ACCIDENTS & INTENTIONS: CREATING EXPRESSIVE FIGURATIVE WORK
March 26-28, 2026 | 9:30am - 3:30pm
3-Day Workshop
Instructor Melinda Cootsona
Studio Artiste, Wilmington, NC
Level: Intermediate and Advanced
Tuition: $650
Participants: 10


Have you ever hit a wall with your painting - feeling stuck, frustrated, or lost in the mess? You're not alone.
Every artist faces those moments. In this transformative workshop, Melinda will guide you to lean into the chaos, using those challenging phases (what she calls “the uglies”) as powerful opportunities for growth and discovery.
Learn how to work through discomfort, trusting the process as you create deeply layered, expressive pieces with history and lasting impact. We'll also explore the compelling tension between accident and intention—two forces that, when balanced, bring dynamic energy and depth to your work. By learning to recognize when a piece is truly complete (versus just unfinished), you'll sharpen your artistic eye and gain more confidence in your decision-making.
What You’ll Explore
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How to abstract the figure using multiple techniques
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Strategies for creating a complete abstract painting—including background and negative space
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The role of color in both figurative and abstract work
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The importance of edges and how they affect composition
About the Instructor
Melinda brings over 24 years of international teaching experience in oil painting. Her workshops are known for their high energy and personalized attention. She works closely with each student to help uncover their individual voice and artistic goals.
Mediums
Oil or Acrylic (Some cold wax techniques may be touched on, but this is not a cold wax-specific course.)
Join us for this fast-paced, deeply engaging workshop -and turn chaos into creative gold!
