Walking on Eggshells
Let’s just say it: things are stressful right now. That’s exactly why I chose this as the first class of the fall season.
This process — painting papers, tearing them, cutting them, shaping them into something new — has always helped me let go. To say how I feel without commentary or conflict from anyone else. There’s no one to disagree with paper and paint.
We paint. We play. We draw. We tear. And then, if by some kind of magic, we watch it all come together into a composition we never expected.
Much like life.
In this 3-hour session, you’ll start by painting your own background papers — no plan required, just color and mood. Then we tear, layer, and collage them into a striking abstract piece on canvas. No drawing skills, no design background, no “right” outcome — just whatever wants to come through.
Want structure?
I’ll give you 8 beginner-friendly layout guides (like the Horizon Line or the Textural Grid), so you’re never starting from a blank page. Want to ignore all of that and follow your gut instead? Also great. Either way, you leave with a piece that’s really yours.
What’s Included: Everything. Canvas board, custom paints, magazines, tissue papers, real cracked eggshells for texture, and a stash of unexpected materials from my own studio — no supply list, nothing to bring but yourself.
How the Class Works
- Paint — We start by making our own custom background and texture papers, working with color and brushstrokes to get our mood onto the page. No planning required.
- Collage — Once your papers are dry, we layer them with magazine snippets, tissue, cracked eggshells, and a few surprise textural elements into a modern abstract composition.
- Seal — You’ll learn a simple, archival-safe gluing and sealing technique so your finished piece is preserved on canvas for years to come.
This is a relaxed, judgment-free room — quiet enough to actually think, supportive enough that nobody’s watching what you make.
Art medium: Mosaic
Instructor: Harmony Thiessen
Cost: $45
Class Size: 16
Registration: Register here Messy and Mindful Paint Collage to sign up and pay for this class. Seats are limited!
Age groups: 13+
Experience level: No experience required – everyone welcome
Materials provided: All materials provided
Materials to bring: Old clothing or painting shirt.
Instructor Bio and links
Harmony Thiessen is a multidisciplinary artist and creativity educator with over 25 years of experience teaching in communities around the world. Her work invites people to reconnect with creativity as a natural, everyday way of seeing—offering simple, hands-on experiences that bring both beauty and a fresh perspective into daily life.
- Website: https://harmonythiessenart.com/
- YouTube: Harmony Thiessen Art – YouTube
- Instagram: @Harmony.Thiessen
- FaceBook: HarmonyTheissenArt
