The focus is on fundamentals that make drawing fun and rewarding. Techniques are taught to reduce errors and avoid erasing as well as games and exercises to bring out creativity. This is a great introduction to drawing for anyone and is a lot of fun. Student of all levels are surprised at how quickly they improve with some basic fundamentals in place. (I use to call this class “Instantly improve your drawing in one hour”)
Still Life
Key here is learning how to look at a 3 dimensional object and convert it to an accurate 2 dimensional drawing on paper. For most artists this is one of the most challenging things to do accurately. Often referred to as draftsmanship it has more to do with how you see than how you draw. There are a few important fact to be aware of that instantly improve your ability to draw from life. Of all the art classes and drawing lessons I had, I did not learn this until I was in my 30’s. The most important thing I teach about drawing is how to see.
Portraits
I tend to avoid self portraits unless done from photographic reference. I have found students prefer drawing a person of their choice over themselves. So I explain some guidelines on choosing a good photograph as reference and let them provide their own. As backup I keep a number of images for students who forget or bring less than ideal image.
Creating a rough sketch could be done in either of two methods: Squaring up or comparative measurements. Age and experience along with other factors help in deciding the best approach. Other than that the rest follows a straightforward approach to completing the drawing.
Key here is learning how to look at a 3 dimensional object and convert it to an accurate 2 dimensional drawing on paper. For most artists this is one of the most challenging things to do accurately. Often referred to as draftsmanship it has more to do with how you see than how you draw. There are a few important fact to be aware of that instantly improve your ability to draw from life. Of all the art classes and drawing lessons I had, I did not learn this until I was in my 30’s. The most important thing I teach about drawing is how to see.
Portraits
I tend to avoid self portraits unless done from photographic reference. I have found students prefer drawing a person of their choice over themselves. So I explain some guidelines on choosing a good photograph as reference and let them provide their own. As backup I keep a number of images for students who forget or bring less than ideal image.
Creating a rough sketch could be done in either of two methods: Squaring up or comparative measurements. Age and experience along with other factors help in deciding the best approach. Other than that the rest follows a straightforward approach to completing the drawing.
Figure drawing
An introduction to figure drawing would start with the proportions of the adult human body, noting how they change from person to person or how they might be altered for comic, cartoon or fashion illustration. Understanding a little about posing, body language and balance are touched on. And drawing from the figure (students usually take turns posing) they will draw quick gestures, contour drawings to finish with a study of a sustained pose.
Wildlife and Pet Portrait
Similar to the portrait class, students will draw from reference of their choice. Again the creation of the rough sketch will be one of two methods: Squaring up or comparative measurements. Age and experience along with other factors help in deciding the best approach. The final drawing could be done in: pencil, oil pastel or chalk pastel, one would be picked for the class. We have had excellent results in each medium.
An introduction to figure drawing would start with the proportions of the adult human body, noting how they change from person to person or how they might be altered for comic, cartoon or fashion illustration. Understanding a little about posing, body language and balance are touched on. And drawing from the figure (students usually take turns posing) they will draw quick gestures, contour drawings to finish with a study of a sustained pose.
Wildlife and Pet Portrait
Similar to the portrait class, students will draw from reference of their choice. Again the creation of the rough sketch will be one of two methods: Squaring up or comparative measurements. Age and experience along with other factors help in deciding the best approach. The final drawing could be done in: pencil, oil pastel or chalk pastel, one would be picked for the class. We have had excellent results in each medium.