Touch Drawing requires a few materials and an openess to inward exploration. No artistic confidence is necessary! We offer multi-media material and all the art supplies to support you in a deep experience of Touch Drawing. You can also check our event/workshop schedule to see if Deborah is offering a Touch Drawing workshop in your region. 

Materials Needed for Touch Drawing:

  • A smooth, non-absorbent surface such as plexiglas, formica, white-board
     
  • Oil paint or printing ink (non-toxic water mixable oils are best)
     
  • Printmaking roller (called a brayer in art supply stores)
     
  • At least 20 sheets of paper for an hour-long drawing session. The freedom to do multiple drawings is core. Any paper works, but lightweight is best. Wrapping tissue is great for Touch Drawing.

Where to do Touch Drawing: Sit at a table or on the floor with space by your side for materials and completed Touch Drawings.

How to begin Touch Drawing: Dab a SMALL AMOUNT of paint on the drawing board. Use the roller to spread it smoothly over the whole board. Place of sheet of paper on top of the paint. Then move your fingertips and fingernails on the paper. The pressure of your touch forms impressions that can be seen when you lift the paper off the board. With lightweight paper, you can see through it and watch your drawing emerge.

Many people like to play recorded music while they draw. We have an audio recording of Deborah offering gentle suggestions along with vocal toning, sacred drum and chimes. It can help you orient towards an inward focus and stay with the process to go deeper than you might on your own.The deeper dimensions of the Touch Drawing: Give yourself enough time to go beyond the initial experience. To experience a deep, transformative process, it is good to stay with it for at least an hour. Bring your awarenesss to your body and the sensations you feel. Then move your fingertips on the paper in expression of the moment. No matter what you feel, honor it by drawing it. There is no right or wrong. As you complete each one, lay it in a pile to keep them in order. Roll the board smooth after each drawing. Add paint only when necessary. Each drawing is a stepping stone on an inner journey.

When you have completed a series of drawings, look through them from first to last. You might be surprised by their beauty and authenticity. Consider taking time to listen for a title or phrase for each drawing. If you draw with a friend you can witness one another’s drawings.

Detailed instructions in Drawing Out Your Soul; The Touch Drawing Handbook & educational media.