Painting with Meaning: Abstract Art Inspired by Literary Symbols

Join Art 145's resident artist John Bishop who is visiting all the way from Houston, TX to create and share art with our community.

This interdisciplinary beginner class combines abstract painting with key principles from literature. After a brief introduction to symbolism, metaphor, and theme, students will select a word, emotion, or literary symbol as the conceptual foundation for their artwork.

Through guided exercises, participants will explore how color, gesture, scale, and composition can communicate ideas without literal representation. Short reflective writing prompts will help students clarify their intentions before translating them into paint.

By the end of the 3 hour session, each student will complete an abstract painting rooted in a chosen concept and gain a deeper understanding of how visual art can function like storytelling—using symbol, tone, and atmosphere instead of narrative imagery.

To learn more about your instructor, stop by during one of his "Art in Action"…