Workshop
Art of Play
We all know how to paint — we just need to remember.
In this immersive, five-day workshop, participants rediscover the joy of creating freely while exploring layers of materials like crayon, marker, oil pastel, collage, and acrylic paint.
Each day builds upon the last as the group moves from playful experimentation to thoughtful composition, all while diving deep into color, texture, and creative expression.
Upcoming workshops
Harbor Country
September 14-18, 2026
Five days of making. And everything that happens after.
Six artists. One studio.
Mornings of mixed media on paper, afternoons that are yours, and two hours a day on the part no one teaches you.
Art of Play
Workshop information
Lesson Plan overview
Day 1 – Remembering: We’ll channel our inner four year olds and reconnect with the freedom of childlike creativity, using old photos of ourselves as inspiration and working with crayons, markers, pastels, and paint on paper.
Day 2 – Color: Learn to mix and harmonize colors that make your work sing through hands-on acrylic exercises in value, saturation, and color theory.
Day 3 – Composition: Explore balance and rhythm through shape, collage, and mark-making as you create a series of lively, layered compositions.
Day 4 – Bringing It Together: Refine your favorite ideas into cohesive works, adding paint and collage to bring each piece to life.
Day 5 – Finishing & Sharing: Wrap up your series, learn about fixatives, varnishes, and presentation, and share your work in a supportive, nonjudgmental setting designed to celebrate growth and discovery.
Details
Who: The workshop is fully adaptable to meet students wherever they are in their artistic journey. Open to ages 18 and up, this class welcomes all skill levels—whether participants are practicing artists looking to explore new creative processes and invite more free flow into their practice, or they’re new to painting and eager to dive into a fun, immersive experience.
Cost to participants: $1,200. ‘Early bird’ registration discounts negotiable.
Suggested schedule: 5 days from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. with flexible 1 hour working window after class until 2 p.m.
Class size: Maximum: 10. Minimum: 3
Testimonials
Q: What would you tell a friend who is considering Art of Play?
A: Laurie’s style is so inviting, playful, and supportive. I loved learning in-person. When I hit an emotional roadblock she helped me find a way through. This built my confidence and gave me a clear focus going forward. She has come into her own style of art and encourages you to discover yours -- from the inside out. I found it inspiring, playful, and connecting. I’d definitely do it again!
Laurie is a gifted teacher, so generous with her knowledge and time. It was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself!
Q: What was the most valuable part of the workshop for you?
The container Laurie created, to unleash our own creativity. There is so much!!! I really loved working in-person. You doing a demo then we did it (the values exercise). Plus, Terri and I also had extra bonus of staying with you, which was great to debrief, be your extra hands and support in the workshop which made me feel needed, and just having loads of fun and being supported!!!
The instruction of basic concepts, mixed with the opportunity for “free play” let everyone interpret the instruction in their own way. It was beautiful to see how everyone could be shown the same technique and create so uniquely from it.
Instructor Bio
Laurie Kwo is a Hawaiian-born artist based in Chicago, Illinois who is building a following as an abstract painter.
Her creative journey, which began at age six, has taken her through the fashion industry and high-end interior design, and sharply attuned her passion for capturing the essence of the world around her.
She is best known for her large-scale commissioned works at The Lydian in Chicago, where 34 of her original statement pieces are on permanent display. Her work has also been featured in galleries and is held in private collections around the world.
Her original abstract artwork, sourced from personal experience, is an exploration of classic feminine themes while delving into the vulnerability, complexity and beauty of the human experience. For Laurie, painting is bothpersonal and connective, Her abstract works are a visuallanguage for expressing emotion and creating space forothers to feel seen.
Through bold expression and unguarded creativity, she invites viewers to experience the liberating power of art.
Connect
Laurie Kwo lives and works near Chicago, Illinois..
Connect with Laurie about hosting this workshop in your area.