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. We’ll 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 we’ll put those ideas to work. Using the magnolia as our subject, you’ll create your own decorative painted panel inspired by the graceful lines and organic forms of Art Nouveau. We’ll 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 isn’t to reproduce a historic Art Nouveau design. Instead, you’ll 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 | 2:00–4:00 PM $20 | All materials included During the workshop, you’ll: 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 Ragona combines 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 series at 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 required—just curiosity and a willingness to create. Discover the stories behind the art, try something new, and experience art history by making it.