Picasso said, “There is no abstract art.
You must always start with something.”
How about calligraphy?

We can create abstract paintings by expanding what we already know of the lines, rhythms, movement, shapes and counter shapes we use to create beautiful letters. With calligraphic tools and materials (pens and brushes, ink, gouache, watercolor, and gold leaf), we will work with the play of light and dark, warm and cool colors, solid and fluid areas, balance, harmony and mystery.

Gleaning inspiration from the Asian aesthetics of simplicity, wabi-sabi and use of white space, we will create paintings in which neither words nor letters are visibly needed to keep the calligraphic spirit alive. Through exercises, slides and discussions you will learn how to tap into your creative stream to freely use what you already know and learn new skills to successfully make abstract paintings.

Bring poems, quotes or prose as a springboard to enter our blank pages.

Click here to see samples of my work.

This is a two-day workshop. For an information package please call
707-528-1723 or send an email.

Current Workshops:

The Dance of Light and Shadow is being offered at Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, New Mexico, June 18-24, 2012

Nature, Art & Calligraphy
Subtle Colors in the Night
Using Wooden Tools
Sink Art
Color Me Beas

Sherrie Lovler has a BA in Studio Art and has been teaching calligraphy and related arts for over 30 years, including classes and workshops at Northern Arizona University, Sedona Arts Center, Colorado Institute of Art, Ghost Ranch, calligraphy conferences and through calligraphy guilds around the country. Her work has been in many juried and group shows and most recently in a solo exhibit featuring 34 of her paintings inspired by 34 original poems. She is the founder of Ink Monkey Press and has published and coauthored the book TWO AS ONE: Poems from a New Love. Her images and writings have been published in The Art & Craft of Hand Lettering, Letter Arts Review, Bound and Lettered and many other books and journals. Sherrie is internationally known for her artwork and prints which are available at www.InkMonkey.com and her newest art and poetry can be seen at www.NatureArtandPoetry.com.

Past teaching engagements