Spring 2024
Classes & Workshops
This class is for beginner students who are interested in building (or rebuilding) a solid foundation to begin confidently drawing anything from life observation. We will learn and practice various methods of sighting and measuring to understand and interpret three-dimensional space. We will primarily draw from the still life and, if weather allows, we will draw directly from observation of the Staunton cityscape.
Participants’ work in any media, including 3-D, will be reviewed with constructive criticism to foster a deepening discernment of strengths and challenges.
The class includes a visual presentation and discussion of works by historical and contemporary artists, especially from current museum and gallery exhibitions and art reviews.
By broadening awareness of our cultural heritage, we enrich our own works, gain new insights to develop our own voice.
For students at intermediate to advanced levels. Any painting or drawing medium.
Instruction is targeted to the individual participant to be compatible with his/her level of experience and any specific needs or intentions for new direction in his/her work.
Group demos and group projects will be suggested when appropriate. Class will meet in the BSSS studio or outdoors, weather permitting.
For any special concerns, call: Ron Boehmer 434-528-4795 (can leave a message)
This class is designed to build on the skills learned in Session 1. In this session, we will continue to practice sighting and measuring while also starting to build a foundation in tone. We will primarily draw from the still life but students will also have the opportunity to choose their own subject matter (from photos) for the last two days of the course and they will receive individualized feedback on their drawings as they learn to develop a more confident sense of tone and texture.
Japanese woodblock prints, Ukiyo-e, greatly influenced European artists in the later
19th c. Ukiyo-e by Hiroshige and Hokusai depicting landscapes are well known, but a
genre lesser known in the west, but wildly popular in Japan was Yakusha-e (actor’s
portraits). During the Edo period (1603-1868), Ukiyo-e artists produced many dramatic
portraits of famous actors in the extravagantly visual Kabuki theater. These prints were
used for publicity like today’s movie posters. Kabuki theater, still one of the most
popular performing arts in Japan, was started by a woman in early 17th c. Kyoto. The
historical and cultural background of Kabuki theater and Ukiyo-e prints, and this
fascinating partnership of performing and visual arts will be explored through visual
presentation.
from Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees
We’ll watch one act from the most popular and classic history play, in which a fox disguises himself as a warrior in order to get closer to a drum made from the skins of his fox parents. Could he take possession of this precious drum? There are many quick changes of roles and costumes throughout the course of the play.
Sarah introduces artists to the lost art of bas-relief. No matter your skill level, if you’re into getting your hands messy and creating a masterpiece, this is the workshop for you. Over the course of two weekends, you’ll be guided step-by-step on how to create elegant 3-D abstraction with this unique art medium.
CURRENT EXHIBITS + EVENTS
Priscilla Whitlock
Opening Reception
Friday, March 1, 5:30–7:30pm
Artist's Talk: 6pm
Laura vahlberg
Wed 1-5pm | Thur & Fri 10-6pm
Saturday 10-8pm
Sunday 1-5pm
OPEN SESSION
January 12, 2024