watercolor image demonstrating what the artist will teach at the workshop

Hands-On Life Drawing Workshop Offered with Artist Laura Ross-Paul in Conjunction with the 2025 Au Naturel Exhibit

Discover renowned figurative artist Laura Ross Paul’s approach to capturing the human figure with depth and emotion in a Hands-On Life Drawing Workshop. This special event will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Clatsop Community College Art Department. The workshop is open to the general public for $30 fee, and space is limited, so pre-registration on or before February 17 is required.

In describing her unique process, Ross Paul shares,  “I have largely maintained a lifelong Life Drawing practice to support my Figurative/Narrative paintings.  The approach I use is to develop the figure along with a hint of the background, no matter how short the pose. I look for a strong figure/ground relationship, even with the quickest drawings. To do this I rely heavily on value melts, (light in front of dark, dark in front of light, dark into dark, light into light); sharp edges, ( to depict something physical in front of the background);  soft edges, (shadows rolling across skin); and compositional editing to engage the picture plane.

What You’ll Learn:
Laura Ross-Paul brings a lifelong dedication to life drawing and figurative narrative painting. In this workshop, participants will explore her unique approach to developing a strong figure/ground relationship using value melts (blending light and dark for visual depth), sharp edges to define forms, and soft edges to create effective transitions on the human figure. The focus will be on using light and dark values to create powerful compositions, a fundamental skill that opens the door to understanding color.


This workshop is perfect for artists of all levels who want to:

  • Strengthen their ability to depict the figure in its environment.
  • Learn to balance light and dark for dynamic and engaging compositions.
  • Gain insights from an experienced figurative artist and educator with decades of experience.

Participants will leave with a deeper appreciation for how the figure interacts with its surroundings and the confidence to push their creative boundaries.

How to Pre-Register:
For more details and to pre-register,  contact Kristin Shauck by phone at 503-338-2472 or via email at kshauck@clatsopcc.edu.

What to Bring:

  • A slightly textured pad of newsprint.
  • Soft vine charcoal and optional soft compressed charcoal for richer blacks.
  • A good drawing eraser for subtractive techniques.
  • Soft paper towels (Viva recommended) or cloth for blending.
  • Optional: Heavier drawing paper for longer poses.
  • If you are experienced with watercolor, bring ink instead to work exclusively in light and dark.

Non-Discrimination Declaration

It is the policy of Clatsop Community College that there will be no discrimination or harassment on the grounds of race, color, sex, gender, marital status, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or disability in any educational programs, activities, or employment. Questions or complaints should be directed to Anita Jensen, Affirmative Action/Gender Equity (Title IX) Officer, Lower Library, Suite 102, ajensen@clatsopcc.edu (503) 338-2450; TDD : Oregon Relay- Dial 711. For Student Access Services, contact Faith Forster, Columbia Hall, Room 111, fforster@clatsopcc.edu (503) 338-2313

Accommodations

Students having questions about or a request for classroom accommodations should contact Faith Forster, Columbia Hall, Room 111,  fforster@clatsopcc.edu (503) 338-2313.   Community members having questions about or a request for special needs and accommodation should contact Anita Jensen, Lower Library, Suite 102, ajensen@clatsopcc.edu (503) 338-2450; TDD: Oregon Relay- Dial 711. Please send special needs and accommodations requests here. Contact should be made at least two business days in advance of the event.  

Declaración de no-discriminación

Es la política de Clatsop Community College que no habrá ningún tipo de discriminación o acoso por razón de raza, color, sexo, género, estado civil, religión, origen nacional, edad, orientación sexual, identidad de género o expresióno discapacidad en los programas educativos, actividades o en la contratación. Preguntas o quejas deben ser dirigidas al Anita Jensen, Oficial de Acción Afirmativa / Título IX localizada en la biblioteca, oficina número 102 , ajensen@clatsopcc.edu número de teléfono (503) 338-2450, TDD (discapacidad auditiva) marcar 711 en su teléfono. Para servicios de acceso para estudiantes, comuníquese con Faith Forster localizada en Columbia Hall, oficina número 111,  fforster@clatsopcc.edu (503) 338-2313.

Ayuda a personas discapacitadas

Estudiantes que tengan preguntas o una requieran solicitud de adaptaciones en el aula deben comunicarse con Faith Forster, localizada en Columbia Hall , oficina número 111, fforster@clatsopcc.edu (503) 338-2313. En cuanto a los miembros de la comunidad, se les pide que se comuniquen con Anita Jensen, localizada en la biblioteca, oficina número 102 , ajensen@clatsopcc.edu número de teléfono (503) 338-2450, TDD (discapacidad auditiva) marcar 711 en su teléfono. Haga el favor de notificar a la oficina para que se le pueda proporcionar apoyo. La comunicación debe tomar lugar por lo menos dos días de trabajo antes del evento por el cual se requiera tal ayuda. Para más información, vea la página Web de Clatsop Community College bajo Información en Español. 

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Wednesday, February 5, 2025
All CCC campuses are closed through remainder of day due to icy road conditions.

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 – All CCC campuses are closed due to icy road conditions especially at Lexington campus.

Any further closures will be evaluated and sent out via the alert system, email, and posted on the ClatsopCC website. We are hopeful to be open tomorrow.