Observational Drawing Workshop I
Learning to See for Drawing, Painting & Sculpture
With Neil Rizos

Observational Drawing Workshops I & II are designed to provide participants of all skill levels an effective method to draw quickly and accurately from photographs, museum & lab specimens and from life.  The workshop consists of learning a proven method of visual analysis and using it to observe 2D images and 3D objects, which we will then draw, accurately.  It is important to remember, as with any skill, that one’s ability and eventual mastery, comes from regular, disciplined practice of the fundamentals.

There is an excellent reason classical training in representational art begins with drawing - and it is not because drawing is inherently valuable as an ability or as a product.  The real value with the classical approach is this:   Accurate drawing arises from methodical visual analysis.  There can be no accurate drawing (or painting or sculpture) if one has not learned and consistently applies a method of visual analysis, which provides the specific, verifiable information needed to render an object accurately.  Importantly, this method of analysis can be effectively taught and learned.  It is the deepest meaning of the vague and often misunderstood term, ‘Seeing’, in the context of creating Art.  Seeing, (intelligent, purposeful observation) is a learned skill, not a talent.  The power of this method is that once learned and applied, it is equally effective for drawing, painting and sculpting any subject you wish.

I know from personal experience and the experience of many others, that the thoughtful study of nature, science and art can significantly influence our lives beyond the apparent boundaries of those disciplines.