Our experiences with certain places shape how we see the world and hold deep personal meaning. This month’s theme centers on capturing the spirit of a place—how it looked, felt, and influenced us. Through drawing, we’ll explore how landscapes, interiors, and outdoor spaces become woven into our personal histories, transforming the colors, shapes, and textures of meaningful locations into visual expressions. These exercises foster a dialogue between memory and creativity, offering ways to honor and reflect on our unique experiences.
Remembered Landscapes
Explore how color, shape, and composition can evoke the memory of a landscape or place in this lesson inspired by the work of Nancy Grossman. Use painted paper and found materials to create a collage that reflects your personal connection to a remembered location. For more inspiration, explore Nancy Grossman’s work in ‘Romare Bearden & Nancy Grossman: Collage in Dialogue’ at Michael Rosenfeld Gallery.
Inspired Places
Artists are often inspired by the places they live in, visit, or remember. Is there a place that inspires you? In this lesson, you’ll draw the shadows, shapes, and textures of a place that holds meaning for you to reflect not only how it looks but also how it feels.
Mapping Memory: Outdoors
What places bring back special memories for you? Maybe it’s a friend or relative’s house. Think about the details—how were the rooms arranged? Was the light soft or bright? What colors stand out? Draw what you remember or focus on how the space made you feel.
Mapping Memory: Indoors
Think of a special outdoor place you used to visit. Was it bright or dim, hilly or flat? What shapes and colors do you remember? Draw it from your memory, focusing on the light, colors, or feelings that stand out. For fun, ask a friend or family member to draw it too. When you compare, see what’s the same and what’s different—what does that tell you about your memories?