Life Drawing at the Historic Waddell’s Studio

Cornville AZ (November 26, 2019) – Wednesday, December 4th, enjoy a unique opportunity to experience life drawing with two experienced models in the rugged beauty and magical inspiration of John and Ruth Waddell’s studio, which is burnished with years of art, sculpture and performance. Dancer/models Pash Galbavy and Mark Stevens will dance slowly into poses during this classical figure drawing session.

Bring your own art supplies—including paper and easel if you want one— and sketch or draw the live models during this special Wednesday evening event. The new weekly group, which Pash hosts and models for, meets Wednesday nights from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, in the Waddell’s historic studio, and helps support the Waddell’s important ongoing arts legacy. Attendees RSVP in advance to ensure there are enough participants for the group to meet.

Artist J. Menzel-Josep sketches dancer/models Mark Stevens and Pash Galbavy. Photo by P.M. Bookgarden.

Master sculptor, John Waddell, has sculpted over 150 life-size and over-life-size bronze figurative sculptures, many small figures, as well as paintings and drawings. His work has been exhibited worldwide. Earlier in his career, Waddell was a social significance painter representing the ills of society, and eventually his interest turned to the beauty of individuals and their potential for positive interaction. (www.artbyjohnwaddel.com) Ruth Waddell’s painting, pastel, drawing and sculpture work is inspired by people and nature. Her wish is to deliver the emotional impact that her subjects have on her. (www.artbyruthwaddel.com)

“We are lucky to have the honor and opportunity to offer life drawing in the Waddell studio among the sculptures and John and Ruth’s artwork,” says performance artist and model, Pash, who has been conducting Sedona Arts Center’s Monday life drawing group since 2012. “There couldn’t be a much more apropos or inspiring venue for life drawing!”

Pash and Mark have danced contact improvisation and modeled together for over four years. Both bring strong body awareness, emotion and focus to their modeling work. Pash is a long-time performance artist, alternative dance practitioner, mask maker, and artist’s model, and she was also a member of a Sedona Playback Theater troupe. Mark, who works as a mechanical engineer, has studied acro yoga, aerial arts and capoeira among other practices and was a member of Circus Bacchus in Flagstaff. Both artists bring their extensive body-centered experience to bear in their modeling. Artist Rafael Ramos, who regularly attends both the Monday and Wednesday life drawing groups, says: “It is deeply moving to witness two people so comfortable in their bodies and so in tune with each other while modeling together.”

Beginning with ancient cave drawings, early Greek sculptures, through the Renaissance, Middle-Ages, eighteenth through twentieth centuries, and into the present, drawing the unclothed human form, or “life drawing,” has a long history of being key to the development of artists. It requires intense focus of artists’ skills in analysis and execution, while inviting intuitive insights into collective humanity. It develops an ability to interpret emotional and physical aspects of the subject and combines those with creative expression.

Treat yourself and participate in the wonder of creativity with the human form during this special life drawing session at the Waddell’s magnificent property in Cornville on December 4, from 5:30pm-8:30pm. Call for more detailed information or to RSVP, (928) 284-4021 or contact info@artofpash.com.