MILITARY TOPOGRAPHICAL DRAWING @ CROWN POINT STATE HISTORIC SITE
Saturdays. AUGUST 13, SEPTEMBER 10, OCTOBER 8. 1-4 pm.
Lecture and Hands-on Workshop in drawing “on the spot”
Led by
James Lancel McElhinney, Author of Sketchbook Traveler
History comes alive at what was once considered “The Gibraltar of North America”. Learn the concepts and techniques behind topographical watercolor landscape painting that were practice by Thomas Davies, Thomas Pownall, and other British military officers who documented the terrain of Crown colonies along the Atlantic seaboard, and in the newly-captured territories of Canada. Drawing “on the spot”,(“au plein air” in the languished of the vanquished), the first visions of the American landscape by trained artists. It may come as a surprise to some, but in the 18th century, military officers–especially engineers and artillerists–were expected to have mastered several arts practiced by civilians; notably drawing and penmanship. Following the Seven Years’ War (which lasted for eight years in America), draftsman and watercolorist Thomas Sandby was engaged to teach topographical drawing and painting to cadets at the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich. The high command believed that apart from drawing being a necessary skill, artistic training would make keener observers of military officers in many situations, including on the battlefield. Sandby’s Woolwich curriculum has not come to light, but we can find echoes of it in writings of other artists like Edward Dayes, and from what we know of the drawing program at USMA West Point, from 1802-1920.
A series of workshops at Crown Point State Historic Site in 2022 will unpack these concepts and practices in ways that anyone can learn. While the historic media used during the 18th and early 19th centuries were graphic and watercolor, these will be plein-air experiences. All media are welcome, including photography. No prior training required. Adults 18 years + are welcome. No experience necessary. Some materials will be provided. A suggested donation of $90.00 for the series. $35.00 a la carte individual sessions.
REGISTER HERE:
SERIES (3 sessions) SINGLE (1 session)
Those who register prior to the event(s) will receive additional instructional materials via email to help prepare for the experience.
Join our Facebook page: Sketchbook Traveler Base Camp
Coming Soon: Sketchbook Traveler Southwest (November 2022)
Other books by and about James Lancel McElhinney:
Sketchbook Traveler: Hudson Valley. Click on the image.
ENQUIRIES: workshops@needlewatcher.com
PAST WORKSHOPS
MAY 16-19, 2022: KEUKA LAKE PLEIN-AIR SKETCHBOOK. & STUDIO JOURNALING WORKSHOP
Updated Schedule of Workshops and Classes for spring, 2021. Venues include Albany Institute of History and Art, Greenwich Art Society, and Hudson River Museum.
Schedule: PDF: SCHEDULE Workshop Schedule Spring 2021
Poster: PDF: POSTER_WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES_S2021_FEB 14_21
For all other enquiries, or to be placed on a list to be notified of futute workshops, classes and events, please send an email to: workshops@needlewatcher.com
NEEDLEWATCHER MARKETPLACE presents a series of online workshops, lectures and interviews as both free and ticketed events
Download PDF: Workshop Poster Feb 2021
OLANA OFFERS VIRTUAL JOURNAL-DRAWING WORSHOP LED BY ACCLAIMED ARTIST AND AUTHOR JAMES L. MCELHINNEY. November 7, 14 & 21
PDFJAMES LANCEL McELHINNEY_OLANA POSTER
HUDSON NY— The Olana Partnership announced their collaboration with James L. McElhinney on “Sketchbook Traveler,” a series of virtual drawing workshops throughout November. Participants will work alongside a professional artist from the comfort of their own homes and backyards. This virtual workshop series is inspired by McElhinney’s most recent book, Sketchbook Traveler: Hudson Valley, which explores the practice of drawing landscapes with the legacy of Frederic Church and his masterwork Olana as a backdrop.
“In three workshops, James will highlight how drawing serves as both an experiential exercise and a way to deepen our awareness,” says Carolyn Keogh, Director of Education and Public Programs. “I’m thrilled these virtual workshops will give participants a chance to experience the views at Olana from anywhere.”
“Seeking deeper engagements with nature is the goal, while leaving no trace upon the land. When Olana was being built, everyone with a high-school diploma could draw as well as they could write. Drawing is to visual experience what writing is to verbal expression. As a mindful practice drawing can benefit anyone, regardless of artistic talent or ambition. In personal encounters with nature can sharpens the senses and increase environmental awareness.” –James Lancel McElhinney
Donwload PDF Flier: Sketchbook Traveler Virtual Drawing Workshops copy
SKETCHBOOK TRAVELER. A series of lectures and workshops presented by James Lancel McElhinney explore how drawing and writing enhance personal engagement with nature to promote environmental awareness. Launch date: September 18, 2020. 12:00 Noon
James McElhinney at Crown Point, New York
ARTISTS AS PUBLISHERS Updating a workshop he gave at the 2019 College Art Association Annual Conference in New York, James Lancel McElhinney unpacks a pro-se playbook for planning, producing and marketing Fine Press limited editions, prints and books. One hour. ZOOM webinar. Dates TBA
CREATIVE LEGACY ADVANCEMENT. Strategies for Managing Artist’s Estates. Great artists like Vermeer and Van Gogh were unrecognized during their lifetimes. Today’s multi-billion-dollar artworld has made possible the formation of numerous blue-chip artist-estate foundations. This presentation explores how a lifetime of significant achievement can be preserved without a massive endowment. ZOOM webinar. Dates TBA
To receive notifications and updates, please send us an email to workshops@needlewatcher.com
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