Beacon Digest

Join Hudson Valley painter Melanie Delgado for a special 3-hour hands-on abstract painting workshop at That Creative Space in Beacon, NY. Over the last decade, Melanie has developed her signature expressive, layered approach to abstraction—and for one day only, she's bringing her playful, process-driven style to Beacon.

In this immersive session, you'll explore how color, composition, and mark-making can spark intuition and joy. Through guided warm-ups and experimental exercises, you'll loosen up, make bold marks, and discover new ways to paint without overthinking.

Overview You'll explore color, shape, and intuitive mark-making in a relaxed, supportive environment that's all about process over perfection. All materials are included, so you can simply show up and create. You're also welcome to bring any tools you love working with.

Melanie will guide you through simple, approachable techniques for building abstract compositions. You'll start with loose warm-ups to help you get out of your head and into the flow of making. Then you'll experiment with layering, texture, and mixed media on paper as you discover what feels exciting and true to you.

Her gentle guidance and thoughtful insights will help you relax into the work and trust your instincts—whether it's been years since you last picked up a brush or this is your first time.

What you'll learn You'll learn how to build abstract compositions using color, shape, and mark-making, along with approachable techniques for layering and working with mixed media. Melanie will also share practical ways to move past "stuck" moments and stay connected to your creative instincts.

What you'll make Over the course of the session, you'll create a small series of mini abstract paintings on paper. These quick studies give you space to explore, loosen up, and try new approaches without pressure.

What you'll take home You'll leave with a handful of finished mini abstracts, plus new techniques and renewed confidence you can continue practicing at home.

Who this workshop is for (Adults & 16+) This workshop is great for beginners as well as experienced artists—anyone who enjoys hands-on, meditative making time in a warm, welcoming studio environment.

Materials fee $20 is included in your tuition.

Fee $108 (Non-Members) $89.25 (Members receive 15% off)

Please note: In the event of snow or inclement weather, we've set aside February 7 as a snow date.

About the Teaching Artist Melanie Delgado is an abstract painter based in Upstate New York. She teaches weekly classes and workshops at the Woodstock School of Art. Working primarily in large-scale abstractions on canvas, Delgado's practice centers on mark-making, repetition, and layered processes that accumulate over weeks or months.

Her work investigates what lies beneath the surface—both in painting and in memory—through bold gestural lines, excavation of previous layers, and an intuitive approach to color. Her paintings are characterized by their dynamic energy, sharp scraping techniques, and the tension between quick, instinctive marks and deliberate, reflective layering.