Accurately capturing the likeness of a subject is immensely satisfying for an artist, especially if it's a famous subject that is easily recognized. In this drawing class, young artists will create realistic pencil portraits of 12 US presidents. 

Each week, I will provide a printable black and white image of a president. In class, the students will learn to use a simple method for transferring a basic outline of the face from this printable to the drawing surface. This particular method that I will teach them ensures accurate proportions. 

I will then help the learner identify the light sources in the portrait, as well as the shadows and highlighted areas in the facial features. Using various pencils and a document camera, I will demonstrate, step-by-step, how to properly render (shade in) a true-to-life portrait from the uploaded image.

I have a very laid back, patient style of teaching, allowing the learners to move at their own pace, yet still encouraging them individually to do their very best to create a nice portrait of that week's president.

I will also give a very brief bio and overview of each president, including their birth dates and places, terms served, information about the times in which they lived and served, and their various achievements while in office. 

FALL 2024 SCHEDULE: Tuesdays or Thursdays at 2pm EST
NOTE: The Thursday class will cycle back up to the top of the list again on Dec. 12 and continue for the next 10 weeks - with a two week break for the holidays on Dec 26 and Jan 2. 

Sept 10: George Washington
Sept 17: Thomas Jefferson
Sept 24: James Madison
Oct 1: Abraham Lincoln
Oct 8: Theodore Roosevelt
Oct 15: Woodrow Wilson
Oct 22: Franklin D Roosevelt
Oct 29: Harry Truman
Nov 5: Dwight Eisenhower
Nov 12: John F Kennedy
Nov 19: Ronald Reagan
ONE WEEK BREAK FOR THANKSGIVING WEEK
Dec 3: Barak Obama

Students should bring the following recommended supplies to class:
One ebony pencil or any soft-leaded pencil (Prismacolor ebony is a good one)
One ballpoint pen
One #H pencil
One #2 pencil
Blending stump (or Q-Tip)
Eraser
Scotch tape or masking tape (we'll only use a few small pieces)
8 1/2 x 11 cardstock (light to medium weight)
Hand wipes or a damp cloth to clean pencil lead off your fingers