Teaching Philosophy
I. Beginner/Intermediate Students can expect a variety of introductory lessons which direct participants to a series of exercises on how to use tools and paints, plus presentations and demos which give each student the basic building blocks and foundation in watercolor techniques, color mixing, composition and how to get in touch with the power of their own creative potential.
II. Advanced Students can expect to build on their foundation experience. My goal is to enhance and develop each person’s individual artistic approach and style. We will explore the mysterious and fascinating connection between the transformation and translation of what we see around us and what we create.
Quotes:
"Doug Eckheart's Drawing Workshop was a delightful experience in the power and beauty of drawing basics. Moving through a variety of enjoyable exercises, the time, attention, and risks invested, were repaid with learning and pleasing results. Doug also created at atmosphere where students could learn from each other and enjoy their differences. I would recommend his workshops to those at any level of experience."
- David Doely, Cedar Falls, Fall 2007 Drawing Workshop participant
“Every artist participating displayed an exceptional ease, relaxed creativeness, attentiveness with great individual techniques”
- Flo Patterson, Marshalltown Art Center Workshop Participant
“Thank you for hosting the exhibit and workshop by Doug Eckheart. It was so inspiring. I thought Doug was a great instructor and artist and I appreciate your gallery hosting his workshop.”
- Karen Wise, Witter Art Center workshop participant, Storm Lake, IA
“Doug is a memorable artist, great teacher and art enthusiast.”
- Kathy Jimenz, Workshop Participant, LeMars, IA
“In Doug’s workshop, I had anticipated a few pleasant hours learning some watercolor/ drawing techniques and instead was introduced into a new world of thinking and seeing. Not just about art but about life and living it to its fullest depths.”
- Guy Francis, Burlington, IA Workshop attendee
Decorah and Northeast Iowa is renowned in the upper Midwest for its pristine natural sites, beautiful scenic landscapes and historic landmarks. A step back in time to a small town, less stressed, rural America.
The following workshops will be held at various times during the year. Dates are to be determined. Please check often for updates. Workshops 1, 2 and 4 will be designed for beginner and intermediate students working in drawing and watercolor media. This workshop will be aimed at the "boomer generation", an active lifestyle group who wish to connect a lifelong interest in art by exploring their creative potential through watercolor. Workshop #3 is for advanced students who have background experience.
Workshop #1: Drawing: Beginner to Intermediate Level
A workshop designed for beginning to intermediate students. Participants can expect a variety of visual exercises, an introduction to basic tools and techniques all aimed at improving your ability "To draw what you see". We will use black and white media (pencils, charcoal, etc.) and introduce the four basic geometric forms, drawing in line, full light, shade and cast shadows. In the process we will discover the "magic" of creating three-dimensional objects on a two dimensional surface.
Artist's video invitation to the Drawing Workshop
Workshop #2: Watercolor: Beginner to Intermediate Level
Beginner/Intermediate Students can expect a variety of introductory lessons which direct participants to a series of exercises on how to use tools and paints, plus presentations and demos which give each student the basic building blocks and foundation in watercolor techniques, color mixing, composition and how to get in touch with the power of their own creative potential. Some sketching of remote rural areas will take place onsite.
Workshop #3: Watercolor: Advanced Level
Advanced Students can expect to build on their foundation experience. My goal is to enhance and develop each person’s individual artistic approach and style. We will explore the mysterious and fascinating connection between the transformation and translation of what we see around us and what we create.
Workshop #4: Watercolor & Ink: Marks and Symbols to Art
A workshop designed for students at beginning to intermediate level. The workshop will explore watercolor and ink interaction in a variety of techniques and combinations. Students will discover the beauty of transforming the natural world into their marking process with ink and enhancing it with watercolor.
Workshop Rates
•$200 - Tuition and fees for the two day workshop
•$50 - Registration fee (check or money order) is applied to full tuition. Nonrefundable if participants cancel.
•The remaining must be paid by the first of the month of the workshop date
•Once registration fee and application arrive and participant is accepted, please check artist website under Workshop Supplies link.
Cancellation Policy
Late cancellations after the first of the month of the workshop date will receive a 50% refund or the full amount may be applied to a future workshop. In the event a workshop is cancelled, all money will be refunded.
•Class space is limited to 15 students to insure that all participants receive personal attention.
•Classes fill quickly so please reserve a space in advance
•Registration fees are required in order to reserve your place
Decorah Location
Decorah, Iowa, home of Luther College, Vesterheim Museum and Porterhouse Museum, is located in the scenic Oneota River Valley in Northeast Iowa. It is about a one hour drive from Rochester, MN, LaCrosse, WI and Waterloo/Cedar Falls, IA. Highway 52 and Highway 9 make a junction in Decorah.
Accomodation
Check the local links page for available accomodations in the Decorah area.
Spouses or Significant Others
Workshop participants' spouses or significant others (friend, relative) may wish to accompany them to Decorah while they attend the workshop. Mr. Eckheart's lifelong partner and best friend for forty-five years, Georgiann Eckheart, will arrange activities for those who wish to participate, in and around the Decorah area. These may include tours of Luther College, Bily Clocks Museum in Spillville, Iowa, Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, Porter House Museum in Decorah, Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Burr Oak and/or other area sites. Georgiann is the director of the Bily Clocks museum in Spillville and the former associate development and manager of the gift shop at Vesterheim. She is a Luther College graduate with a history/museum studies major.