Summer 2010 Courses and Workshops DRAWING FUNDAMENTALS: The Foundation Course of The Drawing Studio This course is an introduction to drawing from observation, the core foundation of The Drawing Studio. The Drawing Fundamentals course serves two purposes: a) to provide the skills with which to see one's world newly, and b) to open the pathway to the wide range of traditional and modern art media available to be learned and mastered. Drawing Fundamentals is designed especially for the beginner with no prior experience, as well as those with some background who are looking to review the principles and current practices as taught at TDS. Many people repeat Drawing Fundamentals from time to time, as a way to deepen their understanding of drawing principles toward a more effective drawing practice. Drawing Fundamentals is presented as sixteen sessions, divided into two levels of eight-weeks each (DF 1 and DF 2). (Previously called “Parts,” we have renamed them “Levels” to better reflect our recommendation that they be taken in sequence.) Multiple sections of Level 1 and Level 2 are offered continuously throughout the year at our downtown studio as well as various satellite sites. Because both levels follow a standard sequence, a missed session can be made up by attending that same session in another section. Andrew Rush, who developed the original syllabus, is continuously updating and improving the program with the ongoing feedback of both its master teaching artists and students. Rush compares Level 1 (The Grammar of Drawing) to learning the skills of a musical instrument, while Level 2 (The Materials and Practices of Drawing) is akin to learning how to actually make music with it. Drawing Fundamentals, Level 1: The Grammar of Drawing Fee: $175 (Associates $160) Students who have paid full the full tuition and completed level 1 may repeat level 1 at half price. Note: Section letters simply indicate different locations or times for a particular course. Sections are listed by start date. Sections of Drawing Fundamentals Level 1 and Level 2 offered at our satellite sites are also listed separately at the end of this schedule. DF1.A (main studio) DF1.B (Casas Adobes Congregational-northwest Tucson) DF1.C (main studio) DF1.D (main studio) DF1.E (main studio) Drawing Fundamentals, Level 2: The Materials and Practices of Drawing The last four sessions of Level 2 expand one's experience in a range of tools for drawing, and the relationship of drawing to the wider applications of art. Sessions include: 1) the role of color in drawing; 2) 3D thinking (drawing as sculpture); 3) graphic media as drawing tools (collage, monoprinting, stenciling); and 4) the brush as the tool linking drawing and painting. Fee: $190 (Associates $170) Students who have paid the full tuition and completed level 2 may repeat level 2 at half price. Note: Section letters simply indicate different locations or times for a particular course. Sections are listed by start date. Sections of Drawing Fundamentals Level 1 and Level 2 offered at our satellite sites are also listed separately at the end of this schedule. DF2.A (main studio) DF2.B (Casas Adobes Congregational—northwest Tucson) DF2.C (main studio) Fundamentals, level 3 Figure Drawing As an outgrowth of their work in my portraiture classes, many students have requested a figure drawing class. This class uses the anatomy and physiology of the human form to reveal the human being within, which is the most important task of the artist. Basic drawing exercises will deal with the special complexities of the figure as an eloquent expression of human life. This class is ongoing and may be repeated. Fee: $230 (Associates $210) Drawing Portraits Portraiture combines two special skills: the ability to work from observation, and the patience to allow the relationship between drawer and sitter to evolve. Using step-by-step exercises, those new to drawing portraits will develop an understanding of facial anatomy and light and shade, as well as learn a variety of technical approaches. Continuing students will explore the conventions of portraiture and engage in studies involving longer poses. This course offers ongoing personalized instruction for beginners and continuing students and may be repeated as often as desired. Fee: $230 (Associates $210); any 4-week block, $150 (Associates $135); includes model fees
Drawing With Color A recommended sequel to Drawing Fundamentals: this is a good course to transition from black and white drawing to color using colored pencils. Ground your drawing skills in the mechanics of working with color. Observational exercises will explore harmonies, mixing, layering, and composing with color. Practice controlling color so that it will enhance and strengthen your drawing. This course may be repeated. Fee: $130 (Associates $115)
Charcoal: Earth’s Drawing Tool Many students of drawing fundamentals discover charcoal as a drawing medium for the first time. Discomfort with the challenges of a new medium often turns to fascination with the expressive power and energy of charcoal. This class will explore various types of charcoal, ways of working, and grounds. Fee: $75 (Associates $65)
Balancing Act: Studies in Composition Fee: $75 (Associates $65)
Traditional and Contemporary Ink If you've ever sketched with a pen or had a taste of ink and brush in drawing fundamentals, you've experienced the joys and complexities of this simple medium with a rich, complex past. We will explore a variety of approaches and stretch the limits of this versatile medium. Fee: $75 (Associates $65), either section.
Basic Line Drawing with Glass Workshop Learn the basics of “drawing” in glass. You will first learn the fundamentals of fusing sheet glass, including basic glass cutting, firing temperatures, and composition techniques. Then use your basic cutting skills to create a flat 5”x5” tile. The second week you will make a mixture with glass powders to create an ink that you can use to create line drawings, portraits, landscapes, and anything else you can imagine. You will make a 6”x6” flat line drawing piece. In your final class, combine your skills into a piece that we will slump into a final form of your choice. Bring your visual ideas and sketchbook. No experience required. This class is suitable for ages 9 and up. Note: SGAA and TDS will collaborate on an exhibit of drawing in glass in April 2011. Fee: $150 (Associates $140), either section; includes 2 flat projects and 1 slumped project; other materials available at cost. Intermediate and Advanced Studies These classes develop experience in and mastery of media, genres (figure, comics, abstraction, etc.), and approaches.Painting and the Human Form This course, excellent for the beginner or recent painter, offers the opportunity to gain experience exploring the human figure as subject matter. We will discuss a variety of approaches, compositional choices, and learn from one another as we render two classical nude poses. Fee: $150 (Associates $135), includes model fee. Ink Brush Painting: Variety Pak Explore the kingdoms—animal, vegetable, mineral—through Sumi-e. What does Sumi-e offer? Spirited brushstrokes, many variations using only one pointed brush; the joy of painting simply; internal quiet and stillness. A perfect pursuit in itself as well as a training ground for all watercolor techniques. Week #1 - running horse, Week #2 - bamboo by moonlight, Week #3 - rocks, cliffs, & plateaus. Fee: $105 (Associates $95)
A Summer Sketchbook Seminar As we become more skillful as visual communicators, developing a practice of recording one’s daily observations, ideas, and thoughts becomes ever more essential in capturing a personal expressive direction. The sketchbook/journal is, in my personal practice, the single most important tool that I use to integrate my explorations of the outer world with my inner imagination. Daily entries in one’s sketchbook accumulate in surprising ways to reveal larger directions and potential projects that pass unnoticed as single entries. Inspired by the progress of students in my “Drawing as Communication” courses, this independent seminar will introduce and encourage a rigorous independent sketchbook practice in which we expand the range of tools, mixed media, and imagination relating to our personal inner and outer lives. We will begin with assignments and examples then bring back our results each month for review, critique, suggestions, and sharing our discoveries with each other. Fee: $110 (Associates $100); if one must miss any one meeting, the instructor is willing to arrange a separate appointment to review progress.
Walk ‘n Draw: Downtown Drawing Workshop Explore Tucson’s center from the inside. Participants will actively engage with downtown Tucson by drawing an evolving urban environment. See beyond stereotypes and develop your own process of choice and emphasis in composition. Explore your personal vision and focus by embracing the visual detritus amidst the hum and thrum and buzz and clank of our living city.
Introduction to the Oil Painting Palette and Mixing Itching to try your hand at oil painting, but not sure where to begin? This workshop will show students how to arrange a palette with specific, limited colors, mix secondary and tertiary colors, use a simple medium, create a simple design and composition with paint and brush, and use the mixed palette to paint a simple still life. Fee: $75 (Associates $65), either section Abstract Impressionist Painting Workshop This workshop provides an opportunity to loosen up your approach and explore what expressive painting application can be. What results is a freshness you can take back to your own unique expressions. All design elements are observed and a few challenges will be experienced to allow your sense of freedom loose. Supportive critique at the end is always an eye opener. Fee: $75 (Associates $65) Colored Pencil Fiesta Can a precision illustration tool learn to dance? Try these simple steps to bring rhythm and life to a still life. In bold expressive marks, do quick color studies from a live model. Colored pencil can be as expressive and impressionistic as pastels. With a painterly approach, enhance structure, perception, flair, flexibility, and a sense of motion. Bring samples of your work, and favorite drawing materials. Fee: $85 (Associates $75), includes model fees Colored Pencil: Fast, Loose, and Easy Not just for photo-realists, colored pencil can also be expressive and impressionistic like pastels, only clean, portable, easy to store, and ideal in studies for painting. My approach to seeing and drawing in color is right-brain and restful, relating form and space in still life with the basics of figure study. People at any skill level can benefit, including those who "can't draw a straight line." Discover a painterly approach to making drawings lively and loose, yet solidly structured, growing naturally out of your own vision. Fee: $110 (Associates $100) each part; $175 (Associates $155), both parts; includes model fee for one class meeting during each part. Encaustic Immersion-focus on color Here’s an opportunity to continue exploring encaustic and how to use color principles in a way that is unique to encaustic painting. Learn new color techniques including oil washes, transparent color encaustic washes, and etching & mark-making. If you are new to encaustic painting, don’t worry; we will cover the basics during the first morning session. Fee: $190 (Associates $170)
Pastel Drawing Pastel is a sumptuous medium that immediately gratifies the color bug in all of us. Practice observational drawing with soft (chalk) pastels while fine-tuning color mixing, layering and compositional elements. Suitable for those recently returning to the pastel medium or for those new to working with color and pastel. Fee: $130 (Associates $115) Colored Pencil: Enrich your figure studies with color. Colored pencils are a versatile medium – clean, portable, easy to store, and ideal in studies for painting. Working from a model, express movement in multi-hued gestures. Practice toned warm/cool rendering of form in light and shadow, marvel at how many tints make up a complexion, or try out bold, arbitrary or expressive shades. To explore composition and context, models will pose in simple clothing, with backdrops and still life objects. People of all skill levels can benefit from my approach to a livelier life drawing. Fee: $125 (Associates $115) each part; $195 (Associates $175), both parts; includes model fees
Street Portraits in Color Fee: Fee: $115 (Associates $105)
Portrait and Figure Anatomy: This workshop is geared to those engaged in portraiture or figure work who want to bring a new understanding and rigor to their work by grasping the underlying structure of the human body. Work from direct observation of the anatomical structures of the head and body, including distinctions between skeletal and muscular systems, male and female, and youthful and aging bodies. Fee: $150 (Associates $135), includes model fees
Printmaking Summer Camps: Monoprinting The most “painterly” of printmaking techniques, monoprinting involves applying ink to a plate and transferring it to paper via a press for one-of-a-kind prints. Monoprints can also serve as sumptuous grounds for other forms of printmaking, soft and oil pastels, and other media. Intaglio Printmaking Introduces and advances the basic methods of engraving, drypoint, etching, and mixed techniques. Learn to transfer images to a plate, and use tools, processes, and paper technologies. Relief Printmaking Learn to conceive, carve, and print an image from a woodblock or linoleum block. Topics include visual themes, block and image preparation, use and care of carving tools, registration and printing, inks and color options, and edition protocols. Fee: $175 (Associates $160), each camp; $300/$270, any two camps; $380/$340, all three camps. Includes most materials; plates/blocks and paper available at cost.SATELLITE CLASSES Classes in northwest Tucson DF1.B (Casas Adobes Congregational-northwest Tucson) Fee: $175 (Associates $160) Students who have paid full the full tuition and completed level 1 may repeat level 1 at half price.
DF2.B (Casas Adobes Congregational—northwest Tucson) Fee: $190 (Associates $170) Students who have paid the full tuition and completed level 2 may repeat level 2 at half price.
Ink Brush Painting: Variety Pak Explore the kingdoms—animal, vegetable, mineral—through Sumi-e. What does Sumi-e offer? Spirited brushstrokes, many variations using only one pointed brush; the joy of painting simply; internal quiet and stillness. A perfect pursuit in itself as well as a training ground for all watercolor techniques. Week #1 - running horse, Week #2 - bamboo by moonlight, Week #3 - rocks, cliffs, & plateaus. Fee: $105 (Associates $95)
Classes in Oracle Oracle Sunday Artists’ Club Four Sunday afternoons, 9 am – 2 pm Less a class than a gathering of working artists, the summer meeting will include time for sharing art ideas and concepts, warm-up exercises, optional thematic focuses, media experimentation, and extended work hours. Leaving the “grid” of urban life, even for a few hours, can open up one’s art making to new experiences of time and space. Fee: $130 (Associates $115) |
