Draw With Me: People

In this class we will learn various techniques and skills associated with drawing people. We will primarily focus on drawing with shapes and then adding details and shading. Learners are encouraged to follow along with step-by-step instruction, but then given the opportunity to design characters and settings conveying movement, emotion and narrative elements. 

Each week I will share a slide presentation containing art instruction and a photo reference for drawing. Some of the art terminology we will be learning includes: gesture/action pose, proportion, line, geometric shapes, shading, value (lights and darks). We will learn how to hold the pencils and discuss how to use the materials to achieve the effects we want in our drawings. As we will be drawing the human figure in action, we will also be exploring character development. I will ask questions such as, "Who is your character?," "What are they wearing?," "What are they doing?," "What are they feeling?" The lessons will incorporate a theme aimed at sparking ideas and creativity, such as: dancer, jumping for joy, athlete, silly hat day, rainy day, picking flowers, etc. 

The class will be structured as follows: 5 minutes to check in and view slide presentation which may include: art instruction, art history, photo references;  30 minutes to sketch, draw and ask questions; 5 minutes to share. 

The sequence of lessons is as follows:
1) Week of March 13: Jumping for Joy
2) Week of March 20: Windy Day
3) Week of March 27: Career Day
4) Week of April 2: Dancer
5) Week of April 9: Athlete
6) Week of April 16: Picking Flowers
5) Week of July 10: Figure in a Setting/ Geometric Shapes
6) Week of July 17: Self-Portraits/ Proportion
7) Week of July 24: Figure in a Setting / Perspective
8) Week of July 31: Practicing Eyes / Shapes

As the instructor I will set up a second camera projection. Learners are able to watch and follow along as I work. They may also interpret the subject matter in their own way. 

Please note that within this age range there will be a wide range of abilities. Some students may be working with the placement of simple shapes, whereas others may know about proportion and shading. I strive to create a supportive classroom environment where all abilities are welcome.