Quarantine is an opportunity for artist to reflect upon the zen nature of all things. For instance, painting from life is the ideal way to paint, on the other hand, we don't always have the option, and a pandemic isn't required to have that problem. What do we do when faced with such a conundrum? We compromise, and figure out how to do our best with the resources that are available. Never forget, an artist who runs his practice into the ground, is no longer a practicing artist, AND adaptation is an indication of intelligence.

In this class we will explore the weaknesses and failings of photo references, in tandem with the strategic application of analysis and knowledge used by artists working from life, in an attempt to reverse engineer some of the strengths of working from life into a piece produced from a photo reference. The class will consist of lectures and discussions, graphic presentations, demonstrations, working time, and critiques. By the end of the workshop students should have some insight into why working from life is best, How to adapt when that option is not available, how to avoid the hidden pitfalls embedded in photo references, and how to weave the strengths of various practices together while being mindful of blind compromise and mindless fidelity.