Frank Stella: Innovation In Modern & Contemporary Art
This course is available for enrolment.
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
Stoke Lodge Centre, Shirehampton Road
Stoke Bishop
Bristol
BS9 1BN
- who
-
Bristol Adult Learning
0117 903 8844
Description
<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",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:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",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:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",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:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",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:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">No.</span></span></span></p>
What is the progression route?
<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",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:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">No.</span></span></span></p>
Work set between sessions?
<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",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:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",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:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",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:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">See list above.</span></span></span></p>
Refunds and cancellations
<p><strong><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Course Cancellations by Us</span></span></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",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:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",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:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Cancellations by You</span></span></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",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:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",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:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Transfers</span></span></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",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:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">• A 10% transfer fee applies.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",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:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Illness and Absence</span></span></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",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:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">How Refunds Are Issued</span></span></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">• Refunds are returned via the original payment method:</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",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:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",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:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Online Course Access</span></span></span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",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:"Times New Roman",serif"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">• No refunds will be issued due to technical issues with a learner’s own internet or computer.</span></span></span></p>