From Figures to Abstraction

This class will look at and analyze how to go from the real world of observation into abstraction using some simple exercises.

Starting with basic drawing and working into painting ( acrylics preferred) we will also explore materials and their unique possibilities to add to the project.

Taking into account color and composition we will work to produce original works while maintaining a solid conceptual basis for the work.

Drawing and Painting the Portrait With an Element of Composition

This course offers a clear and supportive approach to drawing and painting the portrait. Students will learn to construct the head using a strong structural foundation, beginning with large shapes and gradually developing smaller forms and details. Key concepts include proportion, comparative measurement, and approaches such as the Loomis method to improve accuracy and achieve a convincing likeness. As the course progresses, we will focus on individual facial features and how they work together as a whole. Special emphasis will be placed on light and shadow, helping students understand form, volume, and subtle transitions. Students may choose to draw or paint, working from a live model in a sustained pose held over four weeks, allowing for a deeper and more rewarding study.

All levels are welcome. A variety of materials may be used, including pencil, charcoal, oil, watercolor, and pastel.

All levels are welcome.

Painting: The Essential Elements

Explore your potential as you handle the material of oil paint. Learn to stretch canvases, prepare surfaces, and clean brushes correctly. Become acquainted with the language of painting through different approaches to working from life. Historical examples will be presented. It is often said that painting is drawing with color. But this is not the same thing as drawing and color. Color will be presented as a way of drawing, of putting together a visual statement in paint.

Open to all Levels

Drawing the Nude

Working from a live model, students will create images based on observation, intuition and artistic vision. Anatomy, structure and use of materials will be discussed to help and guide students through the process of creating their own work.

Any levels and materials are welcome.

Drawing the Figure

Understanding the basics of drawing the figure allows you to organize light, shade, gesture, and rhythm into a single expressive whole.
Working individually with the instructor, you’ll be introduced to varied drawing approaches and techniques, and develop your skills and insights.

Open to students of all levels.

Anatomy, Composition & Perspective: Figure Drawing for Painters

This comprehensive figure drawing course is designed for artists seeking to deepen their understanding of the human form and harness drawing as a tool for planning compelling compositions. Combining classical and contemporary approaches, the course weaves together core disciplines—figure drawing, anatomy, composition, and perspective—to build a robust visual language grounded in observation and intention.

Students will explore the structural logic of the body through anatomy studies, learn to capture dynamic poses with confidence, and apply principles of perspective to place figures believably in space. Emphasis will be placed on compositional strategy, teaching artists to move beyond isolated figure studies and toward narrative and spatial planning for finished works.

Through live model sessions, masterwork analysis, and progressive drawing exercises, students will learn to:
• Understand the anatomical landmarks essential to expressive, accurate figure drawing
• Use gesture and structure to convey weight, movement, and emotion
• Construct spatially sound compositions using linear and atmospheric perspective
• Design value groupings and focal points to support narrative and mood
• Translate thumbnail sketches into preliminary studies for paintings or sustained drawings

Additional Information:

Materials:
18x24” Newsprint Pad
Box of SOFT Vine or Willow charcoal
2-3 SOFT black compressed charcoal sticks
Soft charcoal pencil & pencil sharpener
Chamois cloth
Drawing board large enough for newsprint pad
Art erasers (kneaded, white, gum)

This course is ideal for artists at any level, who want to integrate figure drawing more intentionally into their painting practice.