Abstract Expressionism with Ellen Brandson

Friday, October 30, 2026

Ladysmith artist Ellen Brandson led the Nanaimo Group of Artists in an abstract expressionism workshop inspired by music. Ellen is a self-guided artist who works in acrylic on large wood panels and has shown her work in Sooke, Duncan, Chemainus and Ladysmith.

Ellen invited us to let go of expectations, try unfamiliar tools and see what happened when we let music guide our marks. Her supply list called for a large painting surface, brushes in several sizes, a few unconventional tools, and three favourite colours plus black and white. With gels and mediums on hand, there was plenty of room to experiment.

The photos below take us from Ellen’s demonstration to members at work and the finished paintings. Thank you, Ellen, for encouraging us to try something new and have fun with paint.

Ellen Brandson demonstrates intuitive mark-making.

Members painting at their tables