Neither could Kline, Rothko or Pollock.
It’s true. None of these artists were particularly known for their drawing capabilities. Now, of course, it all depends on what your exact definition of drawing is. But, in the “traditional” sense, that classic idea of “How well can you draw a horse?” many artists simply can’t draw one well—or at least not in the way you might expect. And you know what? That’s absolutely okay, because it’s not what’s truly important. Drawing the perfect horse, while it might come naturally to some fortunate souls and is extremely impressive to behold, is fundamentally a technical skill—it’s something that can be learned over time, through endless hours of practice and dedication. But drawing the imperfect horse that viewers feel is perfect—now, that’s a whole different shade of crayon. What makes these imperfectly perfect horses so incredibly special is that they are infinite in number. In fact, a whole herd of them lives within each and every one of us, chomping at the bit, eager to come stampeding out into the wide, wild world.
But I Can’t Draw is a no-pressure, laid-back program where all judgement is kindly left behind at the door. We simply gather to create, to explore, and to enjoy the pure joy of making art. Neil will facilitate an open and welcoming atmosphere of sharing and receiving, ensuring that any insecurities or doubts about artistic abilities are gently set aside, allowing your creativity to flow freely and fearlessly.
Mix My Media is a wonderfully wild, no-rules, anything-goes kind of class. It’s delightfully messy and incredibly fun. Imagine one part painting, one part collage, and one part drawing—so there’s truly a little something special for everyone. Working on canvas, Neil guides students as they explore a variety of exciting techniques, tools, and mediums, while diving into composition, color, and imagery. By the end of the class, you’ll proudly have a unique masterpiece to take home, and maybe keep the inspiration flowing.
The Envelope Please teaches clever tricks and creative techniques of folding and gluing papers to craft beautifully custom-designed stationery and unique writing papers from a variety of found paper materials. Students will enjoy exclusive access to Neil’s personal treasure trove of rare book pages, charming vintage wallpapers, and eclectic magazines—the very same inspiring materials he uses in his own one-of-a-kind stationery creations.
Pencil Me In is a beginners course specially designed for those who genuinely believe they can’t draw a single thing. Not even a little bit. In this class Neil will guide you through the essential tools of graphite and offer fascinating and accessible subjects from nature. He will demonstrate a straightforward set of easy-to-follow steps that promise quick, satisfying results and steadily build your confidence as you draw.
Class size is limited to four people per class. Classes are 3 hours long and $75 per individual. All materials are provided and classes take place in Neil’s studio in Bovina, NY on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays of most weeks.
To learn more or schedule a class, send Neil an email.