Welcome to the Blue Easel Club
Our
Story
The Blue Easel Club, founded in 2009 by Carol Peebles, roots philosophically that in order to develop as an artist, one cannot just study technique, one must live the life of an artist. Our year-round workshops and classes are frequented with music, inspirational readings, guest speakers, lunch or dinner and more - all designed to get you in touch with the ARTIST in you.
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Our curriculum is founded on drawing from the live model with Classical Realist instruction from Carol Peebles. Classes are held in her private Atelier, located in the Historic Uptown District of New Orleans, LA. Lessons are based in the time tested approach of observational drawing from the great Masters. The goal in each class and workshop is to learn how to get an exact likeness to the subject: learning how to draw what you see, humbling yourself to Nature. Along with the traditional Atelier studies of figure and portrait, the Blue Easel Club has broadened the scope of life drawing to include professional ballerinas, musicians, burlesque dancers, boxers, and much more. New Orleans jazz clubs and festivals offer a wealth of live subjects for artists to continue their practice after taking a class.
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The Blue Easel Club is proud to be an artist family. Some of our club members have been with us since our founding; others take classes or workshops when they can. Over time, our Club Members have contributed ideas toward the Club’s growth and integration into and with the current art world. We find traveling exhibitions to do master copies and share the work of contemporary artists. Our members attend conventions together such as the Portrait Society of America’s National Convention or the International Association of Pastel Societies Convention; coming back with new ideas to discuss with the Club. Breaking bread, sharing ideas, and regularly drawing, we help each other on the path to creativity. All levels are welcome, beginners work alongside professionals, lessons adapting to each member’s needs. As a family we can bring to the Art World what it so desperately needs: a reverence for Nature, camaraderie over competition, and a love of life.
Come visit The Crescent City, and draw with us!