ART HISTORY: Art Nouveau: The Magnolia Panel, Nov 21, 2026

Art Nouveau: The Magnolia Panel

Step into the decorative world of Art Nouveau, the turn-of-the-century movement that transformed flowers, vines, insects, and other forms from nature into flowing works of art.

In this hands-on Art History: Hands On workshop, instructor Elizabeth Ragona will introduce you to the distinctive visual language of Art Nouveau and the artists and designers who helped define the movement. Well look at how Art Nouveau artists used sweeping curves, stylized botanical forms, decorative borders, pattern, and carefully integrated compositions to blur the boundaries between fine art and design.

Then well put those ideas to work.

Using the magnolia as our subject, youll create your own decorative painted panel inspired by the graceful lines and organic forms of Art Nouveau. Well explore how to simplify natural forms, build a strong composition, develop a harmonious color palette, and use line and pattern to turn an ordinary flower into a decorative work of art.

The goal isnt to reproduce a historic Art Nouveau design. Instead, youll learn to recognize the characteristics that make the style distinctive and use those ideas to create a piece that is uniquely your own.

Saturday, November 21 | 2:004:00 PM
$20 | All materials included

During the workshop, youll:

• Discover the history and defining characteristics of Art Nouveau
• Explore how artists transformed nature into decorative design
• Learn to use flowing line, repetition, pattern, and stylization
• Develop an Art Nouveau-inspired magnolia composition
• Experiment with color to create a rich, unified design
• Create a finished decorative panel to take home

No previous painting experience is required. All skill levels are welcome.

Alabama Art Academy at Alabama Art Supply
1006 23rd Street South
Birmingham, AL 35205
205-322-4741
AlabamaArt.com

Elizabeth Ragona, MBA

Artist, framer, business strategist, and Marketing & Framing Manager at Alabama Art Supply,Elizabeth Ragonacombines her experience in business, marketing, pricing strategy, and the arts to help creative professionals build successful and sustainable art businesses. Her workshops focus on practical tools and real-world solutions that artists can apply immediately.

Part of the Art History Series

This workshop is part of the Alabama Art Academy:Art History seriesat Alabama Art Supply, where learning about art becomes a hands-on creative experience. Rather than simply studying the artists and movements that shaped art history, these workshops invite you to explore their ideas, techniques, and ways of seeing through your own artwork. No art history or previous art experience is requiredjust curiosity and a willingness to create. Discover the stories behind the art, try something new, and experience art history by making it.