The Course
Intuitive Abstract Oil Painting – First Steps is an introduction to painting intuitively with oil paint, designed to help you slow down, let go of expectations, and reconnect with the process of painting.
In this course, I guide you through a supportive, process-led exercise working with oils on paper. You’ll explore materials and simple techniques while learning how to stay present with the work — responding instinctively from one mark to the next rather than planning ahead.
The focus is not on producing a finished result, but on developing awareness, confidence, and a more authentic relationship with your painting practice.
During the course, you will:
- Be introduced to oil painting materials, paper preparation, and simple techniques
- Learn how to work intuitively, shifting attention away from outcomes and into the present moment
- Explore mark-making, colour, tone, and texture in a relaxed, experimental way
- Begin to trust your instincts and develop a more personal, authentic painting language
- Build confidence to continue working intuitively beyond the course
This course focuses on first steps — building awareness, confidence and trust in the process rather than advancing an established intuitive practice.
What's included:
- 16 structured lessons (approximately 1.5 hours of video content)
- A complete, self-paced painting exercise using oil paint on paper
- Guidance on materials, tools, mediums and colour
- A downloadable PDF with ideas for creating the right environment for intuitive painting
- Ongoing access to all course content, so you can move through the material at your own pace and return whenever it suits you
Your instructor
I’m Julia Poulton, an abstract painter and workshop facilitator with a focus on intuitive, process-led painting.
My own practice evolved from working in a more representational way, where I began to feel disconnected from the process and overly focused on outcomes. Discovering intuitive painting transformed how I work — allowing me to paint with greater presence, freedom, and authenticity.
Alongside my studio practice, I’ve spent many years teaching in-person workshops, supporting painters in letting go of expectations and developing a way of working that feels true to them. This course is an extension of that work, adapted for online learning and self-paced exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What past workshop participants have shared...
“I enjoyed having the freedom to express without an end goal, limitations or rules.”
“I loved being given permission to play. We covered a lot but the atmosphere was very relaxed and supportive.”
“It was a perfect return to drawing and painting and gave me the confidence to throw myself into the day immediately.”
“Julia's art course was an island of calm in my busy life.”
“Truly one of the best experiences I’ve had in a long time, and I realise I need more of them to balance my work life.”
This is for you if you...
- Feel drawn to a more intuitive, process-led way of painting
- Want to explore oil paint in a relaxed and supportive way
- Find yourself overthinking your work or focusing too much on outcomes
- Are curious about developing a painting language that feels more authentic
- Would like to reconnect with the enjoyment and presence of painting
This may not be for you if you:
- Already work confidently and consistently in an intuitive abstract way
- Are looking for advanced theory, critique, or technical mastery
- Prefer highly outcome-driven or prescriptive painting methods
This is a first steps course —
a place to begin gently, without pressure or expectation.