A  drawing class that explores new drawing techniques and builds on existing ones. We begin with the basics, learn how to create value by shading with drawing pencils ( H, HB, 2B, 4B). Each week we will explore new techniques, a way to use it in our daily drawing practice and a design challenge to take it for a spin in our sketchbook. Students are encouraged to choose their own adventure, explore their own style and create a unique art piece. 

Class Structure: Each class will begin with the introduction of the spotlight drawing technique (shading, texture, line, form etc) followed by step-by-step instruction to practice the technique in different ways. Then learners will have an opportunity to choose their own adventure or follow along with step by step instruction of a larger scale sketchbook drawing, a theme or subject matter.

Teaching style: I like to provide step-by-step instruction to learners, giving the tools for success. We practice the skills in smaller scale warm-up drawings.  Based on skill level learners may want to explore the weekly drawing theme on their own (I encourage creative style exploring) other learners may prefer step-by-step instruction throughout and I very happily oblige. Learners will find their style through practice, and taking creative freedoms when they are ready. I teach to support the individual artist in my classes

Learners are encouraged to share, offer up their own drawing tips and tricks during our weekly classes

Experience: Beginners and Advanced Artists welcome :)


Lessons:

Lesson 1: 
Shading and Value
Students are encouraged to bring drawing pencils to this course (H, HB, 2B, 4B). In our first class we will make a value scale, and practice going from light to dark, and dark to light. Then we put our value's to the test by drawing a realistic eye. 
 
Lesson 2:
All about texture
Another way of creating value, is by using texture -- It also helps us understand what something might feel like, adding to creating realism. This week we explore different ways of creating texture through line and dots. We take our texture making skills on a journey by drawing a very furry and cute animal. 

Lesson 3:
Shape and Form
How to create shape and form and make them give the illusion of being 3-D. We try our hand at perspective using shape this week. 

Lesson 4:
What's in a Face? 
We practice creating emotions on a face. Realistic drawings go beyond shading and form, sometimes we have to make the observer feel what our drawing is feeling. This week we will draw beyond a neutral face and make big feelings in our sketchbook. 


Lesson 5:
High Five! Drawing Hands
This week we practice drawing hands. They are commonly the most avoided part of a human form in beginner artists. So this week we break down hands into achievable shapes and lines.

Lesson 6:
The human figure -- how to draw a person
Using shapes and proportion techniques we create a human form. We explore all the different shapes and sizes that walk our wonderful earth and learn ways to draw them.