Since 1991, the Drawing and Study course has been a cornerstone of the ICAA’s annual education program. The program follows in the footsteps of architects journeying abroad, and at home, to study and document precedents for the purpose of informing the design of new buildings and places.Each iteration of the program explores the continuity and vitality of the classical tradition in a paradigmatic city or region that has been instrumental to its development. An expanding rotation of destinations offers a multitude of opportunities to build a profound and comprehensive understanding of the roots of American architecture at all scales of design - from the city and its contiguous landscape as a comprehensive work of civic art, to the composition of the architecture and interiors of individual buildings, to the fine grain of detail, materiality, building craft and artisanship.The study of precedents and adaptations to modern circumstances is paramount to the understanding of the classical vocabulary as a living language of architecture and city building. The course aims to enhance the practitioner’s knowledge and skills in creative and informed applications of the classical tradition.
The 2025 iteration of the ICAA's International Drawing Tour focuses on northern Italy, and is split into two sessions: an investigation of the architecture and urban design of Verona, and a special advanced study of the architecture of the Palladian Villa Saraceno (Providence of Vicenza).
The 2025 iteration of the ICAA's Domestic Drawing Tour focuses on the architecture, interiors, landscape, and urbanism of Santa Barbara, California.
The course is structured around the tradition of observational, analytical and measured drawing in a sketchbook, methods that have been utilized by architects since the Renaissance. Then, as now, the goal is to expand one’s compendium of examples as a resource for reference in future design endeavors.Each program includes an introduction to field drawing techniques that are then deployed throughout the course to study exemplars of classical and traditional design.A typical session begins with an introduction to the subjects of study, extended drawing time, and concludes with shared discoveries and observations.Complementing the core program is additional activity unique to the opportunities available in each location including visits to see newly built work, artisan workshops, and important collections and talks and demonstrations by guest lecturers.
Previous Christopher H. Browne Drawing Tours have been held in locations such as:
Venice Drawing Tour: Participant Therese Madigan practices plein air watercolor.
Newport Drawing Tour: Participant Kevin Ohlinger sharing one of his sketchbook pages
Venice Drawing Tour: Santa Maria del Rosario study by participant Taylor Stein
Rome Drawing Tour: Instructor George Saumarez Smith demonstrates measured drawing to tour participants at the Villa Farnesina
Newport Drawing Tour: Redwood Library study by co-instructor Tommy Vince
Paris Drawing Tour: Student Connor Moran's watercolor rendering of the Petit Trianon
The Christopher H. Browne Drawing Tours honor the generosity, leadership, and legacy of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art’s late Trustee, Mr. Christopher H. Browne. The ICAA is pleased to award four scholarships to drawing tour students or emerging professionals annually in the name of Mr. Browne, a long-time supporter and champion of classicism. Scholarship recipients will receive the moniker “Christopher H. Browne Scholars.”To find out more about the Christopher H. Browne Drawing Tours, email [email protected] or call 212-730-9646 ext. 112.