Drawing for Painters with Handmade Brushes 2026
with Dawn Stafford
4-day, June 8–11, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Registration Link (click here)
Tuition: $300
Materials Fee: $30
We had so much fun last year, we are offering this again . . .In Ox-Bow’s natural landscape, students in this workshop will explore where the technical aspects of where drawing meet painting, with attention to line, value, structure, and mark-making in charcoal, conte crayon, and watercolor. To further experiment with mark-making, demonstrations will guide students through the project of designing and building their own brushes and tools using organic materials including beeswax, horsehair, and jute.
Plan to bring: drawing board no smaller than 18 by 24 inches, apron and/or old clothes, masking tape, Sharpie, watercolor brushes (at least 2 sizes), paper towels or soft cotton rags, small watercolor palette, scissors, jar with wide base for water, bug spray, hat, and water bottle.
Location: Main Campus - 3435 Rupprecht Way, Saugatuck, MI 49453