Beginning Drawing

Drawing is fundamental to fine art processes such as painting, printmaking, and sculpture, as well as a variety of craft and design disciplines. This introductory class focuses on learning how to draw accurately from direct observation through patient repetition of a few basic steps. This classically based approach helps build and strengthen eye-hand coordination and the mind-body connection central to drawing, art making, and other creative processes.

In class we ‘start from the ground up’, introducing and discussing basic practices and concepts of drawing, such as ways of holding the pencil and making marks on paper. The class also discusses ways to prevent ‘getting stuck’, and ‘getting un-stuck’ if you do get stuck, helping provide a framework for ongoing improvement and enjoyment of your drawing practice.

We'll start by learning about the range of graphite art pencils, erasers, and drawing paper we will be using, then we explore the process of simply making marks. Building on this, we move to contour line drawing, then we spend some time focusing on important skills associated with accurately representing the shapes and proportions that structure observed reality. Optional skill building exercises to do outside of class to further your practice will also be discussed.

This process-oriented class helps build eye-hand coordination and suggests a calm, patient approach. Simple procedures are introduced and repeated that build on each other to help develop the mind-body connection and your drawing ability. Building this connection takes time and steady application, but can lead to experience of flow state in which time and distractions disappear.  

If you are eager to try out an art process for the first time, drawing can be a good starting point, as well as a fun way to explore the world and to communicate ideas and feelings. The materials are uncomplicated to use and relatively inexpensive, making drawing accessible for beginners. For those who already have some art-making experience refreshing or adding to your drawing skill set can help you take your artwork further. As such, this class may be useful for students with either modest or ambitious aspirations for their work, and who possess any degree of past art making experience. 

SUPPLIES: The following supplies or their equivalent are recommended for this class. If you have questions or concerns about purchasing supplies, please let us know prior to the class start.

- Graphite art pencils: HB, 2B, 4B, 6B
- 18”x24” sketch pad https://www.dickblick.com/products/strathmore-400-series-drawing-paper-pads/
- Kneaded eraser https://www.dickblick.com/items/blick-kneaded-eraser-large/
- Pink eraser https://www.dickblick.com/items/pink-pearl-eraser-large/
- Vinyl eraser caps https://www.dickblick.com/items/pentel-hi-polymer-eraser-caps-pkg-of-10/
- Snap blade cutter  https://www.dickblick.com/items/alvin-sn200-snap-blade-cutter/ (a sharp box cutter or utility knife will work)
- Workable matte fixative https://www.dickblick.com/products/krylon-workable-matte-fixatif/ 

OPTIONAL:
- Drawing board with clips https://www.dickblick.com/items/richeson-drawing-clip-board-23-x-26/  (This is useful for drawing on the 18”x24” pad at home. Drawing boards and clips will be available for use in class. We will discuss this on the first day of class.)
- Sketchbook https://www.dickblick.com/items/blick-wirebound-sketchbook-12-x-9-wire-bound-80-sheets/  (This sketchbook is a recommended good value but other sizes or styles can work. We will discuss selecting and using a sketchbook on the first day of class.)