surface techniques.

This class is about courage, curiosity, and learning how to “wrestle” with a painting until it becomes something honest, layered, and alive.

Paints and substrate will be provided through the materials fee. See the supply list for additional items to bring.

Note: There will be a one-hour lunch break. Please bring a bag lunch.

You can view the full supply list here.

instructor Overview

Colleen Gianatiempo

As an artist, I live my life the same way I paint, by embracing the mystery, staying open to change, finding courage, honoring my intuition and trusting the journey. This mindset has led me to my colorful, layered, contemporary, distinctive style.

Art has always been a part of my life paralleling my development as a person, through education, raising children and working professionally as a graphic designer. I am honored to hold an MFA in non-figurative abstract painting from the Academy of Art in San Francisco. With three degrees in tow, I have all the knowledge I need to operate my fine art practice and teach and inspire students from around the globe. I now live and work in St. George, Utah.

www.gianatiempogallery.com/ 
Instagram:  @gianatiempofineart

Membership Has It’s Benefits

All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40.
Materials fees are not discounted.

Membership helps support our programs, events, and financial aid programs.
Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity.

Membership InformationJoin the Studio
Class FAQ

We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.

Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.

All credits must be used within 1 year.

You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.

The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.

  • All Levels
  • Welcomes participants from beginning through advanced. Instructor provides a balanced and flexible curriculum suitable for participants with any level of experience.
  • Beginning
  • Participant has little to no experience with this medium and needs or expects guidance at every step during the class. Participant wants to learn about materials, techniques, and vocabulary of the medium.
  • Intermediate
  • Participant is comfortable with the medium and expects both guidance and time to work alone with the medium.
  • Advanced
  • Participant is very confident with all aspects of the medium. Participant is self-motivated; ready to experiment and develop their artistic voice.
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Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at [email protected] to request a late addition.

We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.

Registration Closed

Date & TIme

Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Location

Gallery 212

276 East Napa Street
Sonoma, CA 95476 United States + Google Map

Category

Event Categories:
,

Experience Level

Experience Level

All-Levels, Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced

Ages

Age(s)

18-over

Registration Cost:

$100

Materials Fee:

$20

Total Registration Cost:

$120
Register Financial Aid