Taking inspiration from the “color spot” painting lineage associated with Charles Hawthorne, this workshop introduces students to a fresh, painterly approach to drawing the figure. Rather than focusing on line or contour, participants will learn to build their drawings using abstract shapes of value and color—an approach that encourages direct visual observation and emphasizes the overall impression of form and light. Working with colored pencils, students will explore techniques that blur the boundaries between drawing and painting. Through careful layering of transparent color shapes, the workshop guides artists in developing luminous, complex optical mixtures that convey mood, atmosphere, and structure. This process not only supports the development of color sensitivity, but also opens up expressive possibilities beyond traditional rendering. Colored pencil proves to be an ideal medium for this method: portable, versatile, and forgiving, it offers a full range of mark-making potential with minimal setup. Whether you're looking to enhance your sketchbook practice or deepen your understanding of color in your painting, this class offers an accessible and contemporary take on observational drawing that invites experimentation and personal expression.
