Frank Stella: Innovation In Modern & Contemporary Art

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Course code: R30E

Frank Stella (1936–2024) was a pioneering American painter, sculptor, and printmaker, widely recognised for his influential role in the development of Minimalism and Post-Painterly Abstraction.

when
From 21 Apr 2026 to 19 May 2026
Tue 10:00-12:30  5 weeks
Date
21 Apr 2026
Time
10:00 to 12:30
Date
28 Apr 2026
Time
10:00 to 12:30
Date
05 May 2026
Time
10:00 to 12:30
Date
12 May 2026
Time
10:00 to 12:30
Date
19 May 2026
Time
10:00 to 12:30
Tutor
Kaitlin Fincham
where
Stoke Lodge 

Stoke Lodge Centre, Shirehampton Road
Stoke Bishop
Bristol
BS9 1BN


fees
full fee for this course £104.00, concession fee £62.00
who

Bristol Adult Learning

stokelodge@bristol.gov.uk

0117 903 8844

Description

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">A dynamic journey through Minimalism, Post-Painterly Abstraction, and sculptural innovation, focusing on the groundbreaking work of Frank Philip Stella—the American painter, sculptor, and printmaker.</span></span></span></p>

What can students expect?

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">Join us for an immersive course delivered through a PowerPoint presentation and informative handouts. Engage in lively discussions and develop your skills and knowledge.</span></span></span></p>

<p> </p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">You will study Frank Stella’s impact on modern and contemporary art, focusing on his revolutionary approach to Minimalism, Post-Painterly Abstraction, and sculptural innovations. This course will examine how Stella challenged traditional painting conventions, moving beyond flat canvases to dynamic, three-dimensional compositions. You will analyse his iconic works—such as the <em>Black Paintings</em>, <em>Protractor Series</em>, and <em>Irregular Polygons</em>—gaining insights into his artistic philosophy and technical mastery. Additionally, you will explore Stella’s influence on contemporary artists and the broader evolution of abstraction in modern art.</span></span></span></p>

Late starters allowed?

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">Yes, but this is a short course, so it is best to join by week 2.</span></span></span></p>

Previous experience required?

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">No.</span></span></span></p>

What is the progression route?

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">Learners can enrol on other Art History courses at Stoke Lodge.</span></span></span></p>

Are there any extra costs?

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">No.</span></span></span></p>

Work set between sessions?

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">Learners will be given a reading list and links to websites for additional reading and research. This is to enhance their knowledge and is optional.</span></span></span></p>

What should students bring?

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">A notebook to take notes and a folder for the handouts.</span></span></span></p>

Teaching method/style?

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">PowerPoint presentation, handouts, discussions, analysis of artwork.</span></span></span></p>

Equipment Required

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">See list above.</span></span></span></p>

Refunds and cancellations

<p><strong><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">Course Cancellations by Us</span></span></span></strong></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">•           If we cancel your course, your fees will be refunded in full.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">•           We cannot reimburse the cost of any materials you may have purchased.</span></span></span></p>

<p><strong><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">Cancellations by You</span></span></span></strong></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">•           If you cancel 7 days or more before the course start date: Refund issued minus a 20% administration fee.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">•           If you cancel less than 7 days before the start date or after the course has started: No refund will be issued.</span></span></span></p>

<p><strong><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">Transfers</span></span></span></strong></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">•           Transfers must be requested at least 7 days before the course start date.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">•           A 10% transfer fee applies.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">•           Transfers due to our cancellation of your original course are free of charge.</span></span></span></p>

<p><strong><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">Illness and Absence</span></span></span></strong></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">•           No refunds are available for non-attendance due to sickness or ill health.</span></span></span></p>

<p><strong><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">How Refunds Are Issued</span></span></span></strong></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">•           Refunds are returned via the original payment method:</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">•           Booked online or by phone - Refund to the card used.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">•           Paid in person at Stoke Lodge - Please bring your payment card to the office.</span></span></span></p>

<p><strong><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">Online Course Access</span></span></span></strong></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">•           Learners are responsible for ensuring they have suitable internet access and equipment before the course begins.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">•           No refunds will be issued due to technical issues with a learner’s own internet or computer.</span></span></span></p>