Urban Sketching with Dave Hotstream (10/4/2026)
About this Event
Urban sketching can be a wonderfully satisfying way to record impressions and memories of your travels and experiences, especially in a colorful city like New Orleans. But urban sketching doesn't have to happen in a picturesque city setting. It can happen in your car, in a coffee shop or bar, while you're sitting at at a bus stop or in the laundromat, anywhere you can carry a sketchbook and a few basic art supplies.
In this one-day workshop, we'll talk about finding the materials that work best for you, how not to "overpack," choosing the right location (or letting it choose you), working "fast and loose," composition, perspective (and when to ignore it), overcoming your fear of drawing in public, practical topics like safety ("where do I stand?") and much more. Students will then step outside for a sketching “scavenger hunt” with a list of subjects and concepts designed to encourage observation and creative problem-solving, and to make sketching fun again.
Most of this workshop will take place outdoors. In the event of inclement weather the workshop will be rescheduled.
REQUIREMENTS
This class was created for adult learners but is open to all students at all skill levels. Students should bring:
- A sketchbook(s) of your choice (7" x 10" multimedia is a good option if you’re unsure, but bring what you’re comfortable with)
- Ballpoint or fountain pens with black ink
- Any other portable supplies you like to sketch with (colored pencils, watercolors, crayon, markers, etc.)
- Water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Also, if you have trouble standing for long periods, please consider bringing a light folding chair.
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Dave Hotstream is a New Orleans native who received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at LSU and has studied more recently at the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon & Graphic Art in Dover, New Jersey and the Sequential Artists’ Workshop in Gainesville, Florida. He is a full-time freelance illustrator who has produced work for clients including The New Orleans Saints, The U.S. Peace Corps, and Hasbro/Magic the Gathering. Dave enjoys teaching art to adults as well as children, and firmly believes that everyone can (and should!) learn to draw.
NOTE
A minimum number of students must enroll in this class for it to make. If fewer students enroll than are necessary, the class will be cancelled and full refunds will be issued. If we have to cancel the class, we'll make every effort to notify students at least one week before the first class meeting.
WAIVER, RELEASE, AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT
By registering for this class ("the Activity"), which is offered by the NOCCA Foundation, you represent, covenant, and agree, on behalf of yourself and your heirs, assigns, and any other person claiming by, under, or through you, as follows:
1. You acknowledge that participating in the Activity involves certain risks (some of which you may not fully appreciate), and that injuries, death, property damage or other harm could occur to yourself or others. You accept and voluntarily incur all risks of any injuries, damages, or harm which arise during or result from your participation in the Activity, including any associated travel, regardless of whether or not caused in whole or in part by the negligence or other fault of the NOCCA Foundation, NOCCA, and/or its or their departments, trustees, affiliates, employees, officers, agents, or insurers ("Released Parties").
2. You waive all claims against any of the Released Parties for any injuries, damages, losses, or claims, whether known and unknown, which arise during or result from your participation in the Activity, regardless of whether or not caused in whole or part by the negligence or other fault of any of the Released Parties. You release and forever discharge the Released Parties from all such claims.
3. You agree to indemnify and hold the Released Parties harmless from all losses, liabilities, damages, costs, or expenses (including but not limited to reasonable attorneys' fees and other litigation costs and expenses) incurred by any of the Released Parties as a result of any claims or suits that you (or anyone claiming by, under, or through you) may bring against any of the Released Parties to recover any losses, liabilities, costs, damages, or expenses which arise during or result from your participation in the Activity, regardless of whether or not caused in whole or part by the negligence or other fault of any of the Released Parties.
4. You have carefully read and reviewed this Waiver, Release, And Hold Harmless Agreement. You understand it fully, and you execute it voluntarily by registering for the Activity.
This class is hosted by the NOCCA Foundation, NOCCA's nonprofit support and advocacy organization. Proceeds support an array of programs for NOCCA students, faculty, and the community.
ABOUT NOCCA AND THE NOCCA FOUNDATION
The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (better known as NOCCA) was founded in 1973 and opened its doors to students in 1974. Today, NOCCA is Louisiana’s arts conservatory for high school students, offering intensive instruction in Classical Music, Creative Writing, Culinary Arts, Dance, Drama, Entertainment Production Design, Jazz, Media Arts, Musical Theatre, Vocal Music, Visual Arts, and academics. Students come from across Louisiana, attending via full-day, afternoon, and after-school sessions. Admission to NOCCA is by audition, and there is no tuition.
The NOCCA Foundation is NOCCA’s nonprofit partner, providing supplemental funding for NOCCA and advocacy for its world-class program. Some of the Foundation’s more notable endeavors include: a Student Support Program that pays for students’ classroom supplies as well as fees associated with important summer training programs across the country; an Artists-in-Residence Program that brings more than 100 professional visiting artists into NOCCA’s classrooms each year; the capital campaign for NOCCA’s current home and expansion projects like Press Street Gardens; a wide array of arts classes for adults; and concert, gallery, and literary events for the community. The Foundation also oversees rentals of the NOCCA campus, making it available to arts organizations, individuals, corporations, and other groups.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 79.57
