Beginning Drawing

This drawing class for beginners is a great introduction into a basic medium used in fine art processes such as painting, printmaking, and sculpture, as well as a wide variety of craft and design applications.

In this class we will learn drawing as a process of building eye-hand coordination through working from direct observation. To focus on building this skill we will use a limited range of graphite art pencils and erasers on sketch paper. We will primarily learn and practice techniques for observing and producing images of the outside world. We will also experiment with expressing your inner feelings through making marks on paper, learn about the materials we’ll use, and explore the nature of the creative process. We will also discuss optional skill building exercises to do outside of class.

This is a process-oriented class requiring or building patience. Simple procedures will be introduced and repeated that will develop the mind-body connection. Building this connection takes time and steady application, but can lead to an experience of flow state, in which time and distractions disappear.  

If you are thinking about trying 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 powerfully and effectively. The materials are simple and relatively inexpensive, and, 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 amateur or professional aspirations, 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, 8B
- 18”x24” sketch pad https://www.dickblick.com/items/strathmore-400-series-drawing-paper-pad-18-x-24-24-sheets/
- Kneaded eraser https://www.dickblick.com/items/blick-kneaded-eraser-large/
- Pink eraser https://www.dickblick.com/items/pink-pearl-eraser-large/
- 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.)
- Mechanical pencil style eraser https://www.dickblick.com/items/generals-factis-mechanical-eraser/  (This is an optional fine line erasing tool)
- 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.)