LIFE DRAWING • William “Bill” Henderson, Carl E. Moore
When drawing medium meets the surface of the page and the eyes and hand connect, live models and the expert guidance of Mendenhall, Mississippi artist, Bill Henderson (the first Tougaloo College Art Colony Director) will give even the inexperienced draftsman the vehicle that will help move the creativity into the inner and outer channels of the human figure.
Professional Illustrator/Artist Carl E. Moore also instructs in this class.
Being my first attending the Art Colony I really didn’t know what to expect, I hadn’t stayed in Mississippi during the summer for more than a couple of days at a time visiting my parents in almost 20 years so the idea of being there for seven days, at Tougaloo College a campus I hadn’t set foot since the sisters attended there in the early seventies was going to be an adventure in itself and a possible much needed vacation.
First the reception was warm, everyone I met was friendly and willing to help in anyway possible. Being surrounded by other artist is always a pleasure in itself because your with people who speak your langauage, this is rare. The orientation, afternoon lunch and good conversation was a relaxing experience, Johnnie Gilbert Colony Director, Tougaloo college alumni and artist herself was more than passionate in welcoming us to the college and its historic background, contirbution to the community and commitment to the arts. After orientation classes began, yes the first day, you are there to create, learn and share your talents with other artist who appreciate what you do.
Taking Life Drawing allowed me to do something I don’t get a chance to do much of anymore, drawing a live model. Don’t get me wrong I do drawing a great deal but its usually to to finish a painting on canvas or wood and because of my painting style lines are clean and exact. I don’t do a lot of free form anymore. I met the instructor Bill Henderson a wonderful artsit and the Art Colonies first Director, thats the plus side of the colony you get to meet artist from around the world with different styles , background and talents. We shared and common interest the admiration for Artist Charles White and Salvador Dali, Bill’s style of drawing is one that exhibited his experience as a draftsman, designer, collage artist, protest artist, abstract artist and surrealist. Working with him and four other artist for seven days I must say was not really a vacation but a seven day intense study of art, drawing and discussing. More Later: