What if it was easy to uncover your own individual painting voice?

What if it didn't require years of hard work and formal study?

What if it was actually exciting, fun, and playful?

Abstractify is an art course that is specifically designed to help you uncover how you make art.

You’ve been painting for a while, perhaps on and off. You’ve taken some classes, and made some art you love but that somehow doesn’t seem to be fully YOURS. You can copy the work of other artists fairly easily but you don’t want to do that ~ you want to make art that looks like YOU did it.
It’s frustrating, and sometimes you worry you’re just not good enough as an artist to have a strong personal style. Perhaps you just don’t have the skill or talent after all. You feel confused, disheartened and stuck.

As artists, we all want to express our uniqueness as painters ~ and as people ~ through our paintings. We want our work to be recognisable, with an element of consistency and an energy that reveals it as ours.

It can be really hard to do that when we're surrounded by so much beautiful work, available at the click of a mouse. Even harder when we find art we love so much we wish we'd done it, and then find our work starting to look similar.

I get it. I've been there. Quite a few times actually. :)

This course is all about putting more of you back into your art, using the dynamic and untamed style of abstracted and expressive painting as your way in. Why Abstractify*? Because loosening up my marks and my approach to colour and shape, and unbinding myself from copying has revolutionised the way I make art, and I want to show you how you can do the same.

*'Abstractify' is a term I use to describe how I paint; I like to take recognisable images and change them in various ways to create art that is more expressive and less representational, and is completely unique to me.

This course is not about how to paint abstract art; it's about loosening up, letting go of the copying, and really coming into your own as a unique and expressive artist.

This course is for you if:

You are not new to painting but you feel like your work is a combination of other artists' styles when you want it to be just yours
You keep taking courses and classes that result in beautiful work.... that looks like the teacher's
You really want to explore your own artistic self in more depth
You're interested in those who've gone before us in art history and in what you could learn from them to help you develop your own style
You feel like your art is a bit unfocused and inconsistent
You want to put in some time and attention on your art.

“Your course has had more impact on me as an artist than almost any other I have done - and it was so rich, I will keep going back to it again and again...”
MG, Abstractify Student

The approach I'm sharing in this course has been the most powerful way I've found to uncover my own unique style as an artist. Its roots are in experimentation, permission and play.

We will look at different techniques and ideas for bringing more of YOU into your art.
We will explore the work of other expressive and abstract artists for inspiration.
We will play with varying degrees of abstraction so we can find our personal favourite way to make expressive art. {Which might mean not abstract at all!}
We will experiment with colour, shape, line, and discover and develop our favourite imagery.
We will play with the media and subject matter that excite us the most.
We will play with diversity; making your art your own doesn't have to mean making only one kind of art!

Why I created this course

Two reasons.

One, this struggle to find your own style is something I’m intimately familiar with. I’ve been in that place where you’re absorbing every technique, buying every book and taking every class you can get your painty hands on, searching for the way that will be YOUR way. I’ve felt the frustration of creating art that has the distinct flavour of another artist, and have worried that maybe I am just not a ‘good enough’ artist to have a strong style of my own.

Two, I have discovered that I am by no means unique in experiencing this part of the artist's path as a challenge. People tell me all the time that they struggle to find their own style.

Over the past few years I've been adopting an experimental approach to my art, and it has paid off in both hoped for and unforeseen ways. My art continues to be diverse, but there are threads that run through it that make it mine, and not a copy of someone else's, even if I have been inspired by other artists, which I am all the time. I have discovered that there is a huge amount of freedom in this experimental approach; freedom to uncover what makes my little artist heart sing, and freedom to continue to do that even now I've uncovered a lot of what is unique to me.

I’ve also amassed an array of tools and techniques that helped me arrive at this point. There’s no step by step here; in fact that’s best avoided if you’re carving your unique path. There’s no map or guidebook that’s going to get you where you want to go. But there are ways in, and I know a few of them. :)

And so I decided to create a course that would share what I've learned {and continue to learn} that would offer you the opportunity to learn how to make art YOUR way. The work you will create will be yours, not a copy of mine or anyone else's. Not only that, but you will have tools and techniques you can return to again and again to refresh and develop your style.

So how are you going to begin to uncover and develop your own style? Here is a week by week breakdown of how we’ll approach this and what’s included.

Week One: Initial Explorations

First we'll dive straight into playing with easy ways in to expressing ourselves in our own unique ways through paint. We'll try out a few different approaches and get some context for this expedition with a bit of background on abstract and expressive art.

Week Two: People

This week we will look at ways to paint portraits and figurative art that move them away from realism and take them into the exciting realm of expressive and interpretive painting.

Week Three: Places

This week we'll be going on location {with alternatives if that's not doable!} to gather ideas from out in the world, and explore ways to create a sense of place in a painting that isn't 'just' a straight up landscape.

Week Four: Things

For our final week, we'll look at still life, and tip over the edge into full abstraction. We'll explore how we can create art that remains balanced and interesting even if it has no, or few, recognisable elements.

Abstractify is available with instant access - sign up today!

Work through it at your own pace at a time that suits you

20 lessons on a range of subjects so you can explore what interests you most
NEW: 3 bonus videos with more ideas to try
Downloadable videos, slideshows and PDFs you can keep forever
Support and feedback in a private members only Facebook group
Real time encouragement and suggestions from me to help you move your art forward
Lifetime access to the course

Click here to enroll

Want an experience of the course?

Click the image below for a free sample lesson!

See past student work and hear about their experience here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an abstract painting course?

No. I'm not teaching how to paint abstract art; the premise is to borrow from the expressive and abstracted end of the spectrum in order to loosen up and move away from realism and restrictions created by defaulting to copying. I am not an abstract artist; my work is mostly reminiscent of its subject without being realistic.

For me the most exciting place on the realism-abstract spectrum dances around the area where you are stretching what you see and being suggestive. We will look at some fully abstract art, but the focus here is on starting from a recognisable subject and taking it into a realm of our own unique style.

What's the course format?

There are twenty lessons in total, which are all available in the classroom once you've registered, and you will also receive them by email. The emails come every day for five days with a gap of a day in between. {You can choose to opt out of this.}

Some days are painting days, and some are for inspiration, and to give you a breather and a chance to catch up if you'd like to. {It is not necessary to pressure yourself to keep up however! The course material is available with lifetime access.} Lessons consist of a combination of video demonstrations, written material, downloadable pdfs, images, and slideshows.

How much does the course cost?

The live sessions are £187 {£147 earlybird}
The instant access version is £99

You can find out what that is in your currency HERE.

PLEASE NOTE: If you live in the European Union (excluding the UK) VAT will be added to the total when you check out.

What will I need to take the course?

You'll receive a materials list on signing up, although if you're already making art you likely have a lot of the supplies already. You'll also need an internet connection that is fast enough to watch and download the videos. If you want to print off the PDFs you'll need access to a printer.

Will you be running the course again this year?

No. I offer Abstractify 'live' {ie. between two dates, and with a dedicated Facebook group for one to one feedback from me and support and encouragement from your fellow students} once a year in the spring.

If you can't make the dates the course is also available with any time access, meaning less live support, feedback and accountability, but with the benefit of being able to work through it at a time that suits you. You can sign up for that here.

More questions? Great! Click here to contact me and I'll get back to you. {Asking questions does not obligate you in any way, of course.}

“Tara encourages artful play and experimentation and the structure of the course and each lesson has helped me develop my skills, style and confidence.”
Alison Kaczmarek, Abstractify Student

What Students Are Saying

"Thank you, Tara, for THE MOST amazing art course I have ever taken. I've grown to appreciate all types of art due to the exposure of various artists you have introduced us to. I look forward to practicing and unleashing my inner feeling with paper and paint. Thank you for this diverse, rewarding experience... it was worth every penny of tuition."

Barbara Marie Steele

"I’ve been much better at just allowing painting to have time in my life since I’ve been doing Abstractify. So I’m hoping for that to stay and really belong in my every (maybe not EVERY) day life. That sounds simple but I know it’ll be part of the ongoing process. I’m so much happier in general and at ease with my creativity since doing Abstractify."

Barbara M.

"I really feel that every bit of the course was an important step in our process of learning to find our artistic voice. We all come with a different artistic history, and I think the steps of the lessons flowed very well to let our process happen. In this class, I discovered ways to let my mind get out of the way, and let things happen, so to speak. I found that what came out was often very pleasing to me, without ever planning it. I learned quite a few techniques to loosen up my painting, as well as experimenting with materials and tools that were very new to me.

This course was just what I needed... I am now in a much happier place in my art with a new direction to go into---me, my real self. Thank you for all your encouragement, and the new avenues you've opened up. I very much look forward to taking another course with you in the near future."

Elizabeth Winters

"Before, I felt like I was often overworking things. I have a hard time stopping when it was time to. Now I feel that I know a little bit more about myself as an artist, what I like and don't like and most importantly what I need to explore more in order to come closer to my goals. It's easy to follow the instructions, the videos are VERY helpful, well-made, you are encouraging, open to free and personal expression and most importantly there is a lot to learn!"

Gina Axlund

"I was enjoying my art but felt a little stuck on how to go forward with new techniques and approaches as I am new to art and haven't had any training; I tend to make it up. Abstractify has given me new insights, approaches, techniques and materials to use and therefore I now feel I have grown and have lots of new avenues to explore. I wished it was longer:). To anyone considering the course, I'd say this will give you new eyes in which to look at life and multiple ways to express that experience."

Lisa Collyer

"I thought you covered a wide range of things in such a fun and professional manner. I thought the videos of yourself were the most professional I have watched. I feel much more confident to "give it a go" now. If you take Abstractify you will be challenged in a fun way and will definitely get a lot out of the course."

S.L.

"Since going through your course, I feel like I have more options and creative approaches to my work. A breath of fresh creative air. I love the variety of lessons. I would recommend the course to loosen up, to look at different approaches, stretch your creative muscles and learning to trust your creative voice. Thanks for having your heart in what you're doing, Tara."

Kasey Moran, kaseymoran.com

"Before I started Abstractify I was dissatisfied with the direction of my painting. I was feeling that it was too tight and controlled and felt slightly contrived. I am happy to say that my painting has loosened up and that I have found what is working for me to create paintings that speak more of me. I enjoyed this class because it was not about "Look what I do! Now you do the same thing!" It introduced ideas and concepts about painting without making you feel like you were expected to copy the teacher! That is a much more exciting and creative manner of class. I think that this is the one class (out of the 20+) that I have taken that has "sunk" into my art practice. I make art everyday and the lessons from this class are the ones that pop up as I am working."

Kim Ans, kimberlyans.com

"Before the class, I wasn't sure if I could really DO anything art wise. Nothing looked like I wanted it to (ie: like real life). I'm a beginner and I've learned so much. I've discovered that I want to explore and play some more. My favourite thing was the videos - both of you demonstrating and the links to other artists. It opened up a new way of viewing art and artists ... it ain't neat and clean, it's messy, goopy, splashing, trusting, intuitive, scraping, fun, physical, ... and the list goes on. What a delight to discover this!! It's a well-crafted course that offers support, ideas, direction, and FUN as you explore how YOU express yourself in paints, pastels, charcoals ... and any other art mediums you happen to have on hand."

Elmdea A.

"I am taking the course for the third time because I jump around a bit towards the abstract side of the continuum and feel like the more I learn the more there is to learn. Tara is a wonderful teacher and a delightful soul. Her art, her book and the wonderful reference suggestions have deepened and widened my understanding of and approach to painting. I have also learned a lot from interaction with fellow students. For me the idea of time limitation really spark creativity whether it is painting, writing music (which is my main focus) or even the bit of dabbling I do with writing.

Each time I have taken a different approach to the assignments and learned something new. I returned because I love this course."

Andy Getch, andygetch.com

"This ecourse is the best to find an easy way to express yourself in your own unique way through paint. Tara shares a lot of ideas approaches, tools and techniques that can support 'Abstractifying' and help you discover what makes you tick as an artist. I deeply recommend it."

M.P.

"I recommend Tara's way of teaching: encouraging not judging. So much information (history of art, techniques, tips and tricks, ideas...) It gave me a real boost and I learned a lot (how to use the lights and darks, negative space, music painting and most of all let it go!). I realised also that I tended to procrastinate and not paint because of my perfectionism and the way I care about what people would say. I tended sometimes to paint for others and not for me! What a great way of learning with so much fun and friendliness. I was waiting anxiously for each lesson as I knew it would give me so many ideas!"

Sophie Kerdellant, slkpeintures.blogspot.com

"A way to get past the blank canvas syndrome, have fun and learn to approach painting and art making in a new and expressive way."

Jo C.

"Just wanted to send a Thank You for the terrific experience your course has gifted me. Connecting with other artists was an eye opener - a way to say to myself yes you are an artist. There are so many wonderful, creative people in this world. Your lessons and feedback were very well thought out and greatly appreciated. The slide show presentations were very interesting and thought provoking. They have provided a new way to look at many artists that we are exposed to regularly. "

J.A.

"I have never been so inspired by a course."

MB

Return to taraleaver.com

It's time to unleash your own unique style and put you back into your art

What if it was easy to uncover your own individual painting voice? What if it didn't require years of hard work and formal study? ​​​​​​​What if it was actually exciting, fun, and playful?

This course is not about how to paint abstract art; it's about loosening up, letting go of the copying, and really coming into your own as a unique and expressive artist.