Zen Painting Workshop

Summer Zen Painting Workshop led by Jodi Ohl, featuring a colorful abstract art background.

I went to a really fun painting workshop last summer for a weekend which I never shared on my blog…. until now! The workshop is called Zen Painting and it was taught by Jodi Ohl. I have been following Jodi Ohl’s blog for many years. When I was looking for some hands-on professional development for the soul, I noticed she was teaching at Shake Rag Alley, which is only 45 minutes away from my house. My co-worker Martha, who teaches French, decided to go with me! We created this slideshow to share during a staff meeting. Whenever someone uses professional development funds at our school, they do a presentation in front of the staff.

A small, circular building with a garden in front and a sign that says "Shake Rag Alley in Mineral Point, WI," offers engaging Zen Painting workshop for creativity and relaxation.

Here is some of Jodi Ohl’s artwork, so you can see her style.

Abstract painting with vibrant colors and geometric shapes. Text on the image reads "Jodi Ohl's Artwork." Abstract painting with geometric shapes alongside text describing Jodi Ohl's mindful and relaxing Zen Painting process. Abstract black-and-white drawing beside a text note about an artistic workshop focused on Zen Painting for beginners. A tabletop with colorful abstract art, books, pencils, erasers, and paint cups sets the scene for a creative workshop. Text says, "The weekend begins... Artist Jodi is giving a Zen Painting Workshop to a group of women in an indoor art studio. Sketchbook pages with mark-making and shading exercises, highlighting pencil and pen techniques, alongside a sketched sphere. Packaged graphite pencils and open sketching pencils with a water brush on a table. Caption reads: "We tested Zen Art Aquarelle graphite pencils, inks, and a variety of other pencils and pens. A woman draws panels using pencils and water soluble pencils on a table with art supplies during a workshop. Text describes the project. A Zen painting with abstract designs and limited colors is described in a slide, accompanied by art tools scattered around. Abstract artwork featuring colorful, varied textures and line details, accompanied by text explaining the process and techniques used. This painting was created during a workshop that emphasized mindfulness and creativity. "Melancholy Robot in Space" series, a unique watercolor art collection featuring a sad robot in space with a cake and an octopus. This intriguing blend of themes offers a Zen painting workshop experience, allowing viewers to explore serenity through art. Two smiling people at a restaurant, one holding a drink. Plate with food and text about their day at the Zen Painting workshop visible. Abstract painting with colorful hanging lanterns and shapes. Text reads, "The next day was spent in a workshop using a similar process, but with more colors. A Zen painting of a whimsical landscape with floating blue orbs and stones, surrounded by art supplies on a table. Artistic presentation notes featuring bird illustrations and key points such as "Sympathy for the New French Student" and "Limits," inspired by techniques from a Zen Painting Workshop. Presentation slide titled "Marcia's Takeaways" with a list and an abstract painting featuring fluid acrylic techniques that evoke a sense of Zen.

After we finished our presentation, our staff had the opportunity to make “Zen Bookmarks” which I will show you in my next blog post.

It was a super fun weekend! I really enjoyed trying out techniques and materials (high flow acrylics) that I had not tried before. This summer, I am signed up to go to her Zen Houses workshop, which I am looking forward to greatly.

I am also grateful that THIS FUN AWESOMENESS counts as professional development! We are art teachers, after all!

If you wanted to see her in-person workshop line-up, visit her website here.

She also has online workshops and DVD workshops if you can’t make it to any of the in-person sessions.