Art Classes and Workshops

LIFE DRAWING WITH CAROL SOMER

Can’t draw a straight line? Perfect! Bodies don’t have straight lines. Residents of all artistic styles and abilities are encouraged to put their vision to paper with graphite or colored pencil, charcoal, pastel stick, or whatever. Materials—and live, clothed model—provided.

NEUROGRAPHICA WITH CAROL SOMER

This easy-to-grasp meditative drawing process is based in mindfulness. Have fun as we explore ways to access the unconscious and form new neural pathways via drawing. Some say they gain new insights from this intriguing, cathartic new art form. All we promise is you will find it relaxing! About Carol : At 16, Carol Somer saved her pennies to practice Life Drawing at New York’s legendary Art Students League. At 22, she drove a taxi and studied art and photography at Boston’s New England School of Art and Design. She later spent years drawing live models overlooking the Pacific after 30 years in marketing and PR. Now playing tennis and writing award-winning short stories, Carol drives residents to appointments, and leads them in practices that exercise eye, hand, mind, and unleash creativity.

PASTELS WITH KARYN VAMPOTIC

Tap into your own creativity and be immediately vaulted into an amazing new world of values, color temperature, and composition. Classes in watercolor and pastel may include landscapes, animals, and people. Join Karyn and be fascinated by the process of bestowing a two dimensional piece of paper with three dimensional movement. Karyn is the immediate Past President and a Juried Member of the Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild and a long time member of the Tucson Pastel Society. A former trial lawyer for the State of Arizona, retirement brought the gift of creativity. Karyn’s classes are open to all experience and skill levels. Don't miss the Pastel Art Show and reception on August 11th!

INTENTIONAL ETEGAMI ART MEET UP WITH RUTHIE NEILAN

In recent years, the popular Japanese art form “etegami” (e= image; tegami= letter) has captured the interest and imagination of artists all over the world. The simplest English definition of etegami may well be “Japanese postcard art.” Etegami was conceived in the 1960s, when calligrapher Kunio Koike became exasperated with the rigid traditions of his field. He envisioned an art form that could be spontaneous and personal without being self-obsessed. Koike began combining simple images with brief but thoughtfully chosen words on washi postcards. He sent these postcards, called this idea “New Year’s cards in their everyday clothes,” and created the slogan “Heta de ii, heta ga ii” which can be translated as “It’s okay to be awkward. Awkwardness has charm.” This welcoming slogan encouraged people who wanted to make art but felt they lacked the talent to do so. Come explore and expect to be delighted by your own authentic Etegami! 7