The design of the course enabled me to build knowledge, skills and confidence progressively. Lin’s natural style of mentoring and facilitating gives great insight into the progression being made as well as challenging and suggesting different aspects of practice and how to build on them.

Carol Cross Artist

Learn how to make the paintings you want to make - by understanding why your work isn't working

Course fee £850

Group Programme Starts April 2026. Register interest in the Group below

121 Enrolment ongoing at any time.

Who is this course for?

This is a foundational painting course for artists who have been painting for a while, but feel stuck, frustrated, or inconsistent in their work.

You’re not a beginner — but you’re also not able to reliably make the paintings you want to make.

This course is for you if:

➡️ You’ve been painting for years, you have some knowledge, but it feels patchy and disconnected and your results feel hit-and-miss

➡️ You sense there are “rules” in painting — about colour, composition, structure — but you don’t fully understand how to use them, and when you do learn rules, you either:

ignore them and feel lost, or apply them rigidly and feel your creativity shut down.

➡️ You constantly second-guess yourself and feel like you’re “getting it wrong” and you’re frustrated that other artists seem to understand something you don’t.

➡️ You want to understand how painting actually works, not just follow prompts or copy technique.

Many people on this course have:

taken workshops and short courses
learned in a fragmented, piecemeal way
or done degrees and come away feeling confused or destabilised rather than grounded

What they have in common is this:

They want a solid foundation — so they can paint with clarity instead of guesswork.

Who this course is not for

This course is not for:

complete beginners who’ve never picked up a paintbrush
people looking for a quick fix or a one-off technique
artists who want a business or career-focused programme

Directions in Abstraction is about learning how to paint well — not about becoming a professional artist (that can come later, if you want it).

About the course

Directions in Abstraction is a foundational painting course for artists who have been painting for a while but feel stuck, inconsistent, or unsure why their work isn’t doing what they want it to do.

The course is designed to give you a clear, practical understanding of how painting works, so you can stop guessing and start making informed decisions in your work.

This is not a quick fix or a technique-based course. It’s a structured programme that helps you build the foundations many artists miss — or never properly learn — even after years of painting.

Before / After

Before the course, many artists feel:

unsure why their paintings aren’t working
overwhelmed by a blank canvas and too many possible directions
stuck in the middle of a painting, not knowing what to do next
reliant on rules, prompts, or other people’s opinions
unclear about their own visual language or way of working
frustrated by reworking pieces without knowing when to stop

After the course, most participants:

understand what’s happening in their work and why
have a solid grounding in colour, composition, and structure
know how to start, develop, and resolve a painting
recognise what’s in their work — and what isn’t
can diagnose problems and make decisions with confidence
feel clear about their process, whether intuitive, reference-led, or a mix
know how to edit, finish, and complete work
feel grounded enough to take their practice forward independently

Book an enrolment chat

What the course covers

The course focuses on the core elements of painting and how they work together, so your understanding becomes connected rather than piecemeal.

You’ll develop a clear grasp of visual language — including line, shape, pattern, rhythm and structure — and how these elements operate on the surface of a painting.

We look closely at colour and composition, not as abstract theory but as practical tools you can use to create clarity, balance and impact in your work. This includes working with scale, understanding spatial relationships, and making deliberate choices about focus and emphasis.

Alongside this, you’ll explore process: how you work, how paintings develop over time, and how to navigate uncertainty without losing direction. We look at different approaches to painting, including working intuitively and working from external references, so you can understand what supports your way of working.

The course also supports the development of a robust studio practice, helping you integrate these elements into a way of working you can sustain and build on beyond the programme.

How it works

The course is taught over a year with two months off, to give you time to absorb, practise, and integrate what you’re learning.

You’ll be supported through a mixture of structured teaching sessions and guided practical exercises. There will be time between sessions to paint and reflect and regular opportunities to review and refine your work.

The aim isn’t to rush towards finished pieces, but to develop understanding and skills that last.

What to expect

You don’t need to be a professional artist, but you do need to be willing to show up, practise, and engage with the process.

By the end of the course, most participants feel clearer about what’s happening in their work and more confident diagnosing problems. They describe feeling better able to trust their decisions and are grounded enough to explore without losing their way.

Choose Your Format

One-to-One Program

The one-to-one format allows you to start at the beginning of any month, making it ideal for those who want flexibility.

You’ll work closely with Lin through private monthly coaching sessions, receiving personalized assignments and tailored feedback based on your goals and progress. This format offers full scheduling flexibility.

Group Program (Starts late April 2026)

The group program begins in April 2026 and follows a structured monthly curriculum that includes live workshops and interactive themes.

You’ll be part of a supportive peer cohort, sharing critiques and learning through community engagement. This format is great for artists who thrive on connection, shared momentum, and the creative energy of a group setting.

Testimonials

Artist Spotlight: Directions in Abstraction Alumni

Lynn Hernandez Case Study Interview

Laura Lanoil Case Study Interview

Bettina Rickenbach YouTube Interview

Delegates comments from previous years.

Learn in A Group or One to One?

Directions in Abstraction offers you the flexibility to choose between two learning formats: a dynamic group setting or a personalized one-to-one coaching experience.

The group option provides a collaborative learning experience where you can connect with fellow artists, share ideas, and learn from each other’s creative journeys.

Whereas the one-to-one coaching option offers individualized guidance, allowing you to dive deeper into your personal artistic goals and challenges. Both options are designed to help you unlock your creative potential in the way that suits you best.

Course Fee & Payment

The fee for the Directions in Abstraction One to One or Group is £850.

After an initial deposit of £100 to secure your place, the balance of the fee can either be paid as a lump sum, or in monthly instalments on the 1st of each month.

How to Enroll

Before enrolling, I invite each prospective participant to join me for a short conversation. This session is a chance for us to connect, discuss your goals, and ensure that the course is a good fit for where you are in your artistic journey. There’s no pressure—just an open, supportive chat.

If you’re interested in joining the One-to-One Program or the 2026 Group, book your enrolment session below

Book enrolment chat

Questions?

Drop me a message

Course Terms in Full are Below

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy Directions in Abstraction 121 and Group

Pre-programme Cancellation:

You may cancel your enrollment and receive a full refund if cancellation is made at least 10 days before the start of the course. After this period, the following cancellation terms will apply:

Cancellation After the Programme Has Started:

If you decide to cancel within the first 30 days of the course, the following fees will apply:

– A non-refundable deposit of £100

– The first month’s fee of £75

– An administrative fee of £100 to cover processing costs

No further fees or payments will be required beyond these amounts if cancellation is made within this 30-day period.

No Refund After 30 Days:

After the initial 30-day period, no refunds will be provided, and you will be responsible for paying the remaining course fees as per the agreed schedule.

Payment Terms

Payment Terms and Schedule

Participants can choose from the following payment options:

Deposit and Monthly Installments:

– An upfront non-refundable deposit of £100m is required to secure your place on the course.

– The remaining balance will be paid in 10 monthly installments of £75, set up via a Stripe subscription.

Payment in Full:

– Alternatively, participants can choose to pay the full course fee upfront via an invoice. Full payment is due 10 days before the course start date.

Late Payments:

Missed Payments: If a scheduled monthly payment is missed, participants will be notified and given a 28 day grace period to complete the payment.

Suspension of Access: If you do not make the payment, within 28 days of the missed due date this may result in suspension of access to course materials, coaching sessions, and recordings until payment is made.

Cancellation for Non-Payment: If payments remain unpaid for more than 40 days, the participant’s enrollment may be canceled, and no refunds will be issued for the portion of the course that has already been completed.

Payment Adjustments:

Participants experiencing genuine financial difficulties may contact Lin Cheung in advance to discuss payment options or adjustments. However, any changes to the payment plan are at the discretion of Lin Cheung and must be agreed upon in writing.

Course Access & Course Content

Course Access & Content

Access to Course Content: Delegates will have access to the course material and content for a further six months after they complete the programme.

Missed Sessions & Rescheduling

Missed Sessions: If you miss your session then these can be rebooked via the online scheduling page. If you are having difficulties attendig the sessions you may contact Lin Cheung directly to discuss adjustments.

Rescheduling Policy: Booked coaching sessions can be rescheduled either via directly via the online scheduling page or by contacting Lin directly.

Non-Transferability

Your enrollment in the course is non-transferable, meaning you cannot assign your place to another person.

Learning Groups

Number of Groups: Participants will be divided into two learning groups to facilitate collaborative learning, peer support, and effective instruction. There will be the option of an afternoon group and an evening group UK time.
Group Composition: Each learning group will consist of a minimum of six delegates. If any learning group has fewer than six participants, the schedule may need to be adjusted. The intent is to ensure a full, engaging learning experience, and a smaller group might require a more tailored approach.In the event that a learning group has fewer than six delegates enrolled, the scheduled days and times may require renegotiation to better accommodate the smaller group size. This may involve changing the start times to better suit the availability of the remaining participants and/or consolidating groups to ensure that each session remains productive and engaging. If the new timing doesn’t suit all participants, they will have the option to request a refund or transfer their fee to the 121 version of the programme or to the next Intake date. This provides flexibility while ensuring that everyone can engage in the course at a time that works for them.

Intellectual Property for Participants

Ownership of Participant’s Work

Participants retain full ownership of all work created during the course, including but not limited to artworks, sketches, written materials, and any other creative outputs. This ownership grants participants the rights to use, share, or reproduce their work as they see fit, including for personal, educational, or commercial purposes.

Use of Participant’s Work for Promotional Purposes

While participants retain ownership of their work, Lin Cheung reserves the right to request permission to use examples of participants’ work for promotional and marketing purposes, such as:

– Displaying on the course website or promotional materials.

– Sharing on social media platforms.

– Featuring in newsletters or other communications related to the programme.

Participants will be asked to provide explicit consent before any such usage occurs. This consent can be given at any time, and participants are free to decline permission for specific uses or entirely.

Attribution

If permission is granted for the use of a participant’s work, proper attribution will be provided, crediting the artist as the creator of the work. This ensures that participants receive recognition for their creativity and contributions.

Confidentiality and Privacy

In the case that participants choose to share work that includes identifiable features or personal information (such as images of people), participants must ensure that they have the appropriate permissions to share such content. Lin Cheung will not be held responsible for any breaches of confidentiality or privacy arising from a participant’s use of their own work.

Confidentiality

All coaching sessions, including group learning sessions, are recorded via Zoom for the benefit of the course participants. As these recordings may capture both individual and group interactions, all video content from the programme is considered confidential and is strictly for the use of registered participants only.

The recordings, as well as any other teaching and training materials, must not be shared, distributed, or accessed by anyone not enrolled in the programme. By participating in the course, you agree to respect the privacy and confidentiality of all members and the content provided.

Copyright

All written, visual, and video materials provided as part of this programme are the intellectual property of Lin Cheung. These materials are protected by copyright and may not be distributed, reproduced, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Lin Cheung.

Data Protection

Privacy and Data Protection

Collection and Use of Personal Data

As part of the registration and participation in the course, we will collect and process personal data from participants, including but not limited to:

Contact Information: Name, email address, and other relevant contact details.

Zoom Recordings: Audio and video recordings of coaching sessions and group discussions.

Images and Notes submitted for feedback as part of the programme.

Purpose of Data Collection

Your personal data will be collected and processed for the following purposes:

To manage your enrollment and provide access to course materials and sessions.
To communicate with you regarding course updates, schedules, and important information.
To enhance the learning experience through recorded sessions, which may be made available to participants for review and study purposes.

Data Storage and Security

All personal data will be stored securely in compliance with GDPR and relevant data protection laws.

We will implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, loss, or destruction.

Data Retention

Personal data will be retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy and in accordance with legal requirements.

Zoom recordings will be stored for the duration of the course and will be archived 6 months after the course concludes.

Third-Party Services

The following third-party services may be utilized in connection with the course, and they may have access to participants’ personal data:

Mailchimp

May be used to manage your enrollment, provide access to course materials and sessions. It may also be used to communicate with you regarding course updates, schedules, and other important information.

For more information on how Mailchimp handles personal data please see:

https://mailchimp.com/help/mailchimp-european-data-transfers/

Mighty Networks

Is the learning platform used to administer the course. It will be used to provide access to the course materials and sessions. It may also be used to communicate with you regarding course updates, and other important information.

For more information on how Mighty Networks handles personal data please see:

https://www.mightynetworks.com/privacy-policy

Zoom:

Video and audio recordings of coaching sessions will be conducted via Zoom. Your participation in these sessions may be recorded, and recordings will be accessible to registered participants only.

Zoom’s privacy policy governs their handling of your data. Please refer to Zoom’s Privacy Policy https://zoom.us/privacy for further details on how they manage personal data.

Vimeo

Video and audio recordings will be stored on Vimeo for the duration of the course and the six months following when they will be archived.

Please refer to Vimeo’s Privacy Policy for further details on how they manage personal data. https://help.vimeo.com/hc/en-us/sections/12397318942993-Privacy

Stripe

Some payments will be processed through Stripe. Your payment information, including credit card details, will be securely handled by Stripe in compliance with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard).

For more information on how Stripe handles personal data, please see https://stripe.com/gb/legal/privacy-center

Woo Commerce

Some payments will be processed through Woo Commerce. Your payment information, including credit card details, will be securely handled by Woo Commerce in compliance with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard).

For more information on how Woo Commerce handles personal data, please see

https://woocommerce.com/it/privacy-policy/

Data Sharing and Disclosure

Your personal data will not be shared with any third parties other than those explicitly mentioned above, unless required by law or with your explicit consent.

All third-party providers will be required to adhere to strict data protection standards to ensure your data is handled securely.

Your Rights

Under GDPR, you have certain rights regarding your personal data, including:

The right to access your personal data.

The right to request rectification of inaccurate or incomplete data.

The right to request erasure of your personal data under certain circumstances.

The right to restrict processing or withdraw consent.

If you have any questions or concerns about how your personal data is being handled, please feel free to contact me.

Acceptance of Terms

By enrolling in the course, delegates acknowledge and agree to adhere to the terms of course Directions in Abstraction outlined herein. A full written copy of these terms will be provided on payment of the course deposit.