Beacon Digest

Have you ever wanted to capture the charm of a place in your sketchbook but weren't sure where to begin? What better place to start than here in Beacon.

Overview

Join Hudson Valley artist Patrick D. Wing for a relaxed, open-air drawing workshop exploring Beacon's historic architecture. Whether you're brand new to drawing or have years of experience, this workshop invites you to slow down, look more closely, and discover a new way of seeing the places around you. Guided by an experienced artist, you'll explore the fundamentals of observational drawing as you sketch one or more of Beacon's iconic buildings and architectural details. Patrick will demonstrate approachable techniques for capturing proportion, line, value, and architectural character while showing you how to break down complex buildings into simple, sketchable forms.

Rather than everyone drawing the same view, you'll be encouraged to choose a building, streetscape, or architectural detail that inspires you. Patrick will begin with a brief demonstration and share a few simple approaches to drawing what you see rather than what you think you know. Throughout the workshop, he'll circulate to offer individualized guidance, answer questions, demonstrate techniques, and help you develop your own approach. We'll wrap up by sharing our sketches and celebrating the unique perspective each participant brings to the page. You'll leave with practical observational drawing techniques you can continue to practice wherever your travels take you, along with a fresh way of seeing the places around you.

What to Bring

The studio will bring folding chairs for sitting based on approval by local businesses and the city.

You will get an email & text Sunday morning to confirm meeting location on Main St. In the event of rain, the workshop will move indoors, where participants will work from a selection of reference photos featuring Beacon's historic buildings and architectural details.

About the Teaching Artist

Patrick D. Wing is a Hudson Valley visual artist, printmaker, and author with nearly four decades of experience. His work has been exhibited throughout the region and across the country, and his lifelong interest in architecture, history, and the built landscape has inspired both his artwork and writing. He is the author of Town & Country: The Architecture of James E. Ware & Sons and enjoys helping others slow down, observe more closely, and discover new ways of seeing through drawing.