Our goal will be to strike a balance between structure and accident, restraint and recklessness and being deliberate as well as relying on our instincts. Students will be asked to remain open to their mixed media drawings and paintings being about something they did not expect and about taking them places where they did not expect to go.

This workshop will approach mixed media figure drawing and painting as a creative, expressive activity. Students will respond to the model and to the manipulation of their chosen materials in order to arrive at dynamic and unique solutions. Be prepared to exaggerate, distort, twist and elongate the figure in order to create dynamic, powerful, bold, expressive and emotional pieces of art. There will be plenty of demonstrations, critiques, and both individual and group instruction. If you are looking for a fresh perspective for your creativity, an energy boost for you and your work, or if you are just looking for a different workshop experience, then this workshop is for you.

David Limrite was born in Salinas, California. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from San Diego State University. Yet, feeling as though had not placed enough emphasis on the techniques of drawing, he entered Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. Through his studies there, he acquired and developed the essence of his figurative work.

Limrite’s stylistic abilities and conceptual attributes were actuated by his position as Art Director in the Editorial Department at the Los Angeles Herald Examiner. He began to understand the strong contrasts inherent in black and white photography as well as the dramatic impact of the tragic pictorial imagery he constantly encountered during his time at the newspaper. He eventually applied these characteristics to his own emotional and dramatic mixed media work.

Limrite’s current work continues an investigation of the struggle for understanding and ultimate acceptance of complex emotional issues. Using primarily graphite, charcoal, acrylic and collage, his work combines virtuoso drawing with cathartic expressionism. Limrite uses emotional content to give his figures power and intensity, underscoring their emotion through passionate handling of materials which animates the figures and suggests energy between the forms.

David Limrite’s studio and home are in Atascadero, California, on the central coast. He taught drawing and painting at Art Center College of Design for 12 years and at the Brentwood Art Center for 23 years where he was also the Director of Education for 7 years.

In addition to being a full-time artist, David currently teaches workshops in Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo and Palm Springs, is an Artists Coach and Mentor, conducts private one-on-one critiques and authors his “Create Like You Mean It” weekly blog. He recently published his first book, CREATE ANYWAY - Become An Empowered Artist and Create with Confidence.

There is limited accommodation available at Willow Pond House. Reservations will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis. Willow Pond House is a private residence and you will be hosted by Carol and Jean Paquet and an on-site chef. Select your workshop under the tab of the room of your choice and the number of nights is automatically calculated for the workshop duration. If you choose to stay on site, your reservation will include breakfast and dinner. This is a separate booking from the workshop and is accessible under the GUEST ROOMS menu tab on Willow Pond’s website. Please note - we are not licensed to sell or serve alcoholic beverages however you are welcome to bring your own. There is a fridge available to students in the studio.

In addition, there are numerous AirBnB’s and VRBOs within a few miles of the property. We also recommend hotels in Pismo Beach and The Agrarian Hotel in Arroyo Grande. Both of these locations are less than a 10-minute drive.