JULIE DRAEGER

Expose yourself to Abstract:
Create Non-objective Paintings
ABSTRACT WORKSHOP

TWO-DAY ABSTRACT WORKSHOP

Expose Yourself to Abstract:
Create Non-Objective Paintings

by Julie Draeger

Instagram: artnut31


APRIL 22–23, 2023

9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Toledo Artists' Club

5403 Elmer Drive
Toledo, Ohio | 419.531.4079

Toledo Artists' Club members $225.00
Others $300.00


Workshop Brief

There is an inherent beauty in an automatic, freely made tool mark. This is a gesture made visible.


In this two-day workshop, we will explore mark-making, expressive drawing, and how our spontaneous effects have an aesthetic interest. This concept is developed through compositional decisions using textures, values, lines, colors, size, direction, and layered
shapes. It flows out into space from our psyche. Using the elements of art, we develop relationships and bring our compositions to life.


This workshop will focus on the process of underpainting, creating a focal point, and editing for dynamic composition built with ideas and graphic marks. Plato said, “By means of art, we build another kind of house—a kind of man-made dream produced for those who are awake.”


Limited palettes will be presented and explored. A limited palette almost always generates color harmony. Marks of color must relate to each other. Color must be felt and not just merely seen.


This workshop is a guide to creativity because it will discuss the parts of a painting and teach how to bring them into relationship; right before your eyes—on canvas.

Meet Julie

Julie Draeger’s first attraction to abstract painting was at the Toledo Museum of Art. While teaching at TMA and at area high schools, she discovered the book Expressive Drawing: A Practical Guide to Freeing the Artist Within by Steven Aimone. She immediately retired from teaching and studied with Aimone in Maine. Her experience was like jumping off a diving board into an ocean of endless possibilities.


The drawing developed into painting, then the painting developed into large non-objective works. Drawing on her painting experiences, Julie developed the practice of improvisation with unplanned automatic drawing.


Julie Draeger is a member of Ottawa Street Studios in Toledo, Ohio, the Athena Art Society, the Toledo Women’s Art League (TWAL), and the Toledo Artists’ Club. She participated in a residency of abstract art in 2019 at the Atlantic Center for the Arts and studied with Vickie Massango.


Julie takes her inspiration seriously. Whether it comes from another artist’s work or alongside Lake Erie, this “food for the soul” is the muse reflected in her creations.

Let's have fun!

Click the button to download a printable supply list and pre-workshop recommendations.