Geometric Abstraction
2026 Toronto Workshops
PLAY IS AT THE VERY HEART OF CREATIVITY
AND AN EXCELLENT MEANS TO STIMULATE OUR MINDS.
WITHOUT QUESTION, A PLAYFUL ATTITUDE IS
FUNDAMENTAL TO CREATIVE THINKING.
Geometric Abstraction Workshop
A small group workshop (6 students) with an emphasis on seeing and composition.
With a focus on the abstract qualities of form and structure, we will concentrate on architectural elements as raw material for abstract images. Working with straight techniques to interpret the subject to make abstract designs. The intent is not to represent an accurate depiction of a visual reality but instead use shapes, colours, forms and gesture to achieve its effect.
We will explore compositions characterized by the way design, form, and structure take precedence over the subject itself with an emphasis on deliberate structure and design.
The workshop is concerned primarily with an exchange of ideas, experiments and it aims to challenge the traditional and introduce new possibilities. It will provide both aesthetic exploration of individual creativity and technical experimentation with a renewed method of working.
Itinerary
Friday, April 24th – Sunday, April 26th, 2026
Session 1: Tuesday, April 21st, 2026
1:30 pm EST
Toronto Pre-workshop Classroom Zoom instruction.
Friday, May 15th – Sunday, May 17th, 2026
Session 1: Tuesday, May 12th, 2026
1:30 pm EST
Toronto Pre-workshop Classroom Zoom instruction.
Friday, June 5th – Sunday June 7th, 2026
Session 1: Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026
1:30 pm EST
Toronto Pre-workshop Classroom Zoom instruction.
Additional details provided upon registration.
Meet Your Teacher
Richard Martin
A long-time contributor to Photo Life magazine, Richard pursues photography as a medium of visual expression. He is a deeply committed instructor who guides participants on a voyage of personal rediscovery on his photography tours around the world. His passion and insight help the student in opening up the creative doors and to reflect on the special qualities that dwell within them.
A good instructor should have the ability to move people – connecting them with their emotions. Reinforcing to participants the fact that fine images are made with their hearts and souls not their thousand-dollar lens.
Qualities That Make A Good Instructor
Some of the qualities which contribute to a good instructor include:
- Instructors should be deeply committed to the process of making images, while possessing honesty and integrity in their own work.
- They should encourage individual ways of seeing and expressing, and should NEVER impose their own views on students.
- One who enjoys sharing their knowledge, without ego! – this aspect is very important. One who is always accessible to participants, being available for assistance, and dividing time fairly between students.
- One who can guide participants on a voyage of personal rediscovery, opening up doors and helping students reflect on the special qualities that dwell within them.
Workshop Outcomes
- Find your voice and vision.
- Learn to see with a camera.
- Discover tools to create compelling imagery.
- Develop your own creative style.
- Learn to relax control and try new ideas.
- Empty out old habits of thinking by adopting new approaches.
- Learn to respond emotionally by embracing ambiguity.
- Practice the 'Art of Slowness’ and overcome ‘hurry sickness’.
- Learn how mistakes are welcome during the creative process.
- Discover why play is fundamental to creativity.
Toronto Workshop Pricing
Per Person
- 2 hour zoom session prior to workshop.
- 3 full days Guided on-location field school. Unlimited time with instructor.
- 2 hour zoom session for image review and group discussion (two weeks following workshop conclusion).
- All transportation from our meeting point during the 3 days in Toronto.
- Hotel and meal expenses.
*The small group size intensifies the experience and guarantees an unparalleled level of personal attention and opportunity for one-on-one interaction.
“The life experience you bring to your work along with your personal approach make your photographs unique. By being open-minded when learning your craft, you’ll develop a better understanding of how photography can enrich your creative life as you continue to develop your vision.”
Richard Martin
