Realistically Speaking— It's All Joyfully Abstract!

Break away from the urge to “copy” what you see and instead discover the abstract shapes, colors, and relationships that bring a subject to life. By letting go of labels and focusing on form, value, and color, paintings often become more realistic—and far more expressive.

In this workshop, students will explore how abstraction strengthens realism and helps capture the essence of what first inspired you to pick up a brush. The class will work with acrylics in a watercolor style, emphasizing loose, joyful mark-making and intuitive observation.
Reference images will be provided, or students may bring their own, and leave with a completed painting.

About Mary Pat Ettinger - Artist & Instructor

Mary Pat Ettinger’s work is often described as peaceful and uplifting. Having lived much of her life in rural settings, she draws daily inspiration from solitude, natural beauty, and the simple joys around her. From laundry hanging in the sun to flower gardens bursting through picket fences, and from sweeping canyons to mountain vistas, Mary Pat paints what she loves and what surrounds her.

Through her art, she hopes to share the serenity and gratitude she experiences every day—the songs of birds, the hum of crickets, and the quiet of the pastures near her home. Her paintings aim to encourage, inspire, and provide a sense of calm and beauty amid life’s challenges.


This class must meet the minimum enrollment by 5pm two days before class. If the minimum is met, registration will remain open until the class begins. Please check your email (and Spam folder) the day before/of class in case of unexpected cancellations.

If you're having issues with registration, please email lexi@weehawkenarts.org.
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Please note: This class requires a minimum number of students to be held and has a set maximum enrollment limit. To help ensure the class runs as scheduled, we encourage early registration. If you sign up, please check your email (and Spam folder), as any cancellation notice will be sent from claudia@weehawkenarts.org.

Location

Cora St Classroom at Weehawken Ridgway- Cora Annex