(8)-Week Course $190.00 Classes are forming for the Fall of 2022 Spaces are LIMITED
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This (8)-week program is in (2)-hour weekly sessions. This course is
designed for beginners who want to learn the basics of drawing from
life. Drawing realistically has been a revered art ever since the
ancients used mark-making to create the illusion of depth on a
two-dimensional surface. Students will develop their representational
drawing skills using a variety of charcoal media. As the course
progresses, students will draw from still life, photographic references,
and finally a live model. Through a series of demonstrations, in-class
drawing, group critiques, and individual assistance from the teacher,
students will develop their ability to draw convincingly from life.
Focus topics include: composition, proportion, value relationships, edge
relationships, modeling, materials, and stylization. In-class drawing
exercises will focus on subjects exposed to one-source lighting and will
vary in length from quick studies to more developed compositions.
COURSE OUTLINE:
WEEK: 1 & 2 - STILL LIFE: Drawing Basics
• Introduction to course: objectives, syllabus, and materials
• Lecture/Demonstration: the basics of drawing from life using the still life as a subject, use of materials and mediums
• Exercise: observational drawing from photograph and live still life
in charcoal on paper, learning the use of lighting and texture with
composition. Life: Observational Drawing Fundamentals
• Exercise: drawing from different perspectives in charcoal on paper.
Working with lighting and composition to create great layouts
• Demonstration: more on observational drawing – focus on form under
light, cast and proportion/scaling, techniques, positive and negative
shapes in composition
WEEK: 3, 4 & 5 - PHOTOGRAPHIC REFERENCES: Technique
• Exercise: several quick studies based on 1 photographic reference -
focus on implementing different techniques and capturing a different
mood in each composition as students move around the subject.
• Lecture/Discussion: using different techniques to vary the focus,
mood, and message of the drawing; evaluating and addressing tones
• Exercise: observational drawing from a photographic reference in
charcoal on paper
• Critique Work with class
WEEK: 6, 7 & 8 -
PHOTOGRAPHIC & LIVE MODEL: Figure Drawing Fundamentals; Heads & Hands, Composition & Usage of Mediums
Week: 6
• Exercise: several quick studies based on the photographic model
• Demonstration: more on figure drawing – focus on form under light,
cast and form shadows, proportions, and differentiating value and edge
relationships; general proportions and anatomy of the head and hands
• Exercise: observational drawing from the subject in charcoal on paper
Week: 7
• Exercise: several quick studies based on the live model
• Lecture/Discussion: methods of emphasis and de-emphasis; examples of
notable figurative drawings from art history will be used to communicate
these concepts – focus on traditional works
• Exercise: observational drawing from the live model in charcoal on paper – focus on extended poses
• Critique
Week: 8
• Live Model: Introduction to Ink and Color
• Exercise: several quick studies to longer pose based on the live model
• Demonstration: introduction to ink media – ink pen, toned washes,
line, value, and edge; stylization and expressive methods of translating
form
• Demonstration: introduction to color – focus on soft color pastels on toned paper
• Exercise: observational drawing from the live model using your choice of media
• Critique
• Discussion: closing discussion
MATERIALS: Please Bring All Your Materials to Class Every Week
• Graphite pencils ranging in density (HB, B, 2B)
• Charcoal pencils ranging in density (medium)
• Compressed charcoal (hard & soft, several sticks)
• White drawing paper pad (18x24”), you will need approx. 5 sheets/day
• Rough newsprint pad (18x24”), you will need approx. 5 sheets/day, for weeks 6-8 (bring entire pad)
• Straight-edge ruler (12” minimum)
• Kneaded eraser
• X-acto knife with blades
• Hand pencil sharpener
• Sketchbook (min (8x10”), (choose a size that fits into your bag)
• Drawing clipboard
• Several sticks of soft color pastel (basic set)
• Waterproof black India ink
• Watercolor/ink brushes
• Archival pastel paper in varieties of grey (several sheets)
• Watercolor or Bristol paper (several sheets)
Materials can be ordered online at: Dakota Pastels or picked up at: Dick Blick located in Carle Place, 11514
Child classes are held M-F at: Art & Soul Studios in Nesconset, 11767