Abstract Alchemy - Black, White and Warm Metallics

5-Day workshop with Judith Kruger, September 15-19, 2025. Cost is $1,312, which includes lunch daily. Applications close on August 10, 2025, or when a maximum of 12 attendees is reached.

In this course, students will reinterpret nature's deep imagery and essence, employing matter from nature within a limited earthy palette. Paint, ink, and homemade gesso will be made from inorganic and organic sources, including pine soot, tree resin, insect shells, and earth minerals. Metallic leafing and alchemic oxidation techniques will be introduced for warmth and depth. These arcane processes have been employed for thousands of years on cave walls, Asian scrolls, and aboriginal works. Painting and collage techniques will be covered to cultivate individualized expression in mixed media. Work will be done on a variety of Eastern and Western papers as well as wood panels. Eastern paper sizing, backing, and mounting techniques will be covered. Materials derived from nature hold a special connection with nature in material presence. You can make your work more personal by working with your own papers, printed photos, and ephemera. Hybridity is encouraged in this workshop.

Willow Pond SLO is a 14-acre artist retreat on the beautiful Central Coast. The tranquil country setting is the perfect escape for focusing on work led by inspiring instructors while enjoying farm-to-table culinary delights catered by a local chef. Abstractionists and realists at all skill levels are welcome.