This class is taught in English.

I am delighted to be able to offer classes that emphasize fine art techniques through the lens of observational drawing. Observational art is a method of learning to draw with three principles in mind: understanding of the subject, building looking skills, and practice of artistic technique. Through this method and practice, learners can draw anything. Completion of my courses will result in a learner who is engaged with art and understands basic art technique. Even students who are not aspiring artists have much to gain from drawing, including improvement of hand-eye coordination and hand dexterity skills.

Along with my bachelor’s degree in art history and studio art from a premier liberal arts institution in Ohio, I also have been teaching since 2016. My online teaching career began on Outschool in 2017. I have taught homeschoolers, unschoolers, and undergraduate students of all ages. My background in art history means that my classes are created with an understanding of historical precedence- I’m teaching what I know works! Many of my classes include examples of important artworks from masters for students to examine and learn skills from. In addition, my many years of teaching art have helped me curate concise and logical drawing curriculum that young artists can easily pick up and apply to their work. Every art class I teach hopes to provide learners with all the knowledge and support they need to grow as an artist.

Homework Offered
Young artists will have required and optional assignments during this course. Required assignments will include the completion of their weekly art project and the selection of inspirations from each category. The required work will take each young artist a different amount of time depending on how quickly they create their artwork, but they should expect to spend at least 15 minutes selecting inspirations and an additional hour outside of class to work on artwork weekly. Learners will have the option to research and select inspirations on their own or use inspirations listed in one of the guides provided. Optional assignments are additional art exercises learners can complete in class if they finish their required work or outside of class if they are interested! All assignments with complete instructions will be available in the Assignments.PDF.

Lesson 1: Exploring Your Own Work 
Required Assignments: Finish self-portrait. Explore/Examine Old Masters and pick 2-3 inspirations
Optional Assignments: Fill 5 pages of sketchbook with at least two images referenced from life. 

Lesson 2: Exploring the Old Masters
Required Assignments: Finish The Modern Old Master assignment. Explore/Examine Modern and Contemporary Movements and pick 2-3 inspirations.
Optional Assignments: Fill 5 pages of sketchbook with at least two images referenced from life and an image inspired by another Old Master’s work. 

Lesson 3: Exploring Modern and Contemporary Movements 
Required Assignments: Finish In the Style of (Artist) assignment. Explore/Examine Personal Inspirations and pick 2-3 inspirations. Prepare for your Assignment Proposal.
Optional Assignments: Fill 5 pages of sketchbook with: at least two images referenced from life, an image inspired by another Old Master’s work, an image In the Style of (Artist) using a new artists work. 

Lesson 4: Exploring Personal Inspirations 
Required Assignments: Finish Inspired By assignment. Prepare for your Exploration Final Project by reviewing and finalizing your Ideal Checklist and submitting your Assignment Proposal. 
Optional Assignments: Fill 5 pages of sketchbook with: two images referenced from life, an image inspired by another Old Master’s work, an image In the Style of (Artist) using a new artists work, and an artwork Inspired By another Personal Inspiration.

Lesson 5: Exploration Final Project
Required Assignments: Finish Final Exploration Project! Review Critique Guide.PDF. Upload the artworks that you would like critiqued in our final lesson to the Outschool classroom.
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
To remove the stress of what is sometimes a very daunting course of study, your learners will not have tests, quizzes, or formal grades in the class. Instead, I utilize positive verbal critiques to provide feedback and encourage improvement. However, if grades are requested I will provide them via rubrics that will suggest a grade. Learners progress will be gauged by the completion of their assignments, execution of techniques, contributions in critique sessions, and their class presence (being on-time, listening when I am speaking, and how they communicate with peers). 
Grades Offered