Drawing From Place

Description

Rather than viewing the landscape as an object of conquest or consumption, Drawing from Place explores the role of art and artists in helping people develop a deep personal relationship with a place. This all-level program is designed for beginning artists who would like to learn to draw and to make artworks that are inspired by their connection to a specific landscape. In the first half of the program, as a case study for place-based research and inspiration, students will study the Nisqually River Watershed. Through reading and field study, students will learn the history of the watershed and its communities, study its basic ecology, and learn about current conservation efforts. They will develop beginning drawing skills and practice techniques for keeping an illustrated field journal. Through lectures and readings, students will study artists, including environmental artists, whose work is inspired by their deep connection to place. In the second half of the quarter, students will create a series of drawings inspired by their own relationship with a particular place.