The Figure In Colored Pencil: A 3-day Intensive Workshop with Amy Erickson

August 22 - 24, 2025 (Friday - Sunday)

Friday, 6-10pm, Demonstration
Saturday, 10am - 5pm, Workshop
Sunday, 10am - 5pm, Workshop

Discounted Early Registration Deadline: July 14, 2025

Final Registration Deadline: August 21, 2025.

Taking inspiration from the “color spot” painting lineage associated with Charles Hawthorne, this workshop introduces students to a fresh, painterly approach to drawing the figure. Rather than focusing on line or contour, participants will learn to build their drawings using abstract shapes of value and color—an approach that encourages direct visual observation and emphasizes the overall impression of form and light.

Working with colored pencils, students will explore techniques that blur the boundaries between drawing and painting. Through careful layering of transparent color shapes, the workshop guides artists in developing luminous, complex optical mixtures that convey mood, atmosphere, and structure. This process not only supports the development of color sensitivity, but also opens up expressive possibilities beyond traditional rendering.

Colored pencil proves to be an ideal medium for this method: portable, versatile, and forgiving, it offers a full range of mark-making potential with minimal setup. Whether you're looking to enhance your sketchbook practice or deepen your understanding of color in your painting, this class offers an accessible and contemporary take on observational drawing that invites experimentation and personal expression.

About the instructor:

Amy Erickson is an observational painter who lives and works in Seattle, Washington. She earned a BFA in Painting from the Kansas City Art Institute and has pursued further training in painting and figure drawing at Gage Academy of Art (Trowbridge Atelier, 2020; Flack Atelier, 2019). Amy has taught workshops for Warrior Art Camp, Townsend Atelier, Gage Academy of Art, and the Penn Studio School. She currently teaches for the Modern Color Atelier at Gage Academy of Art. Amy has exhibited in many cities in the US and in the UK, including Truro, Seattle and New York. Erickson’s work depicts figures, objects, and places with a dreamy, emotional quality. As an instructor, Amy focuses on helping students construct strong compositions that prioritize color and value relationships.

AREA ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THOSE TRAVELING TO ATTEND

For those traveling to Cincinnati to attend this visiting artist workshop, there are many exciting or practical options for accommodations. For a special stay within a mile of Manifest's new facility, we would recommend checking with The Clifton House Bed & Breakfast* (https://thecliftonhouse.com), or The Gaslight Bed & Breakfast (https://www.gaslightbb.com). Alternatively, the 21c Museum Hotel is in the heart of downtown just four miles from our location (link). Many other common hotels are within a few miles of our location as well. Those who are new to Cincinnati may want to arrive a day early and take in the Cincinnati Art Museum and Taft Museum of Art.

*We have confirmed that the Clifton House will honor a special discounted rate for Manifest workshop participants when rooms are available.

LOCATION: Unless otherwise specified, all courses are hosted at Manifest's new facility at 'M1' in Clifton at 3464 Central Parkway (see map and directions below). Manifest's new facility provides multiple studio classrooms, private lesson space, a darkroom, a film processing room, and a multi-purpose lecture and class meeting space as well as on-site parking, grounds, and exterior spaces in which to relax, discuss, and make art. The studios are outfitted with professional equipment, furniture, and study aids.