25 - 26 MAY, 2024 10:00 A.M.—5:00 P.M.

PRIVATE ZOOM WORKSHOP, ONLINE STUDIES

PURPOSE OF THE COURSE:

This workshop explores, through master copying, the astonishing technique of Nicolai Fechin (1881-1955), the visionary artist whose work on paper embodies linear splendor. While his approach in charcoal & crayon with the Calligraphic Line provides valuable concepts, even more can be learned from Fechin’s underlying sense of structure. This course asks, how, within the context of masterworks like those Nicolai Fechin created, do his graphic elements of construction and lyricism interact so effectively, delivering such astounding, balanced results? How could one mimic Fechin’s structural awareness to support more expressive hatchmark? Students will focus on faithfully representing the way that Nicolai Fechin manipulated cross hatching, placement of accents, his composition & tonal development, and his use of the paper. Fechin’s impeccable line work, expressed through varying degrees of pressure, will prove fascinating for drawing enthusiasts. All skill levels are welcome.

Beginning with a lecture/demonstration for each session, Fechin copying will be done live, and all student exercises will be critiqued within the virtual group setting. Students will retain a recording (for personal use) of all sessions. Participants will also be given pre-workshop “homework,” tasked with choosing from a selection of higher resolution Fechin images (figure as well as portrait) and encouraged to begin their copies. Students should emerge from this course more finely tuned to organizational concepts within charcoal drawing, including how the use of layered marks can create more convincing impressions of volume. The course has been designed intentionally as a single, weekend intensive.

ALL PATREON/DANTHOMPSONART PAID MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIBERS RECEIVE A 20% TUITION DISCOUNT FOR THIS WORKSHOP (WHICH WILL BE SHARED VIA PATREON DIRECT MESSAGES - UPON REQUEST)