Summer School 2027: Loose Lines

Experiments in large scale wet media, between abstraction and figuration Take on the challenge of painting big with acclaimed contemporary painter and teacher Emma Smith in this 3-day Summer School workshop. Through experimentation with acrylic paint and ink, you will tackle large scale painting in a way that takes away the fear. Make marks in acrylic paint while utilising figurative elements, translating form and atmosphere in abstract or essential ways. Each session will focus on new aspects of formal painterly concern, with each step building on the last and increasing in scale. Daily slide presentations and discussion on contemporary painting will also inform your work and progress. On completing this workshop, you will be able to confidently handle media and scale in an experimental way and will be ready for larger scale painting. This workshop is suitable for all learners from beginner to practiced. - Emma Smith (she/her) lives in Tāmaki Makaurau. Smith is a painter and has exhibited extensively over the last two decades. Her work is held in public and private collections. Smith is also a published writer focusing largely on painting matters. She teaches Contemporary Arts at Unitec – Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka. All images courtesy of Emma Smith