Second Fridays
Online Critique Group

Meetup via Zoom
10am–12pm Eastern Time

Six Months, Six participants
Dates:
July 10
August 14
September 11
October 9
November 13
December 11

Meet with me and like-minded people to discuss each your art:

• Do you paint regularly but sometimes feel unsure how to move a painting forward?

• Are you looking for thoughtful feedback, encouragement, and fresh perspective on your work?

• Do you wish you had a small group of fellow artists to regularly connect with?

Join me and a small group of artists for a six month online critique experience designed to support your creative practice in a thoughtful, encouraging way.

This is suitable for abstract artists only. Primarily suitable for artists using acrylic paint but oil, watercolor, mixed media and collage are also acceptable.

We will meet on the second Friday of every month for six months via Zoom to look at and discuss each participant’s work together. Prior to each session, you will send an email to Heather with up to 3 images of your work for the live discussion.

This is a small group experience limited to approximately six participants so everyone has time and space for meaningful feedback and conversation.

This is not a formal academic critique focused on “what’s wrong” with the work. Instead, our conversations are centered around understanding what is already working in a piece, what possibilities might exist for taking it further, and helping each artist develop greater trust in their own instincts and voice. Sometimes we simply need confirmation that a piece is finished.

Over the course of six months, the group naturally develops a sense of connection and familiarity, and it becomes inspiring to witness each person’s growth and evolving body of work.

Requirements

Participants should:

• Have basic technology skills for joining Zoom meetings

• Be able to photograph their artwork clearly using a phone or camera

• Be comfortable emailing images prior to each session

• Be open to discussing their own work and offering supportive feedback to others

Attendance

Please sign up only if you expect to attend all live sessions, with perhaps one absence if necessary. If you miss a session, you may still submit your images and watch the recording afterward.

All sessions are recorded and will remain available to participants indefinitely.

Testimonials

Here are what participants from another cohort are saying:

“I have taken many classes with Heather Neilsen over the years that have have helped me grow as an abstract artist.  One of the most important classes has been the critique and discussion group that meets once a month with six people. We each submit three pieces of art and critique and discuss each other’s work. This has had tremendous value in teaching me what to look for in paintings on the many levels of value,  shapes, color, composition, and overall emotional appeal. Heather leads the group in both discussion and helping guide us to the realization that we are all in the process of creating beautiful art unique to each of us. I highly recommend participating in this class with Heather”. - Lari

“Heather Neilson’s online crit group has broadened my approach to my abstract painting practice. In Crit Group I receive thoughtful, expert feedback on my own work and even better I experience the techniques and processes of other artists.  Crit Group has deepened my understanding of abstraction in unexpected ways and keeps me focused on my creative path. Every session leaves me inspired, challenged, more confident and excited to get back to painting.” - Andrew