Learn to Draw Realistically: Flex Class!

Are you wanting to improve your drawing skills? This five-week FLEX class will teach you the basic building blocks of realistic drawing that every artist should know! Understanding the fundamentals of drawing will take your skills to the next level. 

We're all at different stages in our art growth, but we have to start somewhere. This course will be suitable for artists who are new in their drawing journey and for those who have a bit of experience already. We will start the first week off by practicing the basics of value with a small value scale exercise and complete a quick prior knowledge project. This will help me assess what level your learner's art experience is at before we go any further into the content. After that, we will learn about drawing from a photo, drawing from life, drawing with color, and drawing a portrait. I start with the basics on every project and I always do everything I can to meet learners where they're at, so this class should be comfortable for any learner! Each week, students will be provided with a pre-recorded video lesson where I teach art vocabulary, go over a new technique, perform my own drawing demonstrations, and explain the week's assignment in detail. I will also provide printable handouts for each lesson with written instructions and steps. This will ensure that parents and learners always know exactly what is expected and to be completed each week. 

I'll be offering office hours throughout the week as well. These will be times where you can schedule a live meeting with me to check in with your learner personally. I can answer questions, check progress, provide feedback, and even walk your learner through certain steps that they may be struggling with. **These live meetings must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. My office hours may change each week as my schedule is often changing. I will post new office hours at the beginning of each week along with the assignments. Please make sure to contact me and discuss the meeting in advance.**

This is a hands-on class. So, students will be expected to complete the projects themselves. Of course, I cannot enforce that learners complete every assignment. But, learners will experience the most growth and improvement if they are following along with the content and practicing each week. If the course has multiple students, they will be encouraged to interact with one another by leaving positive and helpful feedback through discussion posts. 

This class starts with the basics of drawing and focuses on growth. So, it is completely suitable for learners who are new to drawing realistically. However, this course does offer more complex aspects of realistic drawing if your learner is up for the challenge. It will be most enjoyable for students who are motivated to learn about art and willing to dive deep into new topics. I always focus on growth and learning in my classes, never on "perfection". I always aim to let my students guide me in how much I push them to go forward. If your learner is open to constructive feedback, I may offer more of it. However, if your learner expresses a disinterest or sensitivity to feedback, I might give them more space. Art should always be fun and enjoyable. If your learner is happy, I'm happy. 

Course Syllabus:
Week 1: Basics of Value: value scale exercise and a prior knowledge project (create a realistic drawing of your choice to the best of your ability with your current skills - we will look back on this at the end of the five weeks to see your growth)
Week 2: Drawing Photos of Animals: learn the grid drawing technique, practice shading, and proportion
Week 3: Direct Observation: arrange a fun and personal still life, practice proportion, direct observation, and contour line
Week 4: Drawing with Color: use the grid drawing technique to create a flower, practice layering colors, and proportion
Week 5: Practice Portraiture: create a self-portrait and learn facial proportions