Painting & Drawing

Code: D1123-24

    • O

      Open to All

      Students of any skill and knowledge level.

Expressive Drawing from the Subconscious

Aug 12 - 16, 2024

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 Cezanne. Each class begins with a lecture and demo on artists and techniques to be explored. Students learn the automatic drawing process and how to merge it with a multitude of media and mixed media. Quiet music accompanies throughout.

Media & Techniques

Mixed media, charcoal and ink wash, conte and chalk crayon, and oil and acrylic paint on paper

Supply List

Faculty

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.

Learn More

William Downs, Another World

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].

Learn More

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.

Learn More

You Might Also Be Interested In

  • II

    Level II

    Students have basic knowledge of 2-­D art making including form, negative space, value and line.

Jun 1 - 5, 2026
9 AM - 5 PM

Watercolor: Abstract Flora

Jan Heaton

Tuition $1,350
Code D0101-26

Observe flowers with an exciting new perspective using abstraction interpreted in watercolor. In this class, participants capture not only what they see using watercolor, but also personal responses as they paint form, line, shape, and work in color. One day of the workshop is spent on color theory and mixing. Daily demonstrations, one-on-one instruction, and sharing painted work provide the foundation for a dynamic exploration of this nuanced medium.

Learn More

  • O

    Open to All

    Students of any skill and knowledge level.

Jun 1 - 5, 2026
9 AM - 5 PM

Photographic Collage: An Exploration of Photography and Painting

Kate Leonard

Tuition $1,200
Code P0103-26

Join an engaging exploration of the synthesis between two distinct art forms: photography and painting. Students discover transfer techniques that integrate photographic images and text directly onto painted surfaces, resulting in intriguingly layered works. Participants explore traditional collage and photomontage, and master new methods that allow for opaque and translucent layers. Reductive methods, such as sanding and scraping, reveal the history of earlier photographic layers and suggest an archaeological approach to image development. The workshop emphasizes experimentation and exploratory approaches. Students produce a portfolio of physical examples of all techniques.

Learn More

  • O

    Open to All

    Students of any skill and knowledge level.

Jun 1 - 5, 2026
9 AM - 5 PM

Acrylic: Color, Geometry and Abstraction

Rob Hill

Tuition $1,295
Code D0103-26

Students learn to make imagery pop in this dynamic painting workshop open to all skill levels. Participants are challenged to dive into acrylic on panel while embarking on an abstract approach to image making. We explore color theory, patterning methods, and how to use masking tape to create clean, sharp lines and angles. We investigate abstraction and find personal ways to create shape, consider composition, and develop a sense of space. Emphasis is placed on hard/soft edge painting techniques and layering processes. Students are encouraged to let their creativity flow, while expanding their artistic techniques in this versatile and accessible painting medium.

Learn More

Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Tell us what you're interested in!