Accidents and Intentions - Creating Expressive Figurative Work

Schedule

Fri Feb 27 2026 at 10:30 am to 03:30 pm

UTC-08:00

Location

Artists Center at the Galen | Palm Desert, CA

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Learn the secrets to abstraction and composition by using the elements of design.
About this Event

THIS WORKSHOP IS A THREE DAY COURSE FROM 10:30 - 3:30 EACH DAY.

Before attending class please visit this important link required by the instructor: Accidents And Intentions — Melinda Cootsona

Materials List on the website:

https://www.melindacootsona.com/material-lists-data/accidents-and-intentions-material-list

Learn the secrets to abstraction and composition by using the elements of design.The focus will be on several specific approaches to abstracting the figure that will give inspiration and direction on how to work with this subject matter. Additionally, Exploration of the Elements of Design including the use of color in figurative work and as tools to enhance abstraction will also be studied.

This course is appropriate for intermediate to advanced students (students should be familiar with their mediums). Oil or Acrylic paint is acceptable. Oil painters may use cold wax although this is not a cold wax specific course.

Do you have moments of complete frustration with your work? We all do. In this course Melinda will help you to embrace those moments and learn to work with the idea of Chaos and ‘The Uglies’ in your paintings for as long as possible in order to achieve rich work with history and lasting interest.

You will learn to see the difference between accidents and intentions and how to use these two opposites to create dynamic and memorable work. We will explore how their combination makes the difference between a “complete painting” and an unfinished piece.

Having taught oil painting for 21 years to students around the globe, Melinda takes particular care to interact with each student individually to help them discover their own voice and to work on their individual goals. Join us for this fast-paced workshop as we embrace chaos and make history together!

About Melinda:

Melinda Cootsona is an experienced artist and teacher with a passion for oil.

She has been teaching painting to students of all levels for over 20 years. Her goal is always to inspire students to find their own voice in their work, and to build confidence in their creative process. This world needs more creative people, and her goal is to help you find your creative potential whether you are a beginning, “returning,” or experienced artist.

She now lives in the beautiful Coachella Valley of Southern California. she was born and raised in Silicon Valley and is a California girl through and through. Inspired by the California landscape, colors, and light, I look to capture it is essence in much of my


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Where is it happening?

Artists Center at the Galen, 72567 Hwy 111, Palm Desert, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

USD 313.35 to USD 693.19

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