Introduction to Drawing Fundamentals | 3D Geometric Shapes

Sandy Nichols

Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(74)

Each week, students will learn first how to carefully observe basic geometric shapes, followed by incorporating that shape into creative drawing exercises.

Class Experience

Many young artists struggle to make their drawings or paintings look more realistic because they don’t understand how to create the illusion of three dimensional forms in space. They attempt realism without knowing the importance of consistent eye level, for example. Learning to draw basic 3D shapes will help evolve drawings from flat to more realistic looking, the way we would observe them in life. How? Because everything we view in our world can be simplified into basic 3D shapes (or a...

The learning goal of this class is not to teach students how to draw, it is for students to learn how to see, like an artist. Before an artist can properly draw anything, they must first learn how to carefully observe and unlearn preconceived ideas of what they’re actually seeing.

I was honoured to win a nation wide contest to illustrate Dennis Lee's reprint of Alligator Pie. I have illustrated five published children's books in total. I graduated from a Canadian Art College in Visual Communications, then worked as an illustrator for thirty years, doing mostly editorial and advertising commissions. I have done numerous, live drawing presentations for elementary age children at schools and libraries. 

Most recently, I taught Illustration and drawing fundamentals for seven years at a Canadian Art University.

Homework Offered
Drawing homework is encouraged (20- 30 min) to show beginning of each class for feedback. 

Assessments Offered
Self assessment guided by my specific questions about their drawing (homework or in-class exercise). Also feedback from other students will be encouraged. 
Grades Offered

  1 file available upon enrollmentLearners must have actual 3D geometric shapes on hand before class. These can be purchased or use household items like a Rubik’s cube, sugar cube, small box, etc. Students can also make them from paper (templates found online) or use modeling clay. 

Other materials: Pencil/sharpener, paper or sketchbook, eraser and straight edge (doesn't have to be a ruler as we're not measuring units).

Available times

Pacific

Table of available sections

Meet the teacher

Sandy Nichols

Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(74)

Greetings parents and learners!

My name is Sandy Nichols. After receiving my diploma in Visual Communications at a Canadian art college many years ago, I began my 35 year career as an illustrator. My work has appeared in a variety of...