Detailed description of the workshop:

Join in me in this immersive 3 day painting workshop, developing spiritual, meaningful, symbolic story art. Do you have a story in your heart, that you would like to express visually but can’t quite figure out where to start? Or do you just wish to learn my process of creating spirit filled story art? Where do my ideas come from? How do I develop composition? What are my favorite techniques? What are the ways to progress faster with layering and have depth and richness visible in the layers? How to portray emotion? What is the power of symbols and patterns? What makes an artwork a story art? What gives it soul? How do you come up with a good name? We will be discussing these subjects and more, and practically implementing them in our works.

We will be aiming at creating a one multilayered, large work of story art, 16”x 20” on wrapped canvas, ready to hang. Prepare for deep immersion, curious explorations, getting out of your comfort zone and a lot of fun! I never forget to have fun in my studio!

Day 1

Looking for references, working out composition, creating color palette and painting multi layered abstract background on a large wrapped canvas. Sketching composition over the abstract.

Day 2

Painting first few layers of the artwork: underpainting and 1-2 more layers in acrylics. Finding hidden images in the background and bringing them forward. You might “find” a bird, a dragon, a wolf, trees or a river. Allowing unexpected elements of the story emerge.

Day 3

Painting final layers, “polishing up”, adding highlights, symbols, decorative details, like painted or gold leaf halo, archway, detailed necklace or tiara, symbolic road, etc.

What I will bring for each of you:

18”x24” blank wrapped canvas

A gift bag from South Africa, including prints of my art.

What you need to bring:

acrylics

brushes

stay wet palette

Full supply list will be emailed after registration.

Things to do in the area before or after the workshop:

If you are new to the area and thinking of visiting few places, here are few ideas that Olga shared with me on what to see in the area. Not to mention that we can of cause get together for some meals and sightseeing in-between. I would love to get to know you outside of the classroom!

• taking a bus to New york (1 hour drive)

• taking a train to Philadelphia from nearby town (just over an hour drive)

• visiting Princeton – small beautiful city where Albert Einstein worked (30 min drive)

• visiting Lambertville and New Hope (1 hour drive) – homes of American Impressionists, with a lot of galleries and vintage stores

• Atlantic City (2 hours drive)

• Centre of New Jersey is filled with parks, wood trails, beaches and Malls

• Visiting famous large flea market “Golden Nugget”

About Annie Hamman

“I am a mixed media artist and art teacher. I am originally from Kazakhstan, residing in South Africa in the last 27 years. I will be flying from Cape Town for these workshops to share with you my techniques in painting and sculpting, that I have been working on in the past 14 years. I mostly work in acrylics, but incorporate many other media in my art: soft and oil pastels, collage, pens, charcoal, pencils, oil paints). I sculpt in air-drying clay, which does not require baking and can be collaged on, and painted in acrylics and pens once it’s dry.

I live by the sea in a beautiful tourist town Hermanus – international whale watching destination. I am married and have 13 year old daughter Tallulah, who used to paint with me when she was little, and now she occasionally sculpts with me. We have 1 dog and 5 cats in our family, and my husband FC will be looking after them while I am traveling.

I am a plant medicines lover and maker of sacred tools: smudge wands, prayer sticks, protection rattles, medicine shields, shamanic drums with paintings on them. In between my art projects, I hold small plant medicine ceremonies and do other healing medicine woman work. I also do Akashic Records readings, which are readings of people’s soul’s journey through time (your soul’s purpose, past lives, existing soul contracts etc.). I will be happy to share more about my spiritual journey of awakening and becoming, once we meet in person.

Thank you for all the love and support and I hope to meet you soon in New Jersey, USA!”

Student testimonials, that attended my in-person workshops:

JEANNE ELLIOTT 

July 27, 2023 at 10:55 pm

This was such a WONDERFUL workshop!!! I really enjoyed spending time with Annie Hamman painting soul filled portraits! She is such a wonderful encouraging teacher who shares her passion for story art with so much love and energy. If there is any way you can manage to take her workshop, GO!! You will be soo happy you did!!! I learned a lot and this is such a great opportunity to study with one of the very best. It was truly amazing how much we all accomplished in 3 days! I cannot recommend it highly enough. Olga Furman was such a delightful caring hostess as well! She also shares so much love and joy. What a wonderful time we all had! It was a truly unforgettable experience that I am sooo happy I had!

CAROL MCGOVERN 

July 27, 2023 at 11:58 pm

I absolutely loved meeting Annie and Olga learning from Annie has been a gift I painted in ways I never have before and will incorporate what I’ve learned as I go forward It was a truly remarkable experience and I feel lucky to have joined all the beautiful women there in this experience I miss you all already❤️

KARIN SCHWANK

July 28, 2023 at 3:25 am

I am saddened that the workshops have come to an end. Olga Furman, our amazing host, held us with detailed care, generosity and simple magnificence. Annie’s teaching style, although highly structured and intense, allowed for each of us to explore our own level of competence and style. Her helping hand and observations were instrumental in my growth both artistically and personally. Her non shaming ways and ultimate respect of our personal needs and desires, created an atmosphere filled with safety, camaraderie, and fun. Annie’s trust that each of us would finish a painting a day, empowered me and gave me a renewed sense of what I am truly capable in my way into my artistry. The opportunity to have come to engage with an amazing group of women, was just a special addition to an extraordinary and unique workshop. I am excited to hear about the new adventures Olga and Annie might take us into in the future. A million thank yous to each of you and to each of my incredible dear women who shared a table with me.

MARIA MINOR 

July 28, 2023 at 3:50 am

This precious workshop was the most wonderful experience of my life. Annie’s lessons are meticulous planned, explaining her techniques clearly as many times as necessary, encouraging me to go with my creativity with her gentle guidance and feedback based on her years of experience. My family and friends think my art is now at another level and had matured. This workshop is life changing, worth every penny and to attended was an opportunity that comes once in a lifetime. So glad I took that opportunity. Thank you Annie for making this trip to the US and to Olga Furman for offering this opportunity. XO

JANE SMILEY 

July 28, 2023 at 12:16 pm

This was an amazing three days with Annie Hamman!!! I loved her in-person workshop and would go again if I ever get a chance. I highly recommend this golden opportunity to learn from the best. I was concerned that I don’t have enough experience as an artist. But the entire group of women were so supportive. I am a better artist now as a result of attending. She has an incredible eye and insight to teach you new things. Love, love, love her so much! She is a terrific artist and teacher. It was delightful to be hosted by the infamous, loving, kind, extremely talented Olga Furman as well!!! Thank you both so much!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

MARIANNE MISHIMA 

July 28, 2023 at 4:02 pm

This was truly a magical experience. I’ve followed Annie for several years and made my decision to fly across the country to her workshop the moment it was announced but was more than I hoped for. Soulful art is what fills my heart and Annie’s encouraging and kind instruction helped me tackle one of my fears. Faces! and now I actually look forward to painting them. If you’re considering her workshop just jump in. You won’t regret it. Thank you Annie.