PHOTO BY PAULA MULLER
Cammy Gatto draws a chair during Drawing Bootcamp at the Marblehead Arts Association on Thursday.
BY MICHELE DURGIN
MARBLEHEAD — The word bootcamp conjures images of intense military training with push-ups, sit-ups and running long distances under the command of a not-so-friendly senior officer.
But at the Marblehead Arts Association there’s a very different kind of rigorous training going on. Drawing Bootcamp, a four-week workshop for aspiring artists, is one of a series of courses being offered this summer at the historic King Hooper Mansion.
Amy Judd, a Marblehead resident and student in the class, said she hopes the sessions will rekindle her interest in art, especially nature and landscapes.
“It’s important to take time for mindful activities to restore your sense of well being,” she said. “Our teacher, Mark, is a great motivator, and I look forward to coming to class each week.”
Marc Morin, 31, the instructor, said he is impressed with his students’ enthusiasm and hopes it improves their confidence and artistic talent.
He said the class is designed as a true boot camp. Students come to class, or as he calls it — the gym — and meet with him — the trainer. He leads them through a series of exercises that focus on different techniques and, hopefully, they build on that at home and further develop their skills and talent, he said.
“At the end of the course, I hope we can all get together and reflect on its value, including the exercises and assignments that were provided,” said the 2007 graduate of the Art Institute of Boston.
Seasoned artist and class participant Cammy Gatto said she enjoys the course and its challenges.
“I have always loved art, but this is new to me,” she said. “I think the boot camp is educational and comfortable. I am learning new techniques and enjoy being in class with fellow artists so that we can share our thoughts and work with each other.”
During a recent class, Gatto shared her version of Monet’s “Flowers in a Vase” she created with pencil and charcoal, with classmates.
Fellow students praised the work, noting that it showed effort. Gatto said she appreciated the positive feedback and it inspired her to work even harder.
As she closed her artist sketchpad, Gatto pointed to a quote she had written in the corner of the inside cover. She looks it at each time she picks up the book and starts on a new drawing, she said.
“I solemnly swear that I shall never be caught without a sketch book during my waking hours.”
The program cost $125 for members and $150 for non- members.