HISTORIC MILITARY TOPOGRAPHICAL DRAWING @ CROWN POINT STATE HISTORIC SITE. Scroll down to register

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 the Sketchbook Traveler book series

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 primarily graphite, ink, 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. $90.00 for the series. $35.00 a la carte individual sessions.

REGISTER HERE

SERIES (3 sessions: August 13, September October)

SINGLE SESSION (August 13, 2022)

SINGLE SESSION (September 10, 2022)

SINGLE SESSION (October 8, 2022)

Advance registrants will receive instructional materials via email prior to the event.

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