WORKSHOPS 

CREATIVE WORKSHOPS

THE ART OF THE BACKGROUND

Where layers collide, colours wander and beautiful things happen.

COMING SOON

What if I told you the background is where the magic really happens?

LET’S BUILD IT ONE LAYER AT A TIME

Whether you’re creating a portrait, an abstract piece or something entirely your own, a beautifully layered background can add depth, energy and interest before you’ve even decided where the painting is going.

Art gets interesting when we experiment. Try something. Layer over it. Scrape some of it away. Add something unexpected. Sometimes the best part of a painting is the part you never planned.

We’ll play with paint, paper, washes, texture, mark-making and whatever else we can get our hands on, building layer upon layer until the background becomes part of the story.

WHAT WE’LL EXPLORE

How to build a background with intention—without planning the creativity out of it

How to use collage to create layers, texture and unexpected details

How to build depth with washes, layers and translucent colour

How to experiment with different mediums—and know when enough is enough

How to use colour and contrast to bring energy to your work

How to layer, scrape, cover, reveal and let a little beautiful chaos happen

How to take these techniques and make them completely your own

READY TO GET A LITTLE MESSY?

The Art of the Background is coming soon as a self-paced online workshop you can enjoy whenever—and wherever—the creative mood strikes.

Work through it at your own pace, revisit the techniques whenever you need a little inspiration, and experiment as many times as you like.

Want to be the first to know when it’s ready? Send me a note and I’ll keep you in the loop!

getcreative@ellesseart.com