Beginning Adventures in Charcoal Series : Making a Mess to Get to Mastery

The Overview:
If you have either never tried or, have had disastrously messy results with charcoal then this is the class for you. In this three part series, we will learn all about charcoal, explore how it works, figure out simple tips and techniques to improve our control of the medium examine the work of professional artists, and try our hand at a simple challenge.

The Nitty Gritty:
At the start of the series I like for us to take a little time to get to know each other a bit and establish our boundaries and culture as a group. From there we can move forward with our explorations knowing that everyone is on the same page. The classes follow a short lecture format with breaks for student exploration. Students will be asked to observe, analyse, explore, problem-solve, share ideas, and copy. During the class we will also touch on a little art history by considering charcoal drawings from a few professional artists. In the end students will test their newly acquired skills with a simple challenge. The week between each class offers students more time to explore, practise and reach out with questions. Support materials have been created and made available for download to support student's continued growth outside of class. It is important for students to check class posts and messages to make sure that they have the materials needed for each session.

N.B.
Please note that this is not a product based class. This class is designed to provide students with the foundation skills to properly use the medium so that they can continue to practise on their own with confidence. It is helpful, but not necessary, if your student already has some instruction and skill drawing with pencil.


Breakdown of Class Sessions- 

Session 1- Getting Acquainted- 90 mins

Introductions and warm-up activities- This is an opportunity for students to get to know each other a little better and for the new group to define the culture of our learning environment.
Introduction to medium- Students are provided with a brief history and background to help them better understand and appreciate the medium.
Introduction to analysing and talking about art- Students are introduced to works by professional artist and practise making observations, thinking about what they see and asking questions.
Introduction to marking making- Students are provided with prompts and invited to explore mark making and mark removal with their charcoal.
Introduction to reflection and goal setting- Students are prompted to think about their explorations, share their experiences and set a goal for themselves for our next session.


Session 2- Establishing Values (lights and darks)- 90 mins

Review and sharing- Together we recap our guidelines for our learning environment, any insights discovered and check in about our goals.
Defining values-  Using visual references and observations we work to observe and define values.
Creating values- Students build on previous explorations with mark making and work to create values.
Using the value scale- Students are introduced to the uses and benefits of the value scale.
Simple shapes and values- Students work on on applying values to simple shapes and then on their freehand contour drawing.
Reflection and goal setting- Students are prompted to think about their explorations, share their experiences and set a goal for themselves for our next session.


Session 3- Applying our Values- 90 mins

Review and sharing- Together we recap our guidelines for our learning environment, any insights discovered and check in about our goals.
Simple shapes and Values-  Students continue to explore applying values and using different kinds of mark-making to simple shapes.
Further Observation- students share and discuss their work and experiences and questions.
Further Observation part 2- students work to hone their observational skills and try their hand at a more complex object.
Reflection and goal setting- Students are prompted to think about their explorations, share their experiences and set a goal for themselves as they continue to practise and explore on their own.