***Please note: This is a FLEX class! There are NO LIVE meetings*** The teacher will provide new, pre-recorded lessons at the beginning of each week that can be watched, paused, and replayed at your convenience.

Drawing people can be difficult and intimidating, especially drawing someone you know well - like yourself! But with the right techniques and practice, you can create a portrait you're proud of! Maybe you enjoy drawing people, but find it difficult getting the proportions accurate or making the features look realistic. Come join this 7 week flex course where you will improve your skills and learn how to draw people through creating your own self-portrait! Any level of artist is welcome to join! Previous drawing experience is not required.  

WEEK 1: Learn/review pencil sketching basics such as: what do the pencil numbers mean? What is a value scale and how can we use it? Learn to shade evenly using different techniques and pencil pressure. Intro to using blending tools. 
WEEK 2: Introduction to the grid technique: what is a grid and how is it useful? Practice some simple sketches using a grid, then sketch out your self-portrait using the grid technique
WEEK 3: Learn how to draw and shade a variety of HAIR textures 
WEEK 4: Learn to draw EYES that bring life to your portrait 
WEEK 5: Learn to shade and blend NOSES
WEEK 6: Learn to draw MOUTHS and teeth
WEEK 7: Finishing touches: Drawing CLOTHING and EARS, adjusting contrast, protecting your artwork.

With each feature from weeks 3-5 (hair, eyes, noses, mouths, clothing/ears), students will first be guided step-by-step through a practice sketch using a provided reference photo. They will then be given guidance on how to apply the same principles to their own self-portrait. 

Each week students will be required to upload a picture of their drawing progress to the classroom with a short statement of what they have learned and what was a challenge for them. They will receive encouragement and constructive feedback from the teacher. Students will interact with each other through answering a weekly discussion question and by commenting on each other's posts. Students will also post specific questions they may have in the chat that can be answered by both the teacher and fellow students to encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and encouragement.  

At the end of the course, students will also receive a 5-10 minute personalized video critique from the teacher. In this way, learners will get highly detailed and specific feedback on what they’re doing well and learn how to further improve their artwork.