Narrative Ecological Painting & Drawing

Instructor: Ardis DeFreece; eco-artist, painter, draftswoman, art educator & writer.

$25, 2 hour class, Sunday, May 31 5-7 PM

In this class, students will learn how to take complex ecological concepts, ideas and images and

combine them to create a compelling work of art. The course is open to all levels as students

will work on their own pieces with tutorials, demonstration and discussion with the instructor.

Materials will include: a sketchbook for ideas, drawing paper and graphite pencils or charcoal,

Larger drawing paper and media for a drawing project and canvas or panel with painting media

for a painting project. Materials lists for various projects are available. Students who want to

work through the process as fully as possible can attend all 6 classes. Students who are unable

to attend all six classes may drop in each week.

Part 1: Ideas, research, planning & composing

Students will learn how to combine their ideas and research to create a compelling composition.

We will look at the work of multiple artists and discuss strategies for narrative and design.

Students will learn different methods for planning a complex work of art from composite images,

written work, field work and imagination. Each student will begin a narrative work of art, that

they can continue with me in another workshop or on their own.

Materials: sketchbook, newsprint or larger drawing pad, graphite pencils or charcoal.

Please feel free to share photos, clippings from publications, ideas for areas of concern or

subject matter for class. This is not required, but can be helpful in creating your composition

within the 2 hour class.