An Introduction to Observational Drawing

With each session, we will explore how we can look at the world around us, and sometimes from reference photos, in order to become keen observers and to spark curiosity and discovery. Through this workshop, we will push ourselves to draw, not as artists, but as observers, therefore the goal isn't to have a nice drawing, but to have something for visual reference that shows something learned or interesting.

Session 1:  Drawing from Memory and from objects in front of us
There's a difference between icons, illustrations, and observational drawing. We often art taught simple ways to communicate "tree" while it takes more time and practice to draw a fairly realist tree. We will discuss the difference and the range of drawing techniques needed to learn from our observations.
Session 2:  Drawing From Nature
By drawing something from nature, we learn a lot about how things grow. Each student is asked to select an object from outside, a houseplant, or a selection of fruit or vegetables from the fridge, to do this activity. We will also discuss color and some techniques to make these drawings. Therefore, a variety of color media (crayons, colored pencil, markers, or watercolor pencils) will come in handy. We will work with what we have. 
Session 3:  Documenting Everyday Life
Students will select something from their everyday life, like a corner of their bedroom, their lunch or favorite snacks, or a still life of their favorite toys or trinkets. They will explore contour drawing as a way to capture their favorite things.
Session 4: Learning from our Drawings
After 3 weeks of drawing our environment, we will reflect on the things we learn when we take the time to draw, color and paint our lives.