Workshops:

Touch Drawing is a simple yet profound process.  Images are created through the pressure of the fingertips on paper that has been placed over a smooth layer of paint.  Impressions are seen upon lifting the page.  A multitude of drawings can be created in one session.

Touch Drawing provides a direct outlet for expression.  It assists in opening creative blocks and facilitates deep transformation.  It is a practice of physical, emotional, and spiritual integration,  Even people who are not confident of their artistic abilities can find Touch Drawing to be a deeply fulfilling experience.

Touch Drawing has many applications.   It has been used with cancer support communities,  teens and young adults dealing with illness,   children with disabilities,  at risk teens and children,  childhood traumas and abuse,   meditation groups, spiritual groups, health groups, and for artists and writers to move through creative blocks.    Workshops can be arranged for your group,  as well as solo one-on-one sessions.   

Touch Drawing originated in 1974 with Deborah Koff Chapin who says;
“It can be seen as an artistic technique,   a vehicle for physical therapy,   or a process for deep emotional release.     It is all these things.   But at the heart I see Touch Drawing as a spiritual act.    As the body is given permission to speak through the movement of the fingers on paper,   its wisdom begins to guide the process.      Emotions are released and transformed.     In trusting and following this movement,   wherever it may lead, there comes a natural alignment with the essence of the soul.   In allowing the mystery beyond personal knowing to guide the way,   it is possible to use Touch Drawing to open the way for the emergence of the deeper self beyond emotions and form.   The simplest of art forms, Touch Drawing is a creative practice that can open the door to the universal soul.”

 More words from Deborah confirm what I too have experienced in facilitating Touch Drawing,    ”I witness people relax and dive into themselves through the mirror of the drawing board.     And it is confirmed by the deep satisfaction felt as people recognize the honesty, power, and beauty reflected in their drawing.”

Supplies

• oil paints - 3 or 4 tubes in whatever colors you want.    Color is NOT the focus with touch drawings,   and dark colors work best.    Although oil paints are not toxic, they do require clean up with turpentine or solvent.    You may choose oil based paints OR water based oil paints,  whatever is your preference.     We will provide rags and paper towel for clean up.   If you are using oil based oil paints, you will need to bring solvent for your clean up

• paper  -  there are many different papers that work in Touch Drawing.  You may use  the heavier types of tissue paper,  flip chart paper,  rice paper,  or parchment paper.  You should have your paper cut to the sizes you want prior to the class.   We usually work in 18" by 24" approximately.    You will need 40 - 50 sheets.

Clothing

As a rule, Touch Drawing is not messy.   It is suggested though that you wear older clothing as some paints will not wash out of fabrics.   You may wish to bring an apron or smock to cover your clothes while working.

Other

Bring a lunch.

Enhancement

Touch Drawings can be works of art in themselves.   They may also be enhanced and developed further.    Examples of Touch Drawings developed into paintings can be seen in our web sites.   Some of you who have taken our previous Touch Drawing workshops have expressed an interest in an Enhancement Workshop.    While the focus of this workshop is Touch Drawing, we are working on putting on a Touch Drawing Enhancement class in June.

*Touch Drawing was originated in 1974 by Deborah Koff-Chapin.  She is the creator of SoulCards 1 and 2, and author of Drawing Out Your Soul.  For more information visit www.touchdrawing.com.