All work will take place in the studio.

At the start of the course I will concentrate on right hemisphere brain exercises and seek to change the way you see. We will look at the work of a variety of abstract artists and examine their raison d'etre. Studio exercises will focus around still-life. On Tuesday we will look at the artist Mondrian, from his early work that was entirely figurative, to his later work that was totally abstract. Prompted by colour in a still life group we will attempt a Mondrian inspired piece. The following day we will examine the work of a very well known English abstract painter Ben Nicholson. Using simple colours we will try and do a piece of work paying homage to Nicholson. On Thursday using simple print techniques combined with some still life observation we will try to make a collaged piece of work. On the final day with some tutor guidance it is hoped you will create a very personal piece originating from the tuition you have received in the week.

The days will start with some very structured teaching followed by an opportunity to express oneself more freely.

Please bring along any sketches or drawings that you would like to "abstract”.

Students will be encouraged to work in the media of their own choosing.

Reading List.

Any book on Mondrian. Mondrian by John Milner published by Phaidon would be a good choice.

Any book on Ben Nicholson for instance Ben Nicholson by Norbert Lynton.

It would be helpful to read widely about abstract art. Try to look at the work of Picasso Braque Matisse Klee Kandinsky Rauschenberg De Kooning and Pollock to name but a few.

Please try to come to the course and be able to talk about a piece of abstract work that has inspired you.

About your Tutor

I was born in Manchester and after a Fine Art Degree at Manchester College of Art and Design won a British Council scholarship to study in Vienna for one year. After a teaching Diploma back in England I embarked on a career of Art teaching which lasted for nearly 30yrs.The rather eclectic nature of my work reveals a life spent in Secondary School teaching where one needs to be all things to all people. After retiring as Head of the Arts Faculty at Pangbourne College I have continued to teach adults in Henley still enjoying sharing knowledge and skills. Teaching at Marlborough College Summer School for nearly 20 years; although I hasten to add not the same course; has always presented a different kind of challenge. This is my first year for this course and reflects a changing approach to my own work.

I have exhibited extensively in the Thames Valley as well as taking part in the Art Trail organised by Henley Guild of Artists.

Recently my painting has been a personal journey to develop my own voice and to find materials and ways of working that truly express my ideas and feelings. You can find out more about me and my work my visiting my web site www.dianaseidl.co.uk