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July 15 - 21, 2012
Drawing As Discovery II • Studio in the Sky
at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House, Taos, New Mexico
Intuitive and Improvisational Drawing
A concentration on drawing is a natural progression for the Studio in the Sky workshops, now in their 18th year at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House in Taos, New Mexico. In particular, the southwest landscape provides a special venue with its sharp contrasts, its subtle and sudden pattern changes, and clarity of light.
The self expression, risk taking and balance that we seek in our lives are all present in the practice of drawing which is the emphasis of this workshop.
Students will experiment with both traditional (pencil, graphite, pastel, charcoal, acrylic mediums, paint, ink) and nontraditional (mud, sticks, shellac) media in a variety of exercises. Techniques covered include: visualization, working to music, incorporating collage elements, using resist, blotting and erasures to develop a fluent, personal visual language. In addition there will be plein air excursions and a session working from a figure model. The first part of the week will focus on free form assignments and exploratory exercises. The second part will focus on making fully realized drawings and paintings with an emphasis on daily critiques and dialogue.
Sas will offer resource material and instruction. Attention is paid to developing a personal art philosophy, to listening and presentation skills. At week’s end you’ll have a new body of art, renewed confidence and a great sense of accomplishment along with a vital new art network.
For all levels—beginning as well as experienced artists who are motivated to explore and deepen their drawing practice and gain self-confidence in the process. Our participants encompass an amazing diversity of abilities and interests, from practicing artists to teachers, writers and therapists. The week is paced to allow for personal time and excursions into Taos. You will be inspired!
The workshop is limited to 15 participants to insure adequate work space and to maximize potential.
Who should take this class?
Anyone who is seriously interested in exploring drawing as an integral component of their art making.
I’ve attended Studio in the Sky before.
Is this class different from past years?
Yes. This is a drawing class with daily critiques.
My goal remains to help both new and experienced artists move beyond their fears and enter new artistic territory with confidence and joy.
Studio Policy
The studio is available 24 hours a day.
Instruction & critique: class will meet at 9 am to noon, break for lunch, and return for the afternoon session from 2 to 5 pm.
Except for agreed upon music, we will maintain silence in the studio.
Cost & Enrollment
$1350 includes tuition and all programs, double room and board, and tax.
A separate $25 materials fee is payable directly to Sas at the workshop.
To register with a $300 deposit ($150 non-refundable) call the Mabel Dodge Luhan House at 1-800-846-2235. Registration is by phone only. Final payment is due June 1st. Visa and Mastercard accepted. Early registration is recommended.
Go to www.mabeldodgeluhan.com for information on our superb workshop location.
What participants say:
“My mind and spirit have swirled with the multi-layered wonderfulness of your workshop! I’ve wanted to thank you for offering me the next door knob I was ready to turn. You bring such warmth, kindness, comfort and possibilities to your masterful development of the week. It was a “whole” experience bringing all of the senses together to relish the arts.” WMB, Aspen, CO
“You really got me jump started into a whole new journey of exploration and expression. A great week! I’ll recommend it to others I know.” RH, Amherst, MA
“I truly appreciate the generosity of time and spirit offered to us this week. I have not felt so taken care of in a very long time and I will cherish the memories of meeting you, your entourage, and the other participants.” CF, Cayucos, CA
“It was a very nourishing week. Free and easy, with magic and light and an amazing group of people.” CK, Tampa, FL
“Positive, giving, full of joy!”
Logistics
After you enroll, the Mabel Dodge Luhan House will send a letter with detailed information, a bibliography and a preliminary supply list.
Coordinating Arrivals and Departures with other Participants:
Before the workshop, Sas will provide a list of participants to all enrolled to facilitate travel from the airport to Taos. You can share car rental expenses.
You won’t need a car during the workshop, but having a car makes coming and going more flexible.
The closest airport is the Albuquerque Sunport, a 3 hours drive from Taos. We highly recommend coming a few days early to acclimate to the 7,000 foot altitude. Many arrange to spend a few days in Santa Fe before the workshop.
Making Travel Arrangements
The workshop begins on Sunday, July 15, with a 5 p.m. reception.
It ends on Saturday, July 21, after lunch, around 1 p.m.
Please make your travel arrangements to accommodate these times. Late arrivals and early departures are disruptive to all of us. The final Saturday morning presentations are a crucial part of the experience and shouldn’t be missed.
If you have to leave early, try to stay until 11 a.m. at least. (It’s OK to miss lunch!)
Useful References
Taos Chamber of Commerce: 1-800-8462235, www.taoschamber.com
New Mexico Tourism: www.newmexico.org
Airport Shuttle: Twin Hearts Express: 1-800-654-9456
Note: Call for current schedule. There are only 4 departures a day from ABQ to Taos. The rate is around $60 each way. Many former participants loathe this shuttle and say next time they would rent a car.
SUPPLY LIST FOR 2012 • Drawing as Discovery II
For those who have come before, I’ve made a few changes, the biggest being that all you need to bring are a few tools.
• scissors, utility knife, straight edge, and a cutting board (you can substitute the back of your sketch book for this purpose)
• masking tape, glue stick, PVA or adhesive of choice, an eraser
• your favorite mark-making media: drawing pencils, pen, acrylic & water color paints & inks, markers, pastels, oil crayons, Cretacolor, watercolor pencils etc.
Note: we cannot use oil-based media & turpentine in the studio
• 2 one inch brushes & two 1/2 inch brushes (the kind you get at the hardware store for 75c with natural bristles), plus a variety of smaller paint brushes from your own collection). If you have some larger brushes, bring them. They’re perfect for working on large scale works on the wall.
• notebook for writing
• one sketchbook, at least 11 x 14
• personal imagery or art references, Xeroxes & clippings for inspiration
• a small lamp & extension cord for extra light at night (something you could put on, or attach to your work table.
• Something to carry your supplies in for drawing outside.
• a black outfit, and a white outfit—if not full outfits, bring tops in those colors
(we wear white at the final dinner, and black on Wednesday night presentations)
• a hat, sunscreen, insect repellant, sturdy walking shoes, alarm clock, flashlight
”OPTIONAL; any special tools & materials you usually work with that are transportable: this could include needles, thread, fabric, novelty papers, handmade or textured papers, collage materials
$35 supply fee, payable directly to Sas at the workshop, includes:
• unlimited supply of gesso, matte & gloss medium, shellac & denatured alcohol, acetone
• all the large sheets of paper you will need, tracing paper, and other papers
• charcoal, graphite, some pencils, oil pastels, colored pencils and miscellaneous paints, brushes & other supplies
• a basic tool box, (hammer, pliers, awls, saw, etc.)
If these supplies won’t fit in your suitcase, you are probably bringing too much. I’m a strong proponent of the “work with what you have” school of art. You really don’t need more than the basic tools; often other participants are willing to share supplies.
Note: I recommend these books on drawing:
Zen of Drawing, Frederick Franck, Bantam Books, NY, 1993 & other Franck books. Describes an individual approach to drawing
The Natural Way to Draw, Kimon Nicolaides, Houghton Mifflin, Boston, MA, 1941. Excellent technical information
The Drawing Book, edited by Tania Kovats, Black Dog Publishing, London, 2007. Beautifully illustrated with many styles of drawing.
How Painting Holds Me on the Earth, by Leigh Hyams, available from www.artsreal.com This is an exceptional book by a maverick painter and teacher who has inspired me for years. My students will recognize some of her techniques because I’ve adopted some of them. She teaches you to be brave, to try anything.
The Art of Responsive Drawing, Nathan Goldstein, Pearson/Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 2006 |
Making the first drawing of the week
Walking the labyrinth next to the studio
Living the Art Spirit 2010
Drawing outdoors
Taos skys
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