What People Are Saying About
Abstract Bliss Online Classes
I FEEL LIKE THIS CLASS HAS BEEN A SANCTUARY, A PAINTING SISTERHOOD, A PLACE FOR GROWTH AND INSPIRATION!
“My favorite class ever. Faith and Mati's passion and gentle guidance and instruction have been a breath of fresh air into my artistic endeavors. I feel like this class has been a sanctuary, a painting sisterhood, a place for growth and inspiration! I can't wait to continue the journey!"
– Kathy Anne
WORKING FROM HOME CAN BE SUPER ISOLATING AND IT WAS NICE TO HEAR FROM FELLOW CREATIVES AND KNOW YOU’RE NOT ALONE IF YOU STRUGGLE.
“Thank you for this class!! The timing at the start of a new year couldn’t be better to set intentions. Working from home can be super isolating and it was nice to hear from fellow creatives and know you’re not alone if you struggle. So many helpful takeaways from this class .. from exercises in finding your true voice to unplugging from social media ( a big one personally ) I also love all the suggested podcasts and reading ! Will definitely be downloading as a resource to come back to when I feel lost :)”
– Cassie Berube
I REALLY FELT SEEN, VALUED, ENCOURAGED HERE AND I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS CLASS FOR ANY HUMAN BEING
"Mati and Faith are beautiful, vibrant, fierce female goddesses. They have inspired my painting practice and my life tremendously. I have done a few e-courses and they are fantastic because you get to meet artists from all over the world and you build this little community of support for each other. I developed the courage to share my art in this space privately and that helped me to feel confident to share it on a public platform like Instagram, which for me was hard because I've been social media-resistant for years because I am passionate about boundaries. ;) Anyway, I am learning to live with boundaries AND share my art and soul. Mati and Faith have similar aesthetics but have a very distinct personal style. They encourage you to also develop your own vocabulary of mark-making and your voice. I really felt seen, valued, encouraged here and I would recommend this class to any human being. Art-making is therapeutic and magical and fun and I love seeing everyone's particular style. With love and gratitude! Thank you Mati and Faith for your presence and love. <3"
– Laura Marsolais
WE EACH HAVE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL TO SAY
“Thank you so much Mati and Faith. My favorite words were your final ones, ‘There is room for all of us. We each have something beautiful to say.”
– Jackie May
I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT MYSELF AND MY ART.
"I just want to say thank you from the depth of my heart and soul for this amazing class. You both have a beautiful purpose in this world and I am so honored to be a witness and student of your gifts and teachings. I have learned so much about myself and my art. I have painted more than I did in art school!"
– Jennifer Perry
I ACTUALLY FEEL LIKE I CAN NOW SEE A PATH FORWARD WITH MY WORK THAT I WASN’T ABLE TO SEE BEFORE!
"This class was so helpful. It really helped me move forward and out of my comfort zone. I actually feel like I can now see a path forward with my work that I wasn't able to see before (!!) And I really enjoyed hearing other people's paths too, it was so inspiring."
– Lisa Sousa
THIS HELPED ME GRADUALLY TO ACCEPT MY IMPERFECTION, AND BECOME LESS FEARFUL!
"I really love love love this course very much! Not only teaching me painting technique, both of you also shared spirit, courage, fear...these true feeling of you! That make me gradually to accept my imperfection, and become less fearful! I enjoyed every moment of painting! Also love the group here! I love to see and read every response! It's very important that show me the variety way to see every painting! Learn so much!"
– Joy Lu
THE STRUCTURE AND LOVE AND COMPASSION WHICH YOU SEND OUT AND SHARE IN THESE CLASSES IS SO GENTLY, NURTURING AND SUPPORTIVE.
"Hugest unending thanks and gratitude to you both, Mati and Faith - the structure and love and compassion which you send out and share in these classes is so gentle, nurturing and supportive - it's really the perfect loving recipe for me - and I thank you so very much. Your guidance is cracking open and helping me to welcome adore and accept the creative side within me which has yearned to be expressed for a lifetime - thank you for helping me connect further with myself and all of you wonderful souls."
– Quigley Ashton
I FEEL BRAVER NOW AFTER WATCHING YOUR HANDS CONFIDENTLY PAINTING!
“I have enjoyed every day of this class. The lessons were so inviting and eased me into playing with watercolor. Each time I would start out tentatively, then surprise myself by the lovely colors and shapes that would appear. I feel braver now after watching your hands confidently painting. Marks lead to images, images to ideas, ideas to exploration, exploration to more marks on the paper. Thank you, Mati & Faith for helping me to feel much more comfortable painting. My materials are out and ready to go. I am going to continue playing with them - and I'm happy your videos will be there with me when I need them!”
– Donna Lee
PAINTING HAS BECOME MY MEDITATION PRACTICE, TEACHING ME TO LET GO.
“This class was such a gift. It has helped me get through this time. Painting has become my meditation practice. I especially love how letting the watercolors to do their thing teaches me to let go, to know I cannot control everything, and to see what happens when I allow things to be. The connection with everyone in this class has also been wonderful. Thank you to everyone in the class for your interaction and comradery.”
– Heather Shalhoub
THE VIDEOS ARE SO BEAUTIFUL THAT THEY GIVE ME A TRANSCENDENT EXPERIENCE, THERE ARE MANY GOLDEN NUGGETS OF INSPIRATION.
“I’ve loved being with you in this class these last 6 weeks, Faith and Mati. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with so much love and generosity of spirit. The videos are so beautiful that they give me a transcendent experience. I often watch them over and over to experience the joy of seeing the paintings and hearing the music. They always manage to uplift me and inspire me to paint. I can’t wait to start my next 4 classes. I’m immersing myself in all things Mati and Faith!!
And thank you to the talented students who bravely and openly shared their work and feelings. You were an important part of the experience for me, supporting me and making me feel welcome. There's a lot of love and support and there are many golden nuggets of inspiration."
– Cindy Silverstein
THE VIDEOS ARE CALMING AND CATHARTIC, THEY REALLY SOOTHE MY HECTIC SOUL. EXPANDING IDEAS & STRETCHING IMAGINATION.
“This course is what I've been looking for. I've always wanted an abstract course with facilitators guiding me on expanding ideas, stretching imagination and developing creativity.
Making art is a way of meditation for me, and definitely an invaluable me time. The videos posted are very calming and cathartic; I've dozed off a couple of times not because they're boring, but because they really soothe my hectic soul!
In The Flow has successfully filled this trying time (COVID-19) with reflective adventures and reminiscence of exciting travels! It certainly helped me to live a slow life and take it easy (something rare in Singapore!) This might be contradicting but six weeks gone in the blink of an eye!
Thank you Faith, Mati, and classmates for the memories.”
– Lela
THE COURSE HAS BEEN A GODSEND FOR ME, HELPING ME RELAX AND SWITCH OFF.
The In The Flow course has been an absolute godsend for me, helping with artwork for uni, helping me relax and switch off, learning new ways with watercolours, connecting with others who love watercolours, listening to new music! I'd so love to join you on a retreat, but not this year I'm afraid.... Thanks for all the inspiration.
– Annick Cottom
I’M CONSISTENTLY SHOWING UP TO MY OWN IMAGINATION! I’M EXCITED TO SEE HOW MY STYLE WILL CONTINUE TO EMERGE AND DEVELOP.
"This class really got my painting practice moving. I love where the inspiration has met me and I feel like I'm actually finding my own voice. Having done other online classes I feel the rhythm of this class has been so beneficial.. Having a lesson every day so I'm consistently showing up to my own imagination but with room to breathe through it. Thank you thank you thank you. I am excited to see what I create next and how my own style will continue to emerge and develop."
– Belinda Chappell
THE PACE AND LESSON LENGTH WERE PERFECT FOR A BUSY SCHEDULE!
“Thank you Faith & Mati. I’ve enjoyed the lessons in this class. Each day I looked forward to what was next. The pace and lesson length were perfect for a busy schedule. I work full time and have a four year old and had time to watch and do the lessons most days. It was so much fun and I created beautiful art pieces in the process.”
– Ingrid Dodd
MY WAY OF SEEING HAS BEEN REOPENED TO SEEING NEW INSPIRATION ALL AROUND ME!
“This class came to me right when I really needed it. I was feeling stuck and stale in my painting practice and needed a fresh perspective and a little encouragement from other artists that get each other. I felt really supported by not only Faith and Mati but the other students as well.
I learned a lot about remembering to play and experiment and to keep going with ideas even when I feel some resistance. The exercises were so rich and full of ideas and inspiration that I feel like I have a lot to draw from in my own work and that my way of seeing has been reopened to seeing new inspiration all around me. Thank you Faith and Mati for creating this class and for being the inspirational and creative women that you are.”
– Alana Plesner
THIS COURSE HAS OPENED UP A NEW WORLD FOR ME.
“I have certainly enjoyed “playing with color” which is how I explain to friends what I have been doing for the last six weeks. I have thoroughly enjoyed the classes. It has opened up a new world for me. Going forward I think I will begin by revisiting favorite classes that I enjoyed most.”
– Vernelle Evans
YOU HAVE QUICKLY BECOME A GROUNDING PRESENCE IN MY DAILY RITUAL- YOU SHARING YOURSELVES IS MAGIC!
“I started watching the class videos and Faith & Mati you have quickly become a beautiful and grounding presence in my daily ritual - you both sharing yourselves is magic. So much inspiration and beauty and learning all packed into this amazing course, I LOVE it!!! The desire has been sparked to splash around and play freely and quickly without so much presciousness around it. I'm loving seeing in this class the freedom in bringing bold colours together, layering and not being afraid to cover over areas, bringing white back in... so much to play with!!”
– Ginger Deverell
THERE IS SO MUCH JOY ON THE PAGES THAT I PAINTED, I HAVE SUCH A TREMENDOUS SENSE OF PRIDE.
“I have never showed up completely for a class until this one...never ever, and believe me I have taken many. I committed to showing up everyday to watch the videos and tried my best to keep up with all of the exercises. There is so much joy on the pages that I painted. I also have such a tremendous sense of pride. I am thankful for all of the people who I have "met" during this class. You have all been so inspirational. I am truly thankful to Mati and Faith for using your gifts and creating such a beautiful inspirational class. I am full of inspiration!”
-Nelly Eisenhower
I HAVE LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS EXPLORATION. I HATE THAT THIS CLASS IS OVER!
“Wow. I hate that this class is over! I’ve been challenged, inspired, thoughtful, surprised and excited all at once during the past 8 weeks. How often does that happen!? I’ve learned new techniques and new ways of looking at old ones. I’ve loved everything about this exploration and can’t thank you enough for all the hard work that went into making it.”
– Sharon Stanley
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I EVER FOLLOWED THROUGH WITH AN ART COURSE I HAVE PURCHASED. IT HAS LIT A SPARK WITHIN ME.
”This truly has been such a beautiful exploration. I would just like to sincerely thank you both for providing an opportunity to take part in such a creative content filled course and also finding other like minded turquoise and pink loving souls. This is the first time I have ever followed through from start to finish of an art course I have purchased. It has indeed lit a spark within me which I was unaware of. Abstract Bliss has helped in the healing of my inner perfectionist as well as dropping the need to “paint realistic” but instead interpret the essence of the subject or feeling through colour and mark making. I truly feel blessed for this experience and also meeting and chatting with other gorgeous creative souls within this group. Thank you, much love and creative blessings.”
– Julie
YOU PROVIDE A WONDERFUL BALANCE OF DEMOS, INSPIRATION AND SOUL SEARCHING QUESTIONS.
“I was skeptical about taking an online painting class. However, I was pleasantly surprised! Faith and Mati you really did provide a wonderful balance of demos, inspiration, and soul searching questions. I can't agree more with what you said about this class being so thoughtful, engaging, and supportive in their comments. Thank you for inspiring me!”
– Susan Saracino
THIS IS THE BEST CLASS I HAVE EVER TAKEN, IT AWAKENED ME TO THE POSSIBILITIES IN PAINTING.
“Thank you so much dear Faith and Mati, for all the inspiration, the techniques and the support in this wonderful class. This is the best class I have ever taken. It offered me so much goodness and joy, I am so happy with all the things I learned. The class has awakened me to see all the possibilities in painting with watercolors and connected me with what I already create myself. It was so refreshing!”
-Ester Regine
YOU ARE SO GENEROUS WITH YOUR GIFTS AND CREATIVITY, I’LL BE REVISITING ALL THE LESSONS.
“Thank you Mati and Faith! This class was so much fun. It has and will continue to help me cope with the heartbreak and uncertainty we are living with right now. You are both so generous with your gifts and creativity and I truly appreciate it. I’ll be revisiting all the lessons, slowing myself down to take it all in again. Sending love and peace to all of the amazing artists who participated and shared their creativity.”
– Heather
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT, INSIGHTFUL GUIDANCE AND SPACE HOLDING ALONG THE WAY.
"Warm thanks to both of you, Faith + Mati, for your encouragements, insightful guidance and space-holding along the way. It's been a lovely + fruitful couple of months! I'll be recalling many lessons, as I keep on keeping on, along the painty way. Thanks to everyone who's been on this course with me, too. My Winter was much brighter, and warmer, for having all of you working away, alongside, thru the screens."
– Jaihn
THE VIDEO DEMONSTRATIONS OPENED UP ALL SORTS OF POSSIBILITIES IN MY OWN ART JOURNEY.
"Faith & Mati, Thanks so much for the wonderful course! Each day I looked forward to the lesson which was always an inspiration for art and life. Daily lessons are like meeting with your friends everyday! Loved the video demonstrations which showed how each of you has your own unique style which opened up all sorts of possibilities in my own art journey. I found myself not being so uptight about my own art. The lessons in color and inspiration were some of my favorites. I hadn't done watercolor for years, but love the watercolor warm ups and making my own mark making vocabulary. Thanks to all of you in the community…so wonderful to see everyone's work and such a safe place to share."
– Gaila Hitt
THANK YOU FOR SUCH A WONDERFUL, INSPIRATIONAL AND SUPPORTIVE CLASS.
"I just wanted to say thank you so much to Mati, Faith and my fellow classmates for such a wonderful, inspirational and supportive class! I've been taking online classes for five years but this is the first time that I had been compelled to be an active participant. Timing in my opinion is very important, and it was definitely time. I will always paint and create first and foremost for myself. Thank you for helping me with this perspective shift. I'm always itching now to pick up the paints! Thank you so much again!”
-Chelsea Dapena
MATI & FAITH MAKE YOU FEEL YOU CAN ACHIEVE BEAUTIFUL PROJECTS WITHOUT JUDGEMENT.
“This class was the push I was needing to paint again and came just in the perfect time for me. Each class was a joy, Mati and Faith have such a kind way to share their knowledge and make you feel you can achieve beautiful projects, without judgment, exploring, and as they say, playing and listening to your own voice. My goal when I signed up for this class, was to paint everyday and finish all the lessons. I challenged myself posting my week work every Friday and I'm proud to say I did it! The first lessons made me feel engaged quickly, so everyday I was excited expecting to the next class. I would highly recommend signing up for one of their online workshops. This is my third course and I'm looking forward to two more I already signed up.”
– Myriam De La Torre
Find out more about our workshops!
