Early fall means back to school for many of us. It’s traditionally a time for new beginnings. That’s why The Smithsonian Associates would like to invite you to take part in our new Connect with the Arts project. Designed for artists, art historians, collectors, teachers, students (high school seniors and above), and art enthusiasts, Connect with the Arts includes classes, copyist training, a marathon figure session, and even competitions. All of them connect the compositional theory and technique of two-dimensional art to its actual creation in the studio.
Participants will have an excellent opportunity to interact and study with members of the arts community.
Beginners and non-artists may attend a course that includes a museum tour and covers compositional theory through a collage workshop. Professional artists and students may attend courses, enter competitions, participate in the 26-hour marathon figure session, or enroll in the copyist training program.
Please note: some deadlines have been extended!
Competitions
Details of each competition, application forms, and entrance requirements
are available for downloading (see below). Winning entries will be displayed in the S. Dillon Ripley Center on the National Mall during the closing reception on Sun., Oct. 4. Prizes for winning competition entries will total $1,500. Smithsonian certificates will also be awarded.
Accuracy Session and Competition 
2-D Figurative Art Competition
Copying the Masters Competition (Participation in copy program required)
Written Critique Competition
Conduct, Toxicity and Safety Agreement
Drop-off/Pick-up Form
Classes and Workshops
Copying the Masters:
Training Program for Oil Painters
This intensive, challenging three-week course will accept applications from experienced artists and advanced students. Participants conduct an in-depth study of a master painter of their choosing. Instruction on theory and technique, comprehensive critiques, and liberal assistance on an individual basis are provided. Participants are granted a reserved studio space for the duration of the course in Studio 3038 at the Ripley Center. They may work in the space at any time during studio hours. Participants may copy or redesign an existing painting or create an original work of art that imitates the selected artist’s style.
Initially, students pay only the application fee of $45 and submit their materials for review. Selection is based on application materials and is granted on a space-available basis. Once approved, applicants are invited to register for the course.
The instructor is Trinka Margua Simon.
Marathon Open Model Session
This is a three-day open model session for selected advanced artists living in the Washington metropolitan area; admission is by invitation or an extensive portfolio review on a space-available basis. Two models (male and female) pose together for three days, keeping the same pose throughout.
No instruction is given, and participants may take time out to attend other events without losing their assigned space. All artwork must remain in Studio 3038 in the Ripley Center for viewing during the session, closing reception, and awards presentation.
All standard drawing and painting materials are acceptable, including oil paint. Artists must comply with museum standards of safety and conduct. Participants must be open to student observation during working hours. A monitor is present to facilitate the model sessions.
Understanding the Works of the Masters: Museum
Tour, Lecture, and In-Studio Collage Session
This course explores complex compositions in master works of art. Combining a tour of the National Gallery of Art, illustrated lecture, demonstration, and in-studio experimentation, this course is designed for art historians, collectors, studio artists, and inquisitive museum visitors who want more practical understanding of theory and technique from the painter’s point of view. There will also be an opportunity to join artists participating in other courses for a combined group critique and discussion.
Details are available on the Smithsonian Connects with the Arts Web site Residentassociates.org/connect.
The instructor is Trinka Margua Simon.
Drawing from Sculpture at the NGA: Advanced Figure Drawing
Working from sculpture at the National Gallery of Art, participants increase the complexity of their figurative compositions by practicing techniques such as creative foreshortening and manipulation of patterns to create effects such as heightened illusions of realism, drama, and movement. The course consists of group and individual instruction, demonstrations, and critiques. There will also be an opportunity to join artists participating in other courses for a combined group critique and discussion. Details can be found on the Web site Residentassociates.org/connect.
Only dry drawing materials such as pencil, conte, and hard charcoal may be used. No paint, ink, or any other wet materials are permitted. Small collections of pastel may be allowed if the participant is neat and experienced.
Participants must at all times follow the conduct rules outlined in the “Conduct, Toxicity and Safety” agreement.
The instructor is Trinka Margua Simon.
Creative Classical Realism: Beyond Sight-Size
Join
Trinka Margua Simon, artist, educator, and author of
The Art of Composition, as she shares her views on the sight-size
method of drawing and the harm she feels it has done to the new generation
of classical realists. Find out what is next for this energetic and giving
instructor in an entertaining, frank, and possibly controversial conversation
about art and its creation.
A brief awards presentation for those entered in the Smithsonian Connect
with the Arts competitions is included in the program. Audience members
are invited to the art exhibition and reception immediately following
the lecture. The Art of Composition is available for purchase
and signing by Ms. Simon after the program.
Trinka Margua Simon has been an instructor with The Smithsonian Associates
for 18 years and has mentored many Washington, D.C. based emerging artists.