Painting & Drawing
Code: D1214-21
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Open to All
Students of any skill and knowledge level.
Automatic/Expressive Drawing
Aug 23 - 27, 2021
9AM-5PM
Concept
Automatic drawing is a process whereby one enters into an altered state of consciousness to explore the worldview of an artist through the medium of the hands. Gesture drawing is one example. Using automatic drawing, an individual can connect with and channel the sensibilities of artists such as Picasso or Cézanne. Each class begins with a lecture and demonstration of an artist and technique to be explored. Students learn the automatic drawing process and how to merge it with a multitude of media.
View All Painting & Drawing Workshops
Media & Techniques
Mixed media: charcoal and ink wash, conté and chalk crayon, oil and acrylic paint on paper. Quiet music accompanies throughout.
Supply ListFaculty
William Downs
William Downs is an award-winning contemporary American artist residing in Atlanta, GA. He received his MFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art. He is represented by Sandler Hudson Gallery in Atlanta and was chosen by Artadia as their 2018 Atlanta awardee and by MOCA GA WAP (Working Artist Project) for 2020.
William Downs, A Soft Place to Lay
Workshop Details
Workshop Supplies
For general information about studio access, shipping, and more, please visit our info page.
If you have any questions regarding your supplies for your workshop, please contact Lindsey Yeager, [email protected].
Lodging & Meals
Housing is limited and includes shared and private lodging options. Reservations will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you reserve housing, the better your chance of receiving your preferred option. Please note: Workshop costs do not include accommodations.
NEW: Course fees includes a welcome dinner and lunches. In our effort to foster a stronger sense of community and accessibility at Anderson Ranch, we include the welcome dinner and all lunches as part of course fees for summer workshop students. Our hope is that this adjustment will encourage all students to come together to share meals and engage in meaningful conversations. The Ranch Café Meal Plan, which is included with Room and Board fees, strives to provide healthy, creative meals that will nourish your artistic creativity. Learn more.
We have established a Business Safety Plan with added layers of precaution that prioritize the health and safety of our staff, students, faculty and guests while continuing to provide you with the Anderson Ranch experience that you know and enjoy.
Painting & Drawing
Painting & Drawing Studio in Aspen / Snowmass
The Painting & Drawing Studio at Anderson Ranch Arts Center, located in Snowmass Village near Aspen, Colorado, is a professional studio environment designed to support immersive artistic practice across a wide range of media. The space provides dedicated work areas, natural light, and technical infrastructure for artists working in oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, and drawing.
Interested in enrolling? Explore the full schedule of Painting & Drawing workshops at Anderson Ranch.
Make, reflect, consider, engage—these are all critical elements of the Painting and Drawing workshops at Anderson Ranch. Our exceptional workshops combine focused, hands-on art making with critical feedback for artists of all levels. Painting and Drawing guest faculty are phenomenal artists and educators with experience supporting students by offering technical knowledge and encouragement.
The bright, natural light of the Wyly Painting and Drawing Building provides an inspiring environment where students can explore and expand their artistic practice. Our facilities are equipped with individual worktables, wall space, easels, rolling palettes, odorless solvents, a wide range of hand tools, computer access with Adobe software, wifi, printing, scanning, and projection capabilities. Spend a week here— or several—and engage in a variety of activities that will fuel your practice throughout the year.
Don’t know where to start? View the skill levels for Painting and Drawing workshops.
Anderson Ranch Arts Center is a historic, rustic campus that features gravel pathways and uneven terrain that may pose challenges for individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. We strive to provide accommodations to ensure all guests can access and enjoy our programs and facilities. With advance notice, our staff can offer personalized assistance and coordinate access to studios and campus spaces. For questions or to request an accommodation, please contact us at (970) 923-3181 or [email protected].
Scholarships, College Credit & Discounts
Making Art Accessible
Applications for scholarship support are encouraged. Specific scholarships are funded by Ranch supporters, either through endowed funds or special gifts.
Many colleges and universities offer college credit for workshops taken at Anderson Ranch. Discounts are available for students and teachers.
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