Artist conducts atelier training this summer

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

Artist Snowden Hodges, who teaches art at Windward Community College, spends his summers immersing students in the way of the Old Masters. We asked him about his unusual, but classical-based methods of teaching art.

Q. Where did you learn about the atelier idea — this intensive, classical approach to art education?

A. I had known about ateliers when I was an undergraduate art student. ... Since that time, I have come to know and work with Charles Cecil and Daniel Graves (director of the Florence Academy of Art) and have spent time researching other atelier programs, in Europe and on the Mainland.

Q. What are some benefits of a classical art education?

A. A classical art education teaches techniques — it teaches students to see well enough to be able to give concrete shape and form to the ideas derived from their imagination and residing in their mind's eye. In addition, atelier training enables students to draw and paint from life and to create representational works. Classical art education ... helps students develop skills which can be applied to new imagery and contemporary ideas.

Q. What materials will your students use?

A. The atelier program includes drawing and oil painting. Students will draw using conte and charcoal. Although students will use oil paint, the medium they will use was developed by Jacques Maroger, who was the chief conservator at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Using his recipe, students recreate his medium, which was the medium of the European Old Masters.

Q. What happens in your classes?

A. Drawing classes are conducted for three hours, Monday through Friday mornings. Painting classes are conducted for four hours, Monday through Thursday afternoons. On Friday afternoons a variety of activities are conducted, such as sizing and preparing canvas, making the Maroger medium, and lectures and museum visits.

Q. What are the criteria for student participation in the Windward Atelier?

A. Students are expected to have some drawing experience, but experience in painting is not necessary. The two teachers make every attempt to individualize instruction and work with each student, regardless of his/her past experience or skill level.

The Windward Atelier, a European-style art experience, will be held May 24 through July 2,. $750 noncredit, $950 for 6 credits.

Information: 235-7433 (noncredit) or 235-7413 (credit).