It is "Back to School" for the PONSHOP as well. We are excited to announce our Fall Schedule of classes. Our schedule runs from September through December and includes twelve different art workshops ranging from painting and ceramics to photography and jewelry design. To view our class schedule, simply visit our Classes Page and download the printable schedule and registration form.
Student Work: Children's Drawing, June 2012
Starting with simple drawing techniques, these students created works to visually express themselves using pencils, markers and other media. Instructor Gabriel Pons gave the students exercises in Map-making, Gesture Sketching, and light and shadow study. In their last session, students drew complete life sized self-portraits! These children showed incredible patience and ability throughout the workshop. Congratulations!
For a current PONSHOP Class Schedule, Click Here.
Student Work: Adult Stencil & Mixed Media, June 2012
Our students from June's Adult Stencil & Mixed Media have completed their masterpieces. Check out what can be done by creatively combining original stencils, spray paint and the art of collage. Feeling inspired? View our class schedule to find out more.
Drawing Workshop: August 2010
My man Rama took a drawing workshop that got him back into using pencils and paper. In this 3-session class, we did a number of exercises that helped train the hand and the eye. Below are some snapshots from our last session.
We did a number of sketch exercises that broke down a composition into basic geometric shapes and also evaluated for light and shadow. Students are encouraged to keep working in their sketchbooks after the workshop is over. Good Work Rama - now keep drawing!
PONSHOP offers classes in Ceramics, Mixed Media, Street Art, Architecture, and Skateboard Design for children as well as Ceramics and Drawing for adults. Our classes run throughout the summer and through the fall. For a current class schedule, Click Here.
Adult Drawing: September 2008
Full Scale Self Portrait: Krissy (left) Gabe (right)
September ushered in a refreshing Adult Drawing Workshop. My student, Krissy, is a high school Junior whose interest in drawing and painting brought her to take this workshop. This workshop encourages students to make a habit out of drawing by keeping a sketchbook and practicing exercises to "strengthen" the students way of seeing and drawing. Below are some examples:
Need a model to draw? draw your hands...(above)
Marker sketches of statues in still life. (click to enlarge)For a current PONSHOP class schedule click here.
July Art Workshops: Adult Drawing /Skate to Create
July was by far the fastest moving month to date. One minute, we're celebrating the fourth of July, and in the blink of an eye, we're re-hanging our studio in preparation for the August First Friday. I did have the pleasure of working with two of the most intelligent and hard-working students last month in my "Adult Drawing" and "Skate to Create" workshops. Below are some samples of their work:
Full scale self-portrait (Leah on the left, Gabe on the right)
Leah will be a senior in high school this year and to keep her drawing skills sharp for the upcoming year, she took the "Adult Drawing" workshop. We did a number of exercises including a full-scale self portrait (above) as well as classic sketch studies such as hand sketches and still life drawing. The major focus of this workshop is to encourage students to maintain a 'habit' of working in their sketchbooks. Creativity, like athletics, can only be sustained if it is exercised often and the sketchbook is the vehicle which allows one to continue to explore and hone their techniques.
Full scale self-portrait (detail)
Sketchbook exercise: hand poses
Studio Still Life: matryoshka dolls (above, below)
The "Skate to Create" workshop is the most popular among teens this year. I've seen a lot of great designs and met some great kids so far. July's workshop was no exception. Michael gave 110% the entire time and he managed to finish his work with some spare time for us to skate in front of the shop. Below is a sequence from his classes. He chose to use his nickname "Travis" for his deck graphic.
The "Skate to Create" workshop is the most popular among teens this year. I've seen a lot of great designs and met some great kids so far. July's workshop was no exception. Michael gave 110% the entire time and he managed to finish his work with some spare time for us to skate in front of the shop. Below is a sequence from his classes. He chose to use his nickname "Travis" for his deck graphic.
Stencil Sequence: (top to bottom: drawing, cutting, layers 1-3)
Applying the final layer of colors - gradient from red to brown.
One happy camper - the completed deck, ready to rip!
For a current schedule of classes offered at the PONSHOP, click here. I'll be offering another series of art workshops for children, teens, and adults through August and September.
One happy camper - the completed deck, ready to rip!For a current schedule of classes offered at the PONSHOP, click here. I'll be offering another series of art workshops for children, teens, and adults through August and September.
Summer Workshops: Skate to Create (June 2008)
June ushered in a new batch of students eager to get their summer skateboards painted and ready to ride. Our Skate to Create Workshop challenged kids to generate their own custom skateboard design and execute it using spray paint and stencils. Within the span of three 2-hour classes, they sketched, cut, and painted their own creations on a deck. Good job guys! Below are some snapshots from the final class...(click to enlarge).
Andrew was inspired by the mid-1990s Alien Workshop skateboard graphics...
Noah created his own superhero character for his deck.
Warner's deck took the "smiley face" and "mr. yuck" symbol to the next level. 
Paul and Ross took a "Skate to Create" workshop in the beginning of the month. Their hard work and serious attitude (see above) turned out some great designs. Good work!
Thanks to all students and parents for their participation in the PONSHOP workshops. To learn more about the classes we offer, click here. For a full class schedule from LibertyTown Arts Workshop, click here.
Sketchbook Workshop with Panta Rhei Project
April 19th, 2008 was a refreshing morning since it included a sketchbook workshop through The Panta Rhei Project.
After a brief presentation of my sketchbook endeavors over the past 15 years, I took several of Fredericksburg's motivated teens around town for some drawing exercises. My instruction encouraged participants to treat the sketchbook as a tool by which they ask questions about their environment. Drawing becomes an interrogative and exploratory exercise rather than a means to a "finished" picture. Below are some samples of the student's work. This workshop was done as a collaboration with The Panta Rhei Project. To learn more about Panta Rhei and view their upcoming calendar of art workshops, Click Here.
January 2008: Works In Progess
I'm getting ready for an upcoming show this March at Art First Gallery in downtown Fredericksburg. Fellow member, Carol Iglesias and I will be exhibiting new paintings for the month. The tentative title for the show is "Destinations" and will feature work inspired by places traveled and places dreamed...
Check out the show this March. Opening reception is Friday, March 7th 6-9pm at Art First Gallery 824 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA.
Here are some recent pics of the studio:
PONSHOP: How We Make The Art....
It's a very tough market in the art world today. To stay ahead of the competition, we've modeled our practice like other American corporations. Why spend all that time, material, and money making stuff that won't put you on easy street? We've decided to outsource our production overseas and across borders where the labor is cheap - in fact, our "intern" literally gets paid peanuts (and cheddar cheese goldfish and juice) to kick out hot designs for our shop.
On the serious tip, now that Diego's two, it has been a joy to see him develop and explore on his own. For those of you that have seen him in our studio, you'll know that from the minute he arrives, it's time to paint.