Create an Abstract Collection of Art with Jodi Ohl at ARTworks Vass
March 20, 2027 @ 9:00 am – March 21, 2027 @ 4:00 pm
Learn to design and paint a small abstract art collection with Jodi Ohl on March 20th and 21st.
Over the course of this workshop, you will work on tried-and-true techniques to enhance your art practice. By building your skills around design, color, value, and composition we will set the stage for a 4-piece (or more) collection that will be ready to hang in any home or gallery. You will learn to express yourself through your brushstrokes and color choices and take your abstract art to the next level – whether you are a new artist or a seasoned professional!
This two-day workshop is fun and fast-paced with plenty of time for individual work, as well as a variety of warm-up exercises that will help guide you towards your finished collection.
You can expect the following:
- Explore design principles that will help organize your composition
- Dive into color mixing and how to select your own unique color palette
- Learn how and when to use a variety of mixed media, gel, and acrylic mediums
- Create work that evokes a feeling or experience
- Guidance by Jodi in a gentle and nurturing way.
Join us for this fun-filled weekend of expressive abstract art making and take home an experience and a “collection” that will inspire you for years to come.
If you are interested in abstract painting but don’t know where to start or you have been painting in acrylics and want to learn some fresh techniques, Abstract Collection with Jodi Ohl could just be the workshop for you.
Jodi Ohl is a contemporary artist, author, and instructor celebrated for her vibrant abstract and whimsical mixed-media creations. Based in Aberdeen, NC, Jodi works from her home studio and travels extensively to lead workshops and retreats around the world, inspiring students to embrace creativity and explore the possibilities of abstract art.
Necessary Supplies to Bring:
Brushes:
- Assorted brushes in different sizes. Include both flat and round brushes and at least one 2-4 inch flat brush for larger surfaces.
- Some fun optional Mark Making supplies are: Neo Color II Crayons, Stabilo Woodies, Graphite, China Marker are all great to have on hand.
- Other Markmaking tools: Jodi suggests these fine line applicators that can be filled with fluid acrylic paint (thinned with a little Golden High Flow Medium) in the color of your choice.
- Catalyst Wedge, Jodi recommends the #6.
Paint:
- Assorted acrylic paint. Jodi suggests Golden Fluid paint along with some soft body paint such as Liquitex or Nova. (Nova has good prices and fun bundles) Please do not bring heavy body paint as your main paint to use.
- To start with a ‘neutral base’ on your palette, Jodi recommends the following’: Titanium White, Titan Buff, Carbon Black, Van Dyke Brown or Raw Umber, Azo Gold, and Payne’s Gray.
- Feel free to bring your favorite colors. Others you may find useful are: Hansa Yellow, Cadmium Yellow, Napthol Red, Pyrole Red, Ultramarine Blue, Prussian Blue, Quinicridone Magenta, Turquoise, and Yellow Iron Oxide (or Indian Yellow Hue).
Mediums:
- Small bottles of Glazing Medium (Satin) and Matte medium (fluid, not gel).
Surfaces:
- 4-6 12″x12″ wood panels for your main project (canvas or wood panel) Amazon has a great bundle with light weight wood panels you can find HERE.
- Optional: A couple of smaller canvases to paint additional projects.
- Please pre-gesso your surfaces to save time in class. Jodi suggests using a grey gesso (adding a little black paint to white gesso), and will have gesso available if you are unable to pre-gesso your surfaces.
Palette:
- A Covered Palette is Preferred along with palette paper or freezer paper to mix your paints. A Sta-Wet Palette is what Jodi uses.
Journal and Preparation:
- An art journal if you’d like to practice ideas or use to create backgrounds with excess paint. A small notebook for note taking and idea generating.
- It is really helpful to research abstract paintings via Pinterest or perhaps a book and save to an inspiration board (electronic—Canva or Pinterest). Think about what it is that draws you into the type of work that you’ve saved. Is it the colors, feeling it evokes, or marks that are made? What inspires you the most in your own work? What inspires you in the world around you? We will be exploring a variety of inspiration to formulate our own work.
Class Schedule:
Saturday, March 20th 9:00 to 4:00
Sunday, March 21st 9:00-4:00
Lunch Break is from 12:00-1:00.
- Filtered water, coffee, tea, and sweet and savory snacks are provided. (Bring a water glass!)
- Bring your own lunch and use the studio refrigerator and microwave.
- Eat out at one of a few nearby options such as Cross Roads Coffee Shop (next door), Valenti’s Italian Restaurant, Emma’s Mexican Kitchen and The Piggly Wiggly grocery store.
Spots Are Limited!
This workshop offers a cozy and personalized learning environment. Don’t wait—classes at ARTworks Vass fill quickly!
Traveling to Attend?
The Gallery/Studio address is 129 Main Street, Vass, NC 28394 and the phone number is 910-245-4129.
If relaxing in a peaceful, wooded setting just minutes from ARTworks Vass sounds like your kind of getaway, consider glamping in one of our two new retro-inspired campers, nestled waterside on a private farm. This unique lodging experience is exclusively available to ARTworks Vass guests and is owned and managed by a trusted member of our local community. For photos and more details, text Gallery Owner Jean Skipper at 910-528-1109.
There are a variety of lodging options locally, and AirBnB offers a few of our favorites! ARTworks Vass is located directly in the center of Vass. Any listings showing “Vass, NC” or “Horse Country” are generally within ten minutes of the gallery. Locations in Carthage, Southern Pines or Pinehurst are generally within 20 minutes. (We’re unable to include a direct link to this search, so create your own search using the destination of “Vass, NC”. If you have any questions about the results, contact us anytime.)
A few charming Bed & Breakfasts are nearby:
We’ve also heard positive things about the following hotels:
- Hilton Garden Inn Southern Pines Pinehurst
- Hampton Inn and Suites Southern Pines
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott – Southern Pines Aberdeen
- Holiday Inn Express and Suites – Southern Pines & Pinehurst Areas
- Homewood Suites by Hilton – Olmsted Village Near Pinehurst
And finally, for those who will be traveling by RV, a few RV parks are nearby:
- Antique Town Campground – Cameron, NC
- Airport RV Park, Carthage, NC
- Farm Pond Campground – Carthage, NC
- The Heritage Camping and Recreation – Carthage, NC
Important Information:
- Beginners are welcome.
- Please note: ARTworks Vass is home to friendly gallery/studio cats who may be present during classes and events. 🐾
- Registration allows for one Guest per class project.
- Only Registered Guests may attend class.
- Registrations are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled.
- Class starts promptly as scheduled.
- Dress to mess or bring an apron.
- At ARTworks Vass, you’re always welcome to bring your own Nibbles and Sips to class.
- Click here to read the ARTworks Vass Disclosure and Liability Waiver for All Classes and Events.
Register online here or call us at 910-245-4129 to save your space in class.
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