ADVANCED APPROACHES TO ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM 5 DAY IN PERSON WORKSHOP
[FOR intermediate-ADVANCED PAINTERS]
Join Cat Tesla at her Florida Art Studio [LIMITED TO 6 ARTISTS]
Cool, clean, with loads of space [Each artist will have an 80”hx90”w wall to paint on]
2025:
May 6-10, 2025 - 3 SPOTS LEFT -SIGN UP BELOW
Workshop Description & Info
Start each morning by centering yourself with a brief meditation, followed by a daily challenge designed to push you beyond your creative comfort zone. With an instructor demo to guide you, these challenges introduce new techniques and fresh perspectives on abstract expressionism. Afternoons offer ample open studio time to dive deep into your painting practice, allowing you to fully explore and experiment.
Together, we will focus on breaking through creative obstacles, fostering self-discovery, and deepening your painting practice. You'll receive personalized guidance aimed at expanding your skill set and enhancing your problem-solving abilities. A quick review of composition, value, and color usage will lay the groundwork for more advanced explorations.
Master Techniques for Advanced Abstract Expressionism:
Developing Your Personal Abstract Vocabulary
Deep Layering & Glazing
Masking & Obliterating, Pouring, and Using Air
Abstracting Forms
Full Body Work & Blind Contour Drawing
This workshop is ideal for intermediate to advanced artists looking to refine their abstract expressionism paintings. Expect to work on two paintings per day, resulting in a total of 10 pieces by the end of the workshop. If you work quickly, you may even complete more.
Challenge yourself, refine your technique, and emerge with a deeper understanding of your unique abstract expressionist voice.
Each workshop is limited to 6 participants and you’ll have adequate space to paint larger than you might ordinarily. Each artist will have their own painting wall with ample room to paint as large as 60”x72”.
Each day we will meet from 9am to 5pm. Water, coffee, treats and lunch will be provided each day.
The cost of the workshop is $1750 [plus FL sales tax if you live in Florida]. A materials list will be provided upon payment of the workshop fee along with a questionnaire asking about your painting practice, painting journey and current needs. You will also be sent a waiver form to sign.
We will work with acrylic paint and mark making tools. Paper is provided for any exercises done on paper. Expect to complete at least 6 paintings from 10 starts. If you paint quickly, you may end up with 8-12 at the finish line.
A waiting list will be created for each workshop as needed. I look forward to working with you!
Supply List
Shop Cat’s Favorite Art Supplies
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Payment and Refund Policy
Your enrollment in any workshop is only guaranteed by registration and payment in full
We accept credit cards for your online payment and refunds. Please contact us (catteslaart@gmail.com) if you prefer to pay by check.
A minimum of 6 students is required per workshop. If the minimum is not met 30 days before the start date, the workshop may be cancelled. Students will be notified via email. A full refund will be issued. Therefore, it is recommended that artists not make non-refundable travel or lodging arrangement prior to 30 days.
If Cat Tesla cancels the workshop for any reason, students shall receive a full refund.
If there is a weather event in Florida that prohibits travel to Florida, the workshop will be cancelled and students will receive a full refund.
Student cancellations must be submitted in writing and sent to: catteslaart@gmail.com
Note: A full refund less an administrative fee of $100 is provided if cancellation occurs 61 days or more before the workshop. If cancellation is 60 days or less before the workshop, there will be no refund unless your space can be filled.
There are no refunds/credits after the workshop starts.
There is no refund, credit or make-up offered for missed days of any workshop.
A $100 fee will be charged on all returned checks
COVID Policy
We require all artists to be vaccinated for Covid-19 OR to have a negative test result 1-2 days before the workshop begins. DO NOT ATTEND A WORKSHOP IF YOU ARE SICK. If you are sick and cannot attend the workshop, you will receive a full refund, less a $100 processing fee. Please contact Cat for more information at catteslaart@gmail.com
SIGN UP:
Location & Travel
Traveling by Car
Put this address into your GPS: 1891 Tropicaire Blvd, North Port, FL 34286
Traveling by Air
There is no major airport in North Port. However, there are multiple airports nearby to choose from:
-Punta Gorda (PGD) [20 minutes away]– is the closest airport to North Port, being located 19 miles away. While it has limited service, there are a number of low-cost carriers.
-Sarasota International Airport (SRQ) [45 minutes away] – this is about 36 miles away. This has carriers such as Delta, Air Canada, American Airlines, United, Jet Blue.
-Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) [45-50 minutes away] – the largest airport near North Port is located 62 miles south in Fort Myers. This airport offers a selection of domestic & international flights.
-Tampa International Airport (TPA) [1.5 hours away] – 88 miles north of North Port and has even more airlines, both domestic & international.
Where to Stay/Lodging
There are numerous housing options ranging from high end beach-front resorts and Air-Bnbs, to more modestly priced hotels, motels, and vacation rentals.
A fairly new (built in 2020) Hampton Inn & Suites is just 15 minutes from Cat’s studio: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34488-d21355560-Reviews-Hampton_Inn_Suites_North_Port-North_Port_Florida.html
Airbnb: numerous options including Venice beach, which is 30 minutes away from Cat’s studio. https://www.airbnb.com
VRBO: https://www.vrbo.com/
Priceline: https://www.priceline.com/ [for deals on nearby hotels]
SHIPPING SUPPLIES [FOR THOSE TRAVELING BY AIR]
Plan for arrival 5 - 7 days prior to workshop (no sooner please).
Use Fed Ex or UPS ONLY. DO NOT require a signature for delivery.
You are responsible for repacking and shipping your supplies and canvas back to your home. This means you will need to print a return ship label for every box/roll that you ship AND BRING IT WITH YOU.
You will also need to bring packing tape and any other supplies to repack and prepare your items for return shipping.
Set up your Fed Ex or UPS account & shipping prior to the workshop. Use this shipping address:
Put YOUR NAME on the first line of the label
Cat Tesla Workshops (second line)
1891 Tropicaire Blvd
North Port, FL 34286Once the workshop is over, you will need to deliver your boxes/rolls for shipment to the FedEx or UPS location below (each is 15 minutes from Cat Tesla's studio):
FedEx: 1121 W Price Blvd, North Port, FL 34288
UPS: 1181 S Sumter Blvd, North Port, FL 34287
Extend Your Stay & Turn it into a Vacation
Things to Do & Places to Eat
About North Port, Florida
Florida is the perfect “zen” place to recharge one’s batteries. Big blue skies, mild temperatures and sunny skies greet you nearly every day of the year. The City of North Port is the second fastest growing city in the United States and also ranked within the top 10 for population growth and job growth. For your reference, North Port is just sound of Venice, which is just south of Sarasota. From yoga on the beach to French cafes, boutique shopping, canoeing, kayaking, horse trails, mountain bike trails, natural hiking paths and countless fresh seafood restaurants, there’s always something to do. Come for a workshop and a vacation!
North Port is rich with archeological history and beautiful natural springs – including Warm Mineral Springs, which maintains an 85-degree temperature year-round and has one of the highest mineral contents in the world. There are plenty of opportunities to play inside this 104.3-square-mile community, with more than 26 parks and open spaces.
The Atlanta Braves' spring training facility is in the master-planned West Villages community, which is in the very southern limits of Sarasota County. The ballpark has a Venice address but is actually within the city limits of North Port.
Hottest Month – August high of 89.4°F & average low of 78.4°F
Coldest Month – January high 69.8°F and 55.2°F degrees low
Things to Do:
North Port (https://www.visitflorida.com/places-to-go/southwest/north-port/)
North Port Visitors Guide (https://www.northportfl.gov/visitors/)
Venice (https://www.visitflorida.com/places-to-go/southwest/venice/)
TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g34488-North_Port_Florida-Vacations.html
Places to Eat
Trip Advisor https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g34488-North_Port_Florida.html
Mexican (http://www.pink-tequila.com/)
Seafood (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g34705-c33-Venice_Florida.html)
Healthy & Organic Options (https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=organic+restaurant&find_loc=Venice%2C+FL+34293)
Art Supplies
(If You Forget Something)
There are only 2 options in North Port for Art Supplies, should you forget something:
Michaels: 18700 Veterans Blvd Ste 12, Port Charlotte, FL 33954
Hobby Lobby: 18559 Tamiami Trail, North Port, FL 34287
And of course, there are big box hardware stores:
Home Depot: 18000 Tamiami Trail, North Port, FL 34287
Lowes: 18000 Tamiami Trail, North Port, FL 34287