Inside Scott Walsh's Drawing Technique Class

CSSMA INSPIRATIONS vol. 231

In this edition of CSSMA Inspirations, we introduce you to our newest art faculty member Scott Walsh and take a closer look at his Monday afternoon Drawing Technique class.

Enjoy!

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MEET SCOTT WALSH

Scott joined the CSSMA art faculty over the summer, as an instructor for our Full Day Summer Arts program. Based in Brooklyn, Scott holds a BFA in painting fro

m the Pratt Institute where he was the recipient of a Teaching Assistant Fellowship to teach painting in Venice, Italy. He has worked and volunteered at art institutions across New York including The Brooklyn Museum, The New York Public Library, 826NYC, and DIA Beacon, as well as teaching and privately tutoring  students from kindergarten through high school.

Scott believes that creativity is essential for growth at every stage of life nurturing imagination and self-expression in children while fostering adaptability and deeper connections in adults. His philosophy is rooted in the idea that creativity is not just a skill, but a vital part of lifelong learning.

Works by Scott: 'Hudson River' (2023) - left, 'Dry Point' (2004) - right

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A CLOSER LOOK AT DRAWING TECHNIQUE WITH SCOTT

During CSSMA’s Drawing Technique after school program, Scott takes young artists (age 5 - 13 years) on a journey into the fundamentals of art by exploring the work and methodology of artists from across the globe. Each week, students examine a new creative technique mastered by different artists, like line quality inspired by Brice Marden or cross-hatching like illustrator Brian Selznick.

Through lessons rooted in history and technique, students are given the opportunity to experiment with a variety of materials and methods. Recently they learned how simple lines can create value — even form — through intersections and spacing, and how shading and shadow can give volume to two dimensional forms. During these lessons, young artists are encouraged to notice how line behaves not just as shape, but in relationship to color, space, and even emotion. In Scott’s class, students aren’t just learning how to draw — they’re learning to see the world around them differently.

Upcoming Drawing Technique projects include creating hand-bound sketchbooks, designing accordion-fold landscapes, and studying Turner’s use of color and horizon lines. Throughout, the emphasis is on hands-on discovery, creativity, and seeing art as a way to observe and interpret the world.

Works by Fall 2025 Drawing Technique Students

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We are thrilled to welcome Scott to the Church Street School faculty and excited to see all of the amazing work coming out of the Drawing Technique classroom! If you are interested in signing up and learning more about Drawing Technique with Scott this fall at Church Street School, click here to head to our website and inquire today.