Education – Say It With Feeling: Harnessing the Power of Abstraction

‘Bustin Loose’ 10×14” watercolour, 2018

An ONLINE watercolour demonstration streamed live on Zoom


CSPWC Members & Associates $20/Non-members $25


Recording available until April 20, 2023.  We are currently unable to sell access to the recording after the live event.  Buy your ticket now to gain access to the recording

The Education Committee of the CSPWC enthusiastically offers this rare and exciting opportunity to watch Master Painter Brent Laycock as he demonstrates his dynamic approach to abstract watercolour!

Brent describes his demonstration:

“Although most of my artwork deals with landscape subject matter, I always think of my paintings as abstract compositions. My demonstration will show how to use the abstract principles of design to communicate feelings even when there are no representational elements. I will try to explain my motivation and thinking process as the composition unfolds. Because this is not a “rehearsed” demo, the end result may be a surprise.

The demo will include a brief slide show before the watercolour painting demonstration.”

Furthermore, Brent states that this will be more of a “listen (and observe) first and paint later” demonstration, as his main objective is to help participants understand how abstract design thinking can help them solve problems.

Please note this demonstration starts at 7:00 pm Eastern time and will run for approximately 2 hours.  If you live in another time zone, please adjust your time accordingly. 

If you do not receive a confirmation email after trying to buy your ticket, you HAVE NOT bought a ticket. Please reach out to education@cspwc.ca for assistance. 

Let this demonstration help you approach your paintings with a better understanding of the abstract principles that underly all images. This will be helpful regardless of the style in which you paint.

(Note to members and associates: please proceed to the second page of the checkout to enter your promo code. Didn’t get a promo code? Email education@cspwc.ca for help.)

Abstract watercolour painting in shades of orange, blue and purple
‘Water Rhythms’ 14×22” watercolour, 2017

Equipment needed for the workshop:

Brent will be painting with transparent watercolours on Arches 300 lb. cold press paper.  Most of his brushes are synthetic watercolour brushes, rounds and flats – nothing too tricky.

You will need a robust internet connection to watch this demonstration. Also, it will help to download Zoom on your device (free version of Zoom is fine). Please update your Zoom to the latest version. If you have not downloaded Zoom you can still watch the demonstration in your browser: simply click the link that will be emailed to you in advance of the event.

Abstract watercolour painting with angular brown shapes and a blue background
‘Snowy Valley’ 9×12” watercolour, 2016

About Brent Laycock, CSPWC

Brent Laycock was raised near Lethbridge, Alberta, where the panoramic landscape of southern Alberta has constantly influenced his lyrical paintings. He received an BFA and MFA degrees from Brigham Young University, Utah, and established his long painting career in Calgary, Alberta.

For over four decades, his work has been shown in many solo exhibitions across Canada and in the USA and in numerous juried group shows that have toured Canada, the USA, Mexico, Europe, Australia and Japan. 

Brent has been a member of the CSPWC since 1978. He has received a variety of awards for acrylic and watercolour painting, and his work is represented in many corporate, private and public collections and have been featured in many publications. His own book, Waterton: Brush & Pen, showcases his paintings of Waterton Lakes National Park. Two instructional DVDs demonstrate Laycock’s unique acrylic and watercolour techniques.

Website: www.brentlaycock.com

See more samples of Brent’s abstract watercolours:

Abstract watercolour in warm shades of yellow, orange and red
‘Bustin Loose’ 10×14” watercolour, 2018
Abstract watercolour painting mostly in shades of purple and brown
Tectonic Dissolve, 2012
Abstract watercolour painting mostly red with some isolated turquoise green patches
‘Red Planet’ 9×12” watercolour, 2018