Drawing from life, whether from a live model or another work of art, helps artists train their eyes and find inspiration. For centuries, artists have drawn from observation to hone their skills. As exhibiting artist Devon Lawrence shared, “I’ve spent many years drawing from live models through the Norfolk Drawing Group. That experience has taught me to observe the figure, while drawing in the Museum allows me to learn directly from artists whose work I admire.”
The seven teaching artists featured in this exhibition help people feel comfortable making marks on paper while exploring their surroundings. During the exhibition Susan Watkins and Women Artists of the Progressive Era, these artists worked in the galleries, modeled how to draw from direct observation, and invited visitors to join. Their encouragement inspired hundreds of gallery guests to create their own sketches.
Discover each artist’s unique approach to life drawing, from fast and gestural to slow and detailed. Come see their work, then explore the galleries, find a work of art that inspires you, and try to capture what you see.
Participating artists:
Shara Wertz
Devon Lawrence
Rowena Federico Finn
Mark Todd
Natalie Sidner
Salvija Hofheimer
Terry Wylie