Philosophy
I like to think of art as an adventure to be embarked on unhesitatingly. I believe in taking risks, undaunted by new self imposed challenges. My goal is to instill this sense of excitement in my students. I want to build their confidence. Uncertainty is inevitable, but it should be considered merely a pathway to success. Patience and diligence are important elements in creating art. It does not happen overnight.
I introduce a new contemporary artist to the class each week, choosing one from whom the students can learn different approaches. During the session they are exposed to a variety of materials ranging from charcoal and pastel, to acrylic and textures. The critique at the end of each class helps build the skills they need to appraise a work of art.
My ambition is to help them expand, to be willing to learn through failure. It is important that they push beyond their comfort zone and attempt new ways to work, fearlessly.
Class Descriptions
The Smithsonian Associates – Smithsonian Institution
Exploring Abstraction
Explore the basis of abstraction by studying color, line and shape as they relate to composition. Learn to create exciting and innovative works of art using a series of drawing, painting and collage exercises designed to examine nontraditional ways of handling traditional materials and subject matter. The time-honored media of charcoal and pastel, as well as the newer liquid acrylic glazes and media are used. This is a process-oriented class with an emphasis on finding a more intuitive way of working. An examination of contemporary art, including a brief visit to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden provides a comprehensive look at abstract art. Critiques and group discussion contribute to the process.
www.smithsonianassociates.org
The Art League School
Abstract Art: New and Creative Approaches
Students explore imaginative ways to create abstract art by using a wide array of materials such as charcoal, pastel, ink and paint. Students study line, color and composition along with new methods to create texture, layers and bold marks. A different contemporary artist is introduced in each class to inspire new approaches to abstraction. Critiques and demonstrations contribute to this intuitive process.
www.theartleague.org
Student Testimonials
“So often one brings to a class old habits that are hard to shake, but Delna encouraged us to leave our security blankets at the door to discover new ways of seeing, thinking, and doing. Every class had all the excitement of an adventure to foreign lands. We explored inventive ways to use charcoal as well as novel techniques for building an abstract composition with acrylics by starting with a single shape or even letters of the alphabet. Delna brought out the best in all of us with her encouraging remarks, her questions, and her suggestions for how to improve our projects. Not only did we learn a lot, but we all had fun getting to know each other by talking about each other’s work. The hours flew by. Hers was far and away the best art class I have ever taken.”
—Barbara Ucko
“Delna’s class in abstract drawing and painting was stimulating and fun and I can’t wait for the next one. She creates an atmosphere of safety and camaraderie so that you feel free to experiment and share your evolving work with the rest of the class. Her playful exercises give you many ideas from which to “hatch” your abstracts, and her suggestions nurture you through the creative snags to completion. After each class, I found myself filling sketchbook and canvas with ideas spawned in Delna’s class. I would welcome an opportunity to study with her any time!”
—Abbie Emanuel
“Delna Dastur takes teaching art to a new level. She’s not only very talented, she’s enthusiastic and pragmatic in her approach. Delna gives her students tools to ‘attack’ their blank canvases. My paintings will never be the same and they will definitely be better because of the techniques she taught in class.”
—Ann Marie Williams, Artist, Illustrator
