Eric Swangstu, artist, founding director of the Art Mine Gallery, and portfoilio Rep for Pratt Institute, came to the Port Angeles High School Art Dept Tuesday Nov 6. He came with a talented dancer and artist model named Maureen to present a dynamic approach to figure drawing to more than 30 artists; students and recent graduates of Port Angeles and Lincoln Lincoln High-Schools.
To challenge these young people to capture Maureen’s playful energy in a series of poses rendered in charcoal, Eric had them try an energizing variety of prompts- Layer drawing upon drawing upon drawing of 10 second poses. Use their oposite hand to draw. Draw Maureen upside down. Draw the side of her that was not visible from their vantage point. Move to another position in the room and draw her. Draw not only Maureen, but people and furnishings visible around her. The kids were entralled– liberated by the active and bold approach and the novelty of maureen’s poses and the strength and imaginative use of her body.
All during the session Eric peppered his individual coaching ” look for the invisible line from the end of the foot to see where the arm should be”… “keep your eyes up, on the model”
with asides about art school, portfolio development and creative approaches to one’s artisitc practice.
After about two hours of drawing we adjourned to the adjoining art classroom where about 10 students had set up collections of their art work. Eric proceeded to give individual critiques and the students were gracious enough to let all of us hear his insightful remarks. Eric was affirming and encouraging- finding work and trends within collections that were worthy of positive feedback and making suggestions where new directions of inquiry and expression could be made. His remarks were very articulate and up beat yet candid. I think everyone in the room came away with a more expansive understanding of what is possible in the way of making art.
Without pausing for much, if any, pizza for dinner, Eric was ready when the 20 or so parent joined us for the evening session about colleges, scholarships and careers in the arts.
He directed us to two websites http://www.portfolioday.net/ and:

Before closing his remarks, Eric generously encouraged students to contact him, seek his advice about their portfolios, their art and career questions and to visit him at The Art Mine Gallery in Port Hadlock www.theartmine.com