Abstract Art Painting Workshop ​with Paula Jo Miller

Painting abstract art is about play.
And instinct.
​And the courage to let go. 

​It’s about trusting the undefined. 
It’s about believing that whatever you paint is perfect and meant to be. 
Best of all, painting abstract art is about playing with fabulous colors, quirky brushes, and gooey textures!
​Sound fun? Then join us for a “Courage in Creativity” workshop!
First-time Attendees:
  • You’ll each have a designated space with your own easel, canvas, brushes, palettes and more. 
  • We’ll start with a brief history about the Modern Art Movement, including examples of well-known abstract paintings and the meanings within each piece. Great inspiration!
  • You’ll have more than 40 paint colors, including eight metallics, and lots of fun texturizing tools to try.
  • We’ll spend some time playing with textures, painting tools and fun techniques that you can test out on a practice canvas.
  • Then we’ll turn on awesome music and you’ll have plenty of time to paint and play. I’ll be walking around the entire time to answer questions and help you solve any creative conundrums.
  • Come for one or both classes and paint the day away! If you decide to take both classes, you may paint the entire time (10am – 6 pm). Bring drinks, snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Repeat Artists:
  • We’ll jump right into trying new textures, tools and techniques before starting your own painting.
  • Or, if you simply want a space to paint, you can skip the technique portion, all together, and use the entire time to paint and play. 
  • We’ll have more than 40 paint colors, including eight metallics, and more new texturizing tools to try.
  • As always, I’ll be walking around to answer any questions and help you solve your painting puzzles.
  • Come for one or both classes and paint the day away! If you decide to take both classes, you may paint the entire time (10am – 6 pm). Bring drinks, snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Date & Location

Date: Exciting New Dates Coming Soon!
Time: TBD

Venue: The Gainstorming Center, Mountain View Plaza
2035 Eagle Drive, Suite 102-103
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Your Guide
Paula Jo (PJ) Miller, Contemporary Abstract Artist, www.paulajomiller.com.

How Much?
$60 / person.

Is It For Groups?
Yes and No. Come by yourself. Come with friends. But most important: come with your inner kid and leave your inner critic at home.

How Do I Sign Up & Pay?
You can sign up by clicking here and reserving your seat. Be quick! This is a very popular event and spots are limited to 20.

What Do I Bring?
  • Old, comfy and unfashionable clothes. Part of the fun and freedom of painting is not worrying about getting painted on. Acrylic paints are easy to wash with soap and water, so if you’re headed somewhere after class, you can wash up and change your clothes at the Center.
  • Snacks and beverages if you’d like. The Gainstorming Center cannot provide alcoholic beverages, but you are welcome to bring your own.
  • If you have colors that inspire you and an item that captures those colors, bring it. Bring as many as you’d like. And if you arrive without inspiration, that’s ok too. You’ll get plenty during the workshop.
  • Curiosity, courage and an open mind. And if that inner critic sneaks in the back door, we’ll make it sit in the corner :)

What Does The Cost Include?
  • One 16” x 20” canvas per person – blank or pre-textured (your choice). 
    Larger canvasses are available for a small additional cost.
  • Use of 20 different acrylic paint colors, including six gorgeous metallic colors. 
  • A wide variety of palette knives and paint brushes – big and small, fat and thin.
  • Yummy treats, and much more!

What If I Have Questions About The Class?
Email paula@paulajomiller.com with any questions, or call 214-415-2952.
“Do you have the courage to bring forth your work?
The treasures that are hidden inside you are hoping you will say ‘YES.’”
— Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic
“Paula created a very warm and relaxed setting, allowing us to create whatever came to mind. Wonderful outlet for a perfectionist.”
– Erin R.


“So fun and freeing!”
– Lana B.


“Loved the freedom to create and evolve through the class.”
– Juli M.


“Loved the encouragement from Paula. She provided emotional support and instruction.”
– Ann B.

“Paula and her process were a gift to my spirit. And I appreciated her honesty about her own process as an artist.”
– Mary Jen M.

“Wow. I didn’t think I could do it. But I just let go and it happened. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”
​– Linda D.

What Happened When I Took The Courage In Creativity Workshop...
Kirsten Le Roux

“I have enjoyed two ‘courage in creativity’ workshops with Paula Miller. I would not have considered myself to have any painting real flair and although I was always interested in trying abstract painting – I didn’t know where to start.

Paula talked me through the process and was there to support me, but once I ‘let go’ and just trusted my instincts I found two things: that the time painting was very relaxing and replenishing – it was a stress reliever and made me feel happy. The second was that I was very pleased with my painting, and I have hung both on my wall and even painted a few others on my own since then.

The thing I love is that you can’t ‘mess up,’ there’s no right or wrong in abstract, and you can try anything you like, if it doesn’t work, you just layer paint over it and keep going. Nothing is irreversible or final.
I will always sign up to Paula’s classes and I would encourage everyone to as well, even if you think you don’t have a creative bone in your body – I challenge you to challenge that idea!"
​
Above is my most recent painting with Paula:
  1. I brought with me two pieces of  ‘inspiration’: a pair of earrings and a piece of art I saw in a catalogue.
  2. I chose a pre-textured canvas.
  3. Paula and I discussed my inspiration and what I liked, didn’t like and wanted to paint, and I went to work on creating​ my painting.
  4. My final painting, I LOVE it!

About Paula

"I love color - deep, saturated color. And I love texture - thick, granular, piled-high texture. Together, they create something so exquisite, you can feel it in your soul.

I paint in a variety of sizes, and especially love a large canvas. The space provides room to play and create a piece that is different, and better, than the one imagined.

My medium is acrylic. For texture I add a variety of items: gels, pastes, twine, putty, and the occasional cutout. Great patterns can reveal themselves through some very odd household objects!

Painting heals me and brings me joy. It takes me to a place of peace, confidence, and absence of judgment. It teaches me to trust in the unknown and undefined, and accept that I'm simply along for the ride.

I come from a long line of remarkable female artists. To tap into those genes, I began painting in 2003, and never stopped. I paint for exhibitions, openings, fundraisers, and private collectors. And I donate back to organizations that support our community."

For paintings sold in Paula's gallery at the Gainstorming Center in Pagosa Springs, a portion is donated to fund events created for youth empowerment and creativity. To inquire about Paula's paintings, please contact her on 214-415-2952, or email paula@paulajomiller.com.

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