Joy of Painting: Abstract Realism with Laural Bushman

“If you want to experience joy, humor, and beauty learning new ways to paint with acrylics and palette knives, this class is for you!” – Laurel Bushman

In this lively, hands-on workshop, Laurel Bushman invites you to reconnect with your playful, five-year-old self while exploring the expressive world of abstract realism. Through a mix of guided exercises, demos, and plenty of paint-slinging fun, you’ll discover how to simplify big shapes, break them into values, and choose color schemes that bring energy and beauty to your work.

You’ll explore:

• Joyful, instinctive approaches to painting that free you from perfectionism
• Classic techniques for composition, value, and color
• Using palette knives, brushes, and playful mark-making tools
• Translating photos, imagination, and real life into expressive paintings

The morning session focuses on florals, while the afternoon turns to landscapes—both offering a chance to experiment boldly with color, texture, and design.

Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just beginning, Laurel’s enthusiastic teaching style will energize your process, spark creativity, and help you leave with vibrant new artwork—and a smile.

Date: Saturday November 15

Time: 11am-5pm

Ages: 18+

Cost: $125

Location: Tokki Art Supply

Suggested materials:

PAINT : Students may use whatever colors they feel comfortable with but heavy body acrylics are required for versatility with palette knives and brushes alike. I typically use artists grade Liquitex and Golden but I use other brands, as well.

Students will receive a 20% discount for materials purchased for this class. Just show us your registration at checkout.

These are the colors I like to use:

Titanium White

Cadmium Yellow Light

Cadmium Yellow Medium

Cad Yellow Deep

Yellow Oxide

Mars Yellow

Burnt Sienna

Cadmium Orange

Cadmium Red Light

Alizarin Crimson

Dioxazine Purple or Muted Grey by Liquitex (I love Muted Grey!)

Cobalt Blue

Pthalo Blue Light

Teal

Medium Magenta (Liquitex)

Sap Green

Green Gold

Yellow Green

Black

PALETTE :

• Masterson Sta-Wet palette (optional but really good to have!)

Or Palette Paper

MARK MAKING TOOLS :

• Palette Knives : At least two good quality palette knives. I recommend this set (or

the like) – RGM 6 Italian Plus.

• Brushes : Various sizes. Good to have one small one per person for marking in

some basic shapes on canvas. We will mostly be using palette knives.

PAINTING SUPPORTS:

• Practice canvas or paper

• Canvas

OTHER REQUIRED SUPPLIES :

• Sketch book or paper and pencil

OPTIONAL SUPPLIES :

• Apron or paint shirt

• Golden Glazing Liquid (gloss or satin)

• Hand held mirror (I will bring mine)

• Reference Photos that can be broken down into 3 to 5 distinct shapes. I will provide

some to work from but after we learn the basics, students may choose to use their

own.

• Notanizer App (or similar) downloaded on your cell phone or tablet

If you cannot attend a class, a 72 hour notice prior to the start of the class via email or phone is required for a full refund of the class fee. After that there is no refund.