Push Pull Figure Drawing: Theory and Inspiration from Hans Hofmann and Students with Laura Shabott

The Museum School at the Cape Cod Museum of Art presents:

Push Pull Figure Drawing: Theory and Inspiration from Hans Hofmann and Students with Laura Shabott 

(5) Saturdays, January 14 – February 11, 2023, from 10:00-3:00 pm

Member $360 / Non-Member $400; includes model fee.

Why is the foundation of modern painting and drawing, this theory of push/pull, so engaging? You will create figure drawings and collages that respond to this natural law of art while searching for your authentic visual language.

Each of the five week workshops begins with a lecture about one of Hofmann’s students: Lee Krasner, Robert De Niro Senior, Jan Müller, Selina Trieff, and others. For the first four Saturdays, there are three and a half hours of guided exercises each week, with a model as our prompt, that give you a profound understanding of how your lines, shapes, and compositions push and pull on a two-dimensional surface. 

Everyone will produce enough pieces during the course for a cohesive body of work. On the last day,  February 11th, we will present our work in a PowerPoint presentation in CCMoA’s auditorium. 

Students should bring lunch for an included 30-minute lunch break.

Suggested Supply List: Also, use up what you already have!

• If you want to use collage or paper and markers, plan to have material for seven to ten pieces. If working large over 4 feet or more, please let us know. shabottbarrett@gmail.com
• One 18 x 24” sized white acid-free drawing pad with at least 25 sheets. Strathmore Windpower, XL Sketch are two options. There is great benefit in seeing how other people approach drawing on the same-sized surface.
• One package of vine charcoal: Grumbacher soft 3-sticks
• Other charcoals: for ex: Derwent XL Charcoal Blocks (very dusty, but rich)
• One artist chamois
• Two Faber Castelli kneadable art erasers
• One acid-free glue stick: Avery, Blick, 3M are good.
• Scotch tape (temporary so any kind will do)
• Scissors
• Gloves (like for food prep)
• Hand wipes for hands and face
• Bring unfinished or overworked paintings to paint over a
• Underpainted or canvases with white, dark, or clear gesso
• Preferred paint medium: acrylic, oil, or water-based oil; if you want to use other materials, contact Laura and Alana shabottbarrett@gmail.com
• Big brushes, scraper, and printmaking tools. Buy hardware store brushes if you do not own large oil and acrylic brushes.
• Surface to mix paint on – palette
• Rags and cleaning materials, Gamsol, walnut oil, or lavender brush cleaning soap

Provincetown-based Laura Shabott makes paintings, drawings and collage that respond to the human form with boldness, strength, and originality. She is a graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston at Tufts University, a frequent Returning Resident at the Fine Arts Work Center, and represented by Berta Walker Gallery, Provincetown. www.laurashabott.com

Miami-based Alana Barrett is a multidisciplinary artist that works across a variety of mediums, including paint, woodworking, electronics, and fabrics. Her work is united by playful spatial relationships, whimsical perspectives, her curious nature, and willingness to experiment. Barrett is a graduate of the University of Miami, with an undergraduate degree in Studio Art. www.alanacbarrett.com

In response to the pandemic, they created Shabott + Barrett, a virtual art school providing online courses in partnership with arts organizations. www.shabottbarrett.com

Image credit: Shabott, Untitled, Charcoal on Paper, 24 x 18 inches

Cancellation policy: CCMoA must be notified 1 week prior for refund.