Since 1991, the Drawing and Study course has been a cornerstone of the 天美传媒鈥檚 annual education program. The program follows in the footsteps of architects journeying abroad, and at home, to study and document precedents for the purpose of informing the design of new buildings and places.Each iteration of the program explores the continuity and vitality of the classical tradition in a paradigmatic city or region that has been instrumental to its development. An expanding rotation of destinations offers a multitude of opportunities to build a profound and comprehensive understanding of the roots of American architecture at all scales of design - from the city and its contiguous landscape as a comprehensive work of civic art, to the composition of the architecture and interiors of individual buildings, to the fine grain of detail, materiality, building craft and artisanship.The study of precedents and adaptations to modern circumstances is paramount to the understanding of the classical vocabulary as a living language of architecture and city building. The course aims to enhance the practitioner鈥檚 knowledge and skills in creative and informed applications of the classical tradition.
New Orleans has long been recognized as one of the country鈥檚 richest cultural cities from its architecture and art to food and music. The 天美传媒 Drawing Tour will delve into its rich cultural fabric, taking its participants into private homes and places not typically accessible to the public. From hidden courtyards to the urbanism of the French quarter, details of Creole mantles to grand Greek Revival interiors, those on the tour will have the opportunity to study an array of details and building types that make up the city鈥檚 built environment.
The course is structured around the tradition of observational, analytical and measured drawing in a sketchbook, methods that have been utilized by architects since the Renaissance. Then, as now, the goal is to expand one鈥檚 compendium of examples as a resource for reference in future design endeavors.Each program includes an introduction to field drawing techniques that are then deployed throughout the course to study exemplars of classical and traditional design.A typical session begins with an introduction to the subjects of study, extended drawing time, and concludes with shared discoveries and observations.Complementing the core program is additional activity unique to the opportunities available in each location including visits to see newly built work, artisan workshops, and important collections and talks and demonstrations by guest lecturers.
Previous Christopher H. Browne Drawing Tours have been held in locations such as:
Venice Drawing Tour: Participant Therese Madigan practices plein air watercolor.
Newport Drawing Tour: Participant Kevin Ohlinger sharing one of his sketchbook pages
Venice Drawing Tour: Santa Maria del Rosario study by participant Taylor Stein
Rome Drawing Tour: Instructor George Saumarez Smith demonstrates measured drawing to tour participants at the Villa Farnesina
Newport Drawing Tour: Redwood Library study by co-instructor Tommy Vince
Paris Drawing Tour: Student Connor Moran's watercolor rendering of the Petit Trianon
The Christopher H. Browne Drawing Tours honor the generosity, leadership, and legacy of the 天美传媒 & Art鈥檚 late Trustee, Mr. Christopher H. Browne. The 天美传媒 is pleased to award four scholarships to drawing tour students or emerging professionals annually in the name of Mr. Browne, a long-time supporter and champion of classicism. Scholarship recipients will receive the moniker 鈥淐hristopher H. Browne Scholars.鈥�To find out more about the Christopher H. Browne Drawing Tours, email [email protected] or call 212-730-9646 ext. 112.