Drawing Classes -- What's the Difference?

No matter what medium an artist ends up pursuing, an in depth drawing study will develop the artist eye like nothing else. Our lead drawing instructor, Lisa Cheney, offers multiple drawing based courses. Find a detailed look at each course here.

​Drawing 1
(Foundations of Drawing) 

In this foundations drawing class, youth will learn the basic principles of drawing and will begin to understand how artists see the world and how they translate what they see onto the paper. The class will focus on helping students develop their natural intuition and feelings, and will teach them how to use the 7 Core elements of Design in their drawings: Line, Shape, Form, Value, Space, Texture, and Color. They will also learn about contour shapes, patterns, and composition, and will have the opportunity to work with a range of drawing media, including pencil, pen, marker, colored pencil, and ink.

Throughout the class, students will be encouraged to practice their drawing skills and to explore their own creativity and style. They will have the opportunity to work on a variety of subjects, such as still life, landscapes, and inanimate objects, and will learn how to use different materials and techniques to create different effects. By the end of the class, students will have developed a strong foundation in drawing and will have gained confidence in their ability to create original drawings.

​Drawing 2

In this intermediate drawing class, youth will build upon the foundation of drawing skills that they have learned in a beginner's class and will gain more confidence in their ability to create realistic drawings. The class will focus on helping students translate what they see onto the paper through both their intuition and feelings, as well as practical drawing foundations. They will learn about perspective, proportions, composition, contrast, shading, texture, fine detail, and the difference between expressive and representational drawings.

Students will have the opportunity to work with a range of drawing media, including pencil, pen and ink, oil pastels, charcoal, and colored pencil. They will learn the unique characteristics of each medium and how to use them to create different effects. Throughout the class, students will be encouraged to practice the skills learned in class and to explore their own creativity and style. They will be required to keep a sketchbook for homework in order to strengthen their drawing skills and confidence. By the end of the class, students will have significantly improved their drawing skills and will have created a portfolio of original drawings.

Advanced Drawing
(Teen-Adult or by teacher invitation)

This advanced drawing class is designed for teenagers who have a strong foundation in drawing and are looking to take their skills to the next level. The class will focus on helping students further their confidence in their drawing and shading skills, and will explore a variety of techniques and concepts that will help them create more realistic drawings. These will include perspective, proportions, composition, contrast, shading, tonal values, texture, fine detail, and the difference between expressive and representational drawings.

Throughout the class, students will have the opportunity to work with a range of drawing media, including pencil, pen and ink, oil pastels, charcoal, and colored pencil. They will learn the unique characteristics of each medium and how to use them to create different effects. Subject matters will include inanimate objects, still life, landscapes, nature and urban scenes, animals, and portraiture. Students will be required to keep a sketchbook for homework and will be encouraged to practice the skills learned in class in order to strengthen their drawing skills and confidence. 
Throughout the class, students will be challenged to think critically and creatively, and to push the boundaries of their skills and techniques. They will also be encouraged to develop their own artistic voice and vision, and to use drawing as a means of personal expression and growth. By the end of the class, students will have significantly improved their drawing skills and will have created a portfolio of original drawings.

Mixed Media Watercolor

There are countless techniques to watercoloring and each artist has their favorite. In this mixed media watercolor class, students will learn all the different ways that watercolor can be used in combination with other mediums, such as ink, colored pencil, watercolor pencils, markers, and more. The class will be divided into two parts. During the first half, students will be introduced to watercolors and will learn to become comfortable with the medium through creating their own personal color chart and experimenting with different techniques for creating textures. They will then apply what they have learned by creating a stunning painting that incorporates ink and colored pencils.

In the second half of the class, students will explore more non-traditional techniques and will learn how to mix in additional mediums to create rich and dynamic compositions. They will work from photos, still lifes, and inanimate objects, and will have the opportunity to explore their own creative vision and style. By the end of the class, students will have developed their skills in mixed media watercolor and will have created a collection of original paintings.

Visual Journaling

Visual journaling is a form of self-expression and reflection through the use of art, writing, and other creative mediums. In this class, students will learn how to create a personal visual journal or sketchbook where they can record their thoughts, ideas, and observations through drawings, painting, collages, mixed media, mandalas, and other visual media.

Students will also have the opportunity to experiment with different art materials and techniques, and learn how to use journal prompts and writing to enhance their visual journaling practice. This class will focus on helping students use visual journaling as a means of self-exploration and personal growth, and will encourage them to express their creativity and emotions through their journals. By the end of the class, students will have created their own unique visual journal, filled with their own original artwork and writing.