Painting & Drawing

Code: D1018-23

    • III

      Level III

      Students have formal training in critical issues of 2-­D art making, experience with public critiques and a solid portfolio of their artwork.

Creating Symbols and Narrative in Painting

Aug 7 - 11, 2023

9AM-5PM

Concept

This workshop explores the fundamental properties of symbolism and developing narrative within paintings to convey imagery through the lens of radical and historical gestures and signifiers. We examine the figure in painting, photography, art history, and literature and use these examples as sources for live model sessions, studio practice, and discussions. Students work on self-directed projects but are also prompted with exercises and ideas to consider. They participate in one-on-one and group discussions and individual critiques with the instructor. Students are asked to be actively involved in a dialog to discuss and develop their research, methods, and practice.

Media & Techniques

Any chosen painting media and substrates, critiques, group discussion

Supply List

Faculty

Daphne Arthur

Daphne Arthur (b. 1984, Caracas, Venezuela) is an Afro-Venezuelan multidisciplinary artist whose work mobilizes unconventional materials and processes to transform the ephemeral into something concrete. Fluctuating between the experimental and methodical, she combines painting, sculpture, and drawing with smoke, paint, and clay to compose realist and surrealist scenes that investigate individual and collective history, language, symbolism, and memory. She is currently based in New York, where she also teaches at York College, Brooklyn College and Tufts SMFA University.

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Daphne Arthur, Dahab, 2023, Oil on canvas, 40x60x2 inches.

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

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].

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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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