Silvermine School of Art will celebrate the publication of the second edition of faculty member Claire Watson Garcia’s Drawing for the Absolute and Utter Beginner, Revised, with a book signing on Sept. 16. A long-time teacher at Silvermine who took classes at the School when she was a child, Watson Garcia’s step-by-step instructions include drawings by many of her students. She will sign copies at the School of Art on Sun., Sept. 16 from 4pm to 6pm.

“Claire’s book has strong ties to Silvermine, and we are delighted to help launch this new 2018 edition,” said Anne Connell, Director of the School of Art.

The book provides a series of progressive lessons that lead beginners through essential drawing techniques. “Absolutely anyone who can hold a pencil can start drawing and see improvement from the completion of the first exercise,” according to Watson Garcia. Along with the drawings shown as examples, she features comments from many students on their discoveries and challenges as they learned to draw.

Claire Watson Garcia is a Ridgefield resident and an acclaimed artist herself. Her Silvermine drawing courses and workshops have been popular for more than twenty years. She was educated at Smith College and the University of California, Berkeley.

The book signing and reception will be held from 4pm to 6pm on Sept. 16, and an accompanying exhibition of student drawings that illustrate the book will on view in the Sara Victoria Hall Auditorium from Sept. 12 to Sept. 21.