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GCA in Harlem MIddle Schools

For the past year, the GCA has been offering a free after school class to ten students from two middle schools in Harlem. The course is taught once a week by Carla Crawford and is an introduction to classical drawing techniques for kids who’ve had no formal training. Students began by learning how to block-in from Bargue plates. Working from these, they’ve acquired the basic skills of drawing shapes, lines, tilts, and comparative measuring. You can see the progress of one 13-year old student here:




Students have also been introduced to the idea of form. They’ve completed a munsell-type value chart and still lifes of eggs—which was a challenge, but great for learning all about the effect of light on an object, form shadows, cast shadows, and reflected light. Using this knowledge students are beginning to complete the modeling on their bargue block ins. We’re so excited about this class and the students who are taking it.


example of work in progress by a 14 year old student

Student Work March 2011

by Carla Crawford

by Lauren Sansaricq

by Carla Crawford

by Emilie Lee

by Pierre Bombardier

by Carla Crawford

End of year student show, part 1

The core program is D_O_N_E for the summer! We had a big party last night and everyone hung up their top 2 or 3 pieces of the year. The south studio has been converted into an art gallery for the month of June, so if you are in New York, please stop by and see it! These photos really don't do justice to the real thing (I'm not doing a very professional job at documenting the student work) Visiting hours are Monday through Friday 1-2 PM and 5-6:30 PM. You can also see the artwork during the sculpture competition reception, June 11, 8 PM. This is the first installment, check back in the next few days to see the rest of the work.


by Justin Wood, 10x10 inches oil on canvas


by Justin Wood, 9 x 12 inches, oil on canvas


by Justin Wood, oil on canvas


by Devin Cecil-Wishing, 7 x 13.5 inches, graphite on paper


by Sean Russo, 19 x 36, oil on canvas


by Sean Russo 16 x 22 inches, graphite on paper


by Katie Whipple, 15 x 22 inches, graphite on paper


by Katie Whipple, graphite on paper


by Robert Silverman, oil on canvas


by Robert Silverman, oil on canvas


by Robert Silverman, oil on canvas


by Chris Rigney, 23.5 x 18 inches graphite on paper


by Chris Rigney, 22 x 15 inches, graphite on paper


by Rebecca Gray, graphite on paper


by Rebecca Gray, oil on canvas


by Rebecca Gray, oil on canvas


by Neal Esplin, 18 x 24 inches graphite on paper


by Neal Esplin 12 x 18 inches, graphite on paper


Grissaile study by Carla Crawford, oil on canvas


Grissaile study by Carla Crawford, 16x21 inches, oil on canvas


by Carla Crawford, 18 x 23 inches, graphite on toned paper


by Victoria Herrera 16x24 inches graphite on paper


by Victoria Herrera 14.5 x 8.5 inches graphite on paper


by Victoria Herrera, 8x14 inches, oil on canvas

Scholarship Winners

We are very pleased to announce the winners of GCA Scholarship Awards for Academic Achievement in 2008 – 2009! The $7,500 and $2,500 prizes for first and second place, respectively, are applied towards the following year’s core tuition.

Figure Category:
1^st Place – Will St. John
2^nd Place – Angela Cunningham

Cast Category:
1^st Place – Carla Crawford
2^nd Place – Emilie Lee

This year’s awards in the figure category were based primarily on a group of figure works. Will’s figure painting over the last year displays a deep understanding of the human form and conveys a mood that transcends academic study while showing a commitment to a classical aesthetic. Angela’s figure drawings are a meditation on form, expertly supported by a foundation of solid anatomy. From her figure drawing to figure sculpture to cast painting, she is developing into the sort of well-rounded artist rarely seen over the past century.

This year’s awards in the cast category were based on the completion of a single spectacular piece. Carla displayed constant focus during class and did some of the best block in and form work seen this year. Emilie chose one of the most difficult casts and inspired us all with her patience and perseverance to bring her piece to successful completion.

Congratulations!
GCA Scholarship Committee

Santiago by Will St. John, 16x20, oil on linen, 2008


Ana Nina, by Angela Cunningham, graphite on paper, 2008


detail of figure sculpture by Angela Cunningham, 2008


Winged Victory by Carla Crawford, graphite on paper, 2008


Laocoon by Emilie Lee, graphite on paper, 2008

Jacob Collins Portrait Drawing Demo

on the last day of Doug Flynt's figure painting workshop


by Carla Crawford (in Doug's workshop)


by David Gray


Jacob Collins doing a portrait drawing demo for the intensive workshop