VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
Automatic/Expressive Drawing

Master Class In this master class workshop for advanced painters, students investigate their intentions and concerns within their painting practice, while working at a rigorous pace in the studio. Class consists of one-on-one and group critiques, discussion, and ample studio time to make new inquiries into their work. Participants are challenged to explore new avenues and dive deep into the content and methods behind their practice. Topics for discussion include source material, negative/positive space, zooming in on a painting and working from a crop, content, color and gesture, and symbolism. Students are asked to bring a digital portfolio of recent work to share with the class. * Please note: Hilary Pecis teaches daily from 9 am – 3 pm. Late afternoons are dedicated to independent studio time with Liz Ferrill present for feedback and dialogue.

The second year of this three-year advanced mentorship program encourages each student to push their studio practice. Working at a rigorous pace, engaging in critical dialogue with the group and with the instructors in individual critique, artists refine and expand their investigations. Wide-ranging topics include concept and approach to contemporary art practice as well as technical and material explorations. Students are expected to work independently with the support of their class peers and instructors, raising the ambition of their own studio goals. Although primarily a painting workshop, participation by installation artists and other artists working across media is encouraged. The goal of the series is for students to gain community, develop insight into their work and, through discussion, challenge themselves to reflect on their artistic intentions.

This workshop encourages students to approach abstraction with spontaneity and mark making as an emphasis when forming an image. With an intention to challenge painters to engage in surface and materials, we focus on our response rather than preconceived notions about image making. Students are encouraged to interact with drawing and painting materials in a physical way, while considering color palette, speed, and gesture to aid in the process of developing paintings that are strikingly personal and visually compelling.