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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.
An introduction to the basic languages of drawing and how drawings are used to communicate what and how we observe. A student learns how to distinguish and accurately represent a subject by developing skills in four key areas: shape, edge, light, and space. While many first time students have doubts about their ability to draw, the promise of this course is that you will realize not only that you can draw, but discover the core of what it is to draw, which is how to observe.
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.
DF1.K (main studio)
Taught by Paul Mohr
Eight Sunday afternoons, 1:30–4:30 pm
Jan. 15 – March 4
DF1.L (main studio)
Taught by Annie Andre
Eight Tuesday mornings, 9 am–noon
Jan. 17 – March 6
DF1.M (northwest—Casas Adobes
Congregational, 6801 N Oracle Road)
Taught by Paul Mohr
Eight Monday afternoons, 1:30–4:30 pm
Jan. 23 – March 12
DF1.N (main studio)
Taught by Deb Steinberg
Eight Wed evenings, 6–9 pm
Jan. 25 – Mar 14
DF1.P (main studio)
Taught by Paul Mohr
Eight Saturday mornings, 9 am–noon
Jan. 28 – March 17
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DF1.Q (main studio)
Taught by Leia Zenderman
Eight Thursday afternoons, 1–4 pm
Feb. 9 – March 29
DF1.U (Amado, AZ—Buffalo Son,
9 Amado Montosa Road)
Taught by Laura Hudson
Eight Sunday afternoons, 1–4 pm
Feb. 12 – March 18
DF1.R (main studio)
Taught by Meredith Milstead
Eight Tuesday evenings, 6–9 pm
Feb. 14 – April 3
DF1.T (eastside—Glass Illusions 150 S Camino Seco,
Suite 119)
Taught by Paul Mohr
Eight Monday evenings, 6–9 pm
March 26 – May 14
DF1.S (main studio)
Taught by Maria Arvayo
Eight Wed evenings, 6–9 pm
April 4 – May 23
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The opening session reviews how the ‘grammar’ lessons of Level 1 are combined to create compositions and introduces the sketchbook as a tool for personal expression. The next three sessions introduce a) the role of expressive drawing to the study of faces, b) the underlying abstract principles of strong composition, and c) communicating the experience of space in 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.
DF2.G (main studio)
Taught by Linda Poverman
Eight Tuesday afternoons, 1–4 pm
Jan. 17 – March 6
DF2.U (main studio)
Taught by Deb Steinberg
Eight Wednesday afternoons, 1–4 pm
Jan. 18 – March 7
DF2.K (eastside—Glass Illusions,
150 S Camino Seco, Suite 119)
Taught by Paul Mohr
Eight Monday evenings, 6–9 pm
Jan. 23 – March 12
DF2.S (northwest—Casas Adobes Congregational,
6801 N Oracle Road)
Taught by Maria Arvayo
Eight Monday evenings, 6–9 pm
Jan. 30 – March 19
DF2.M (main studio)
Taught by Maria Arvayo
Eight Saturday afternoons, 1–4 pm
Feb. 4 – March 31 (no March 10) |
DF2.N (main studio)
Taught by Paul Mohr
Eight Sunday afternoons, 1:30–4:30 pm
March 18 – May 13 (no class April 8)
DF2.T (northwest—Casas Adobes Congregational,
6801 N Oracle Road)
Taught by Paul Mohr
Eight Monday afternoons, 1:30–4:30 pm
March 26 – May 14
DF2.P (main studio)
Taught by Deb Steinberg
Eight Wed evenings, 6–9 pm
March 28 – May 16
DF2.Q (main studio)
Taught by Leia Zenderman
Eight Thursday afternoons, 1–4 pm
April 5 – May 24 |
What about a work of art causes you to dash across a room to get a closer look and keep you there looking at it? A strong composition creates a force field that draws you into the universe that the picture is creating. When the composition is weak, the work is boring. This class will give you the skills to create amazing compositions and strengthen the expression of your unique voice.
Fee: $190 (Associates $170) (note: this class has expanded from six class sessions in the fall to eight beginning in January. Those who have already registered for the class have the option of paying an additional $25/$20 for all eight sessions or just taking the first six sessions.)
DF3.F (northwest—Casas Adobes Congregational,
6801 N Oracle Road)
Taught by Meredith Milstead
Eight Tuesday afternoons, 1–4 pm
Jan. 17 – March 6
DF3.H (main studio)
Taught by Meredith Milstead
Eight Thursday evenings, 6–9 pm
Feb. 2 – March 22
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DF3.J (main studio)
Taught by Joe Marshall
Eight Thursday mornings, 9 am–noon
March 8 – April 26
DF3.K (eastside—Glass Illusions, 150 S Camino Seco, Suite 119)
Taught by Meredith Milstead
Eight Saturday afternoons, 1:30–4:30 pm
April 7 – May 26
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The mechanics and practice of understanding and using color
While this is a class about color as it pertains to drawing, once one has had the thorough grounding in “managing” color this course provides, the
concepts can be translated into any medium. Color is one of the most appealing elements of art making, yet can also be one of the most frustrating.
Level 1 breaks down the mystery of how and why to select certain colors for specific uses, when to mix or layer, and how to transition from visual thinking in black and white to the rich and varied nuances of color. Individual response to color is often grounded in an emotional response
to color and color combinations (harmonious or not), determined partly by an individual’s neurology and personal make-up. Knowing how and when to harness individual response and combine it with the understanding of how to render form in space by depicting light, shadow and its relationship to value, further integrates Drawing Fundamentals 1 and 2 into a continuing and developing art practice. Level 1 uses many of the same practices used in Drawing Fundamentals 1 and 2. We use color pencils because of their similarity to graphite pencil, and because layering color allows one to see clearly how colors mix to form new ones.
Level 2 explores further the system of working
with individual colors to render forms in space, and use color more compositionally to develop shallow and deep space, as well as focal point and narrative. We add chalk pastels to explore the physical mixing of pigment on a surface, as opposed to the layered visual, or optical, mixing that occurs with colored pencils.
Fee: any one part, $130 (Associates, $115); both parts taken sequentially (1.1/1.2 or 2.1/2.2), $190 (Associates $170)
DF3.U (northwest—Casas Adobes Congregational, 6801 N Oracle Road)
Taught by Maria Arvayo
Eight Tuesday evenings, 6–9 pm
Part 1.1: Jan. 31 – Feb. 21
Part 1.2: Feb. 28 – March 20
DF3.V (eastside—Glass Illusions, 150 S Camino Seco, Suite 119)
Taught by Meredith Milstead
Eight Saturday afternoons, 1:30–4:30 pm
Part 1.1: Feb. 4 – 25
Part 1.2: March 3 – 24
DF3.W (main studio)
Taught by Deb Steinberg
Eight Tuesday evenings, 6–9 pm
Part 1.1: Feb. 21 – March 13
Part 1.2: March 20 – April 10
DF3.Q (main studio)
Taught by Meredith Milstead
Eight Tuesday afternoons, 1–4 pm
Part 1.1: March 13 – April 3
Part 1.2: April 10 – May 1
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DF3.R (main studio)
Taught by Betina Fink
Eight Thursday mornings, 9:30 am– 12:30 pm
Part 2.1: Jan. 19 – Feb 9
Part 2.2: Feb. 16 – March 8
DF3.S (main studio)
Taught by Deb Steinberg
Eight Thursday evenings, 6–9 pm
Part 2.1: Feb. 16 – March 8
Part 2.2: March 22 – April 12

Light, Line, Shape, and Color (main studio)
Taught by Mariana Carreras
Eight Friday mornings, 9:30 am–12:30 pm
Part 2.1: March 30 – April 20
Part 2.2: April 27 – May 18
The perfect complement to our DF3 practice-based sequence, this course will further develop your understanding of the use and effects of compositional elements like Light, Line, Shape and Color in action. We will learn about the aesthetic links between these powerful visual design tools and the gut reactions that attract us and move us. We will investigate the elements and principles through drawing exercises using a variety of drawing media. This course is suitable as either an introduction to or a follow-up to our DF3 sequence and may be repeated as desired.
Fee: one part, $130 (Associates $115),
both parts, $190 (Associates $170)
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These classes develop experience in and mastery of media, genres (figure, comics, abstraction, etc.), and approaches.
 Painting Sampler
Taught by Painting Faculty of The Drawing Studio
Coordinated by Meredith Milstead
Want to try painting, but don’t know where to start or with what medium? This class will give you a taste of watercolor, acrylic, and oil painting, with two sessions devoted to each. Through exercises to familiarize you with painting materials, tools, and processes, create works of art in each medium to keep. This class is a great opportunity to discover “your” medium and set a course for a painting practice. All you need to bring is playful
enthusiasm; all materials provided.
Fee: $165 (Associates $150)
PS.D (main studio)
Taught by Judy Nakari, Cynthia Miller and Betina Fink
Six Friday afternoons, 1–4 pm
Jan. 13 – March 2 (no class Jan. 20 or Feb. 17)
PS.E (main studio)
Taught by Maria Arvayo, Emilia Arana and Betina Fink
Six Wednesday evenings, 6–9 pm
Feb. 1 – March 7
Introduction to Acrylic Painting/Acrylic Studio
Taught by Juan Enriquez
B: Six Wednesday evenings, 6–9 pm
March 14 – April 18
Taught by Cynthia Miller
D: Six Saturday mornings, 9 am–noon
Jan. 28 – March 3
An introduction to the tools, materials, and
properties of acrylic paint, with examples,
demonstrations, exercises, and personal projects
focused on color mixing, value, markmaking, and
composition, in the context of working from direct
observation. Personal painting goals and projects
encouraged. May be repeated as often as desired.
Fee: each section, $165 (Associates $150)
Introduction to Oil Painting/Oil Studio
Taught by Betina Fink
Eight Wed. mornings, 9:30 am–12:30 pm
B: March 7 – April 25
Course is designed to expand the fundamental
skills acquired in Drawing Fundamentals to the oil
painting medium. Students will acquire skill in color
mixing and theory, mediums and brushes, direct/
alla prima painting, indirect painting/traditional
techniques, vocabulary, canvas preparation, and
composition. Exercises and projects will involve
working from direct observation. May be repeated
as often as desired.
Fee: each section, $190 (Associates $170)
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Introduction to Watercolor/Watercolor Studio
Taught by Sherry Bryant
Six Friday afternoons, 1–4 pm
B: Feb. 24 – April 6 (no class March 16)
This class will introduce students to the
fundamental skills of painting in watercolor, and
will include discussion/demos/exercises focused
on tools, techniques, color theory and mixing,
and composition, all in the context of developing
one’s personal expression This course will provide
beginners with foundational study in watercolor,
and those with watercolor experience, an ongoing
opportunity to deepen one’s practice.
Fee: each section, $165 (Associates $150)
 Introduction to Pastels
Taught by Pat Dolan
Six Wednesday afternoons, 1–4 pm
Jan. 11 – Feb. 15
If a taste in Fundamentals 3 courses leaves you
hungry for more pastels, with their incredible
richness of color, this class is for you. Class will
focus on mark-making, color mixing and layering,
underpainting, paper and pastel brand selection.
You will begin to assemble unique palette of pastels
incorporating the subjective qualities of color.
Fee: $165 (Associates $150)

Woodblock Weekend: Relief Printmaking for
Beginners and Beyond
Taught by Joe Marshall
Saturday and Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
B: Feb. 4 and 5
Intrigued by woodblock, but not sure if it’s for you?
A little bit hooked, and itching to try it again? This
workshop is the perfect opportunity to learn and
practice the basic techniques of woodblock and try
your hand (pun intended) at designing, cutting, and
printing a woodblock print without having to buy a
bunch of tools, inks, paper, and the like.
Fee: each section, $150 (Associates $135),
includes all materials
Introduction to Nontoxic Intaglio Printmaking
Taught by Jennifer Clarke and Tom Lindell
Six Thursdays, 9 am – 4 pm
Jan. 19 – Feb. 23
An introduction to the basic intaglio media of engraving, drypoint, etching, and mixed techniques, but with an emphasis on using nontoxic technologies. As in the traditional intaglio introduction, this course covers the steps of developing images as a process, use of tools and chemistry, printing and paper technologies, and the advantages of learning in a community studio setting.
Fee: $180 (Associates $165), includes most materials
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Intaglio Printmaking Lab
Taught by Andrew Rush, Tom Lindell, Jennifer Clark; Lab Supervisor Ka Fisher
Thursdays, 9 am–4 pm; Other open lab hours by appt.
Prerequisites: Drawing Fundamentals 1 & 2 (or equivalent)
Anyone with an interest in intaglio printmaking, whether beginner, intermediate, or advanced is welcome. Unlike normal class structure, our TDS printroom operates as a mini community of artists, working in a variety of techniques and at different levels of experience. Everyone, including our master teachers, welcomes and helps beginners (or experienced printmakers new to our lab), providing instruction, demonstration and encouragement in whatever way is appropriate.
Processes available to learn include: a) traditional etching, engraving, mezzotint and mixed media; b) intro to both traditional and non-toxic chemical and printing techniques; c) photo-etching, solar plate making; d) edition printing support.
We invite people to register for a minimum of four weeks at a time or three months at a reduced rate. Instruction is individually designed for each person’s level of skill. Extra lab hours on other days can be arranged at no further cost.
Fee: $120/month (Associates, $100). Three months @ $310 (Associates $250). Includes all materials (except plates and edition paper), instruction, access to the printroom all day.
Mixed Media Sampler (eastside—Glass Illusions, 150 S Camino Seco, Suite 119)
Taught Maria Arvayo, Sherry Bryant and Meredith Milstead
Six Sunday afternoons, 1:30–4:30 pm
April 15 – May 20
Similar to the Painting Sampler, this class will give you a taste of three ways of working in mixed media: collage, monoprint, and encaustic. Class is divided into three two-week blocks that provide you with exercises to familiarize yourself with materials, tools, and processes of that mixed medium. All you need to bring is a sense of playful enthusiasm; all materials provided.
Fee: $165 (Associates $150) |
Introduction to Figure Drawing/
Figure Drawing Studio
Taught by Sue Johnson
Six Thursday mornings, 9 am–noon
Section F: Jan. 19 – Feb. 23
Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, figure
drawing can be a gateway to understanding better
what it means to be human. Students will study
anatomy, proportion, value, gesture, mass and
form, with ample opportunity to practice capturing
the spirit that illuminates the form. Short poses
will help students loosen up and gain confidence
in their drawing capability, and long poses will help
students learn how to develop a figure drawing with
accuracy and energy. May be repeated as often as
desired.
Fee: $195 (Associates $180),
includes model fees
Introduction to Portrait Drawing/
Portrait Studio
Taught by Paul Mohr
Six Sunday mornings, 9 am–noon
B: Jan. 22 – Feb. 26
C: March 18 – April 29 (no April 8)
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: each section, $195 (Associates, $180),
includes model fees
Mastering Your Blind Side
Taught by Andrew Rush and Paul Mohr
Six Wednesday evenings, 6–9 pm
Feb. 1, 8, 22, 29, March 14, 21 (three two-week units)
This course uses the community of learning artists that we are at TDS as a tool beyond the single teacher to help us grow our way through our own limitations. Because along the road to competence even experienced artists often go to sleep, lulled into complacency by their success, a kind of self-enchantment when the work can become static—maybe competent, but spark-less. Over time one develops an individual ‘blind spot’ where the learning stopped—until, usually with outside help, we are re-stimulated to recover that beginner’s spirit that keeps us exploring into what we don’t know.
In this workshop/course for advanced drawers, we will work from the figure, and in our related critiques, using the teachers and the art group together we will a) learn to identify what is working well in each person’s work and at the same time, b) clearly identify each artist’s blind spots, using the power of our many points of view grounded in commitment to each person’s success; and c) create strategies that use the group to support and encourage the exploration of what each person can’t see easily.
Students will be encouraged to keep a portfolio of the course that tracks their progress.
Fee: each section, $195 (Associates, $180),
includes model fees
Portrait Painting in Watercolor
Taught by Judy Nakari
One Saturday and Sunday morning,
9 am–noon
A: April 14, 15
B: April 21, 22
Learn to capture the essence of another person
in watercolor. This class will expand your painting
and figurative skills, and will be of most use for
students who have some basic experience in
both watercolor and in portrait drawing. As you
work from short to long poses, the spontaneity
of watercolor lends itself to capturing a gesture,
a spirit, the energy of the sitter. Instructor will
demonstrate and offer individual assistance.
Fee: each section $90 (Associates $80), both sections $150 (Associates $135), includes model fees

Landscape Painting
Taught by Carolyn Gibbs
Six Monday afternoons, 1–3:30 pm
Jan. 9 – Feb. 13
If you’ve wanted some solid direction in painting
a landscape —this class will hand you tools and
assist you in sharpening your skills. To benefit most
from this class, you should have some prior study
in composition and color. Landscape painting could
be a new subject in your painting practice. This is a
perfect arena to extend your experience, loosen up
your approach, and explore your unique expression.
Fee: $165 (Associates, $150)
Plein-Air Landscape Painting
Taught by Paul Mohr
A: Eight Saturday afternoons, 1–4 pm
Jan. 21 – March 10
B: Eight Saturday mornings, 9 am–noon
March 24 – May 12
Designed for students with drawing fundamentals
and introductory oil painting or watercolor
experience, this class will feature a new site in
and about Tucson every week. Subject matter will
include plant life, architecture, and people. A great
way to hone your observational and painting skills,
get comfortable working in public, and really “see”
Tucson!
Fee: each section, $190 (Associates $170)
Time, Space and Light: Plein Air Excursions with Maria and Meredith
Taught by Maria Arvayo and Meredith Milstead
Four Fridays, 8 am–5 pm
A: March 30, Peña Blanca Lake
B: April 13, Empire Ranch
C: April 27, Patagonia Nature Preserve
D: May 11, Tumamoc Hill
Join us for one day excursions into the beautiful Sonoran Desert. Luxuriate in a full-day of art making. Benefit from the synergy and camaraderie unique to the group experience. Through the combined expertise of Maria and Meredith—accomplished plein air artists, painters, drawers and Natural World enthusiasts—you will be given guidance in how to make the most of your time and capture your experience in 2-D with precision and authenticity. Individual instruction in problem solving provided for composition, color, and subject choice. Painters in oil and acrylic, watercolorists, pastelists, pen and ink, graphite and charcoal all welcome. Drawing Fundamentals experience greatly facilitates understanding of terminology and systems discussed. Bring water, hat, folding chair and good walking shoes. All locations are within a two-hour drive from Tucson, and carpooling is an option. Restrooms at all sites. Cold beverages and water provided. Bring your own lunch or opt in to catered lunch.
Fee: each section, $75 (Associates $65); all four sections, $190 (Associates $170)
Capturing Nature in Charcoal —Oracle location to be arranged
Taught by Michael Moore
One Saturday or Sunday, 11 am–5 pm
Section A: Saturday, March 31
Section B: Sunday, April 22
Charcoal is nature’s own drawing medium. Plein air landscape drawing in the medium of charcoal offers a direct and inexpensive way to develop a visual response to natural forms in light and shadow. We will meet in Oracle, where an environment of tree and rock events provides clear compositional opportunities. The day will be divided into three parts: A brief introduction to the utility of charcoal for seeing the world in values, isolated from issues of color. A field trip to a beautiful location for hands-on experience with landscape drawing. An on-site sharing and discussion. Some drawing experience, especially the human figure, is strongly recommended.
Fee: each section $75 (Associates $70), both sections $130 (Associates $115)
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Traditional and Contemporary Ink
Taught by Deb Steinberg
D: Two Saturday afternoons, 1–4 pm
April 14 and 21
If you had a taste of ink in Drawing Fundamentals
2, you’ve experienced the joys and complexities
of this simple substance with a rich and varied
tradition. In this class, we will explore a variety of
approaches and stretch the limits of this versatile
medium.
Fee: $75 (Associates $65)
Pastel Studio
Taught by Meredith Milstead
B: Four Wednesday afternoons, 1–4 pm
March 7, 21, April 4, 18
(every other week)
Once you are comfortable with the technicalities
of color mixing and basic color theory, you can
explore assembling a unique palette of pastels
incorporating the subjective qualities of color. We
will explore how to use color expressively and
the various approaches to creating successful
composition using color.
Fee: $165 (Associates $150)
Plant Portraits and Botanical Landscapes
Taught by Meredith Milstead
B: Four Sunday mornings, 9 am–noon
March 4 – 31
Need an excuse to get out into the beautiful
Sonoran desert? Expand and enrich your drawing
practice through a series of plein air exercises
designed to sharpen your skills and tune you
into the unique qualities and characteristics of
the Natural World. Through on site discussion,
demonstration and practice, you will discover how
to use gesture, light, composition, atmospheric
perspective and color in the formation of vibrant Plant
Portraits and integrated Botanical Landscapes. Sites
to include: East—Agua Caliente Park; North—Tohono
Chul Park (fee); Central—Tucson Botanical Gardens
(fee); and West—Feliz Paseo Park and Tumamoc
Hill. Any portable drawing and painting materials
welcome. Small folding chair, advantageous.
Fee: $130 (Associates $115)
Relief Printmaking Lab
Coaching/Technical Assistance from Joe Marshall
Tuesdays, 9 am–4 pm (assistance by appt)
Sept – May (by the month)
Work time for experienced relief printmakers
with coaching and technical assistance available.
Students must have taken one or more relief
printmaking classes at TDS or schedule an
orientation session with the instructor.
Fee: $100/month (Associates $90/month)
Intaglio Printmaking Lab
Taught by Andrew Rush, Tom Lindell, Jennifer Clark; Lab Supervisor Ka Fisher
Thursdays, 9 am–4 pm; Other open lab hours by appt.
Prerequisites: Drawing Fundamentals 1 & 2 (or equivalent)
Anyone with an interest in intaglio printmaking, whether beginner, intermediate, or advanced is welcome. Unlike normal class structure, our TDS printroom operates as a mini community of artists, working in a variety of techniques and at different levels of experience. Everyone, including our master teachers, welcomes and helps beginners (or experienced printmakers new to our lab), providing instruction, demonstration and encouragement in whatever way is appropriate.
Processes available to learn include: a) traditional etching, engraving, mezzotint and mixed media; b) intro to both traditional and non-toxic chemical and printing techniques; c) photo-etching, solar plate making; d) edition printing support.
We invite people to register for a minimum of four weeks at a time or three months at a reduced rate. Instruction is individually designed for each person’s level of skill. Extra lab hours on other days can be arranged at no further cost.
Fee: $120/month (Associates, $100). Three months @ $310 (Associates $250). Includes all materials (except plates and edition paper), instruction, access to the printroom all day.
Mixed Media Artists’ Books for 2D and 3D Artists
Taught by Alice Vinson
Six Saturday afternoons, 1–4 pm
Feb. 18 – March 31 (no class March 10)
Put on your creative hat and join the fun when we
learn to create mixed media books. You will be
guided through the process from beginning to end.
Explore materials, techniques, play with words, and
venture into three dimensional territory with your
two dimensional work. We will approach the book
as art, and students will learn to select creative
forms that are reflective of the content within. Some
bookmaking experience helpful, but not required.
Fee: $165 (Associates $150)
 The Practice of Abstract Painting
Taught by Emilia Arana
Monday evenings, 6–9 pm
B: Jan. 9 – Feb. 27
C: April 2 – May 7
Class is open to all skill levels of abstract painting,
and also to representational painters who wish
to introduce more abstraction into their work.
Students should have a basic understanding of
and experience in acrylics, paint handling and
color mixing. Topics include developing a practice,
learning to see abstractly, exploring individual
expression, developing an authentic voice,
design and materials considerations. Students
are encouraged to work large, on full sheets of
watercolor paper, or 36 x 36 canvas or larger.
Class can be repeated as often as desired.
Fee: section B, $190 (Associates, $170);
section C, $165 (Associates $150)
Introduction to Abstract Painting/
Abstract Studio
Taught by Lisa Mishler
Monday afternoons, 1–4 pm
C: Jan. 30 – March 26
D: April 9 – May 14
Class will explore how compositional elements,
color theory, and basic acrylic techniques play
out in the world of abstraction. We will experiment
with acrylic mediums, different surface support
materials, and painting techniques. More
importantly, we will be developing free expression,
learning how to see abstractly and opening up
to the unexpected. Students will work in acrylic,
building up to large surfaces such as full sheet of
watercolor paper, or 36 x 36 canvases. Course can
be repeated as often as desired.
Fee: section C, $190 (Associates, $170);
section D, $165 (Associates, $150)
Painting Close to the Ground:
Dirty, Doubtful, and Looking for Direction
Taught by Josh Goldberg
Eight Tuesday mornings, 8:30–11:30 am
Jan. 17 – March 6
A “hardball” studio class that is designed to give
serious attention to the realistic practice of abstract
painting. Topics discussed:”What Does My Technique
Mean To Me?”, “An Artist’s Life or A Creative Life?”,
“How Do I Find Inspiration?”, “Locating the Painting
Beneath the Painting”, and “The Gift of Nothing.”
Fee: $190 (Associates $170)
The Spiritual in Abstract Painting
Taught by Josh Goldberg
Six Tuesday mornings, 8:30–11:30 am
April 10 – May 15
Students will explore the role spirituality and religion
can play in abstract painting. This unique class
will offer an experience that reconciles material
expression and production with the transcendental
object. Topics touched upon will be: “Aesthetics
of the Spirit”, “Soul Hunger”, “Seeking Nothing”,
“Where is IT?”, “Grasping the Ungraspable”, “Will
Meditation or Prayer Help Me To Be A Better
Painter?” Students will experiment with a variety of
basic, guided meditation techniques in class, and
will seek to determine on their own the value of preand
post-studio meditation or prayer.
Fee: $165 (Associates $150)
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Color for Painters (all paint media)
Taught by Mariana Carreras
Six Friday mornings, 9:30 am–12:30 pm
Feb. 3 – March 23 (no class Feb. 17 or March 16)
Once we learn how to “see” color, the question
becomes -how do I successfully apply it? In
painting, the use of color depends on the use of
pigments -the colored powder that gives the paint
its name. We quickly learn that not all blues, reds or
yellows are created equal. In fact, every pigment is
unique. Knowing the properties of each pigment will
be vital in how they will translate on the surface and
how they will mix together. This is a course for any
painter who wants to master color in any painting
technique. Through guided exercises we will
explore the history and qualities of our pigments
and paints and how to easily achieve that color we
are searching for!
Fee: $165 (Associates $150)
Mixing the Oil Painting Palette
Taught by Leia Zenderman
Sunday, 9 am–4 pm
B: Feb. 26
A one-day workshop geared toward a quick
understanding of basic color theory and color
mixing from primary colors to create secondary
and tertiary colors. Explores value and color as
well as temperature (cool and warm colors) through
hands-on exercises. Use of a simple medium,
understanding painting terms and painting a simple
still life. Learn to design a simple composition using
the mixed palette for the painting.
Fee: $75 (Associates $65)
Learn What the Masters Knew:
Vermeer, Caravaggio, Rembrandt
Taught by Leia Zenderman
Nine Tuesday afternoons, 1–4 pm
A: Feb. 7 – Feb. 21 (Vermeer)
B: Feb. 28 – March 13 (Caravaggio)
C: March 20 – April 3 (Rembrandt)
If you are a painter with some oil painting experience, you need to know what these three artists knew. We will explore the details of how each of these artists painted and experiment with their techniques and secrets. You will learn how to apply what these artists knew to your work today.
Fee: each section $105 (Associates $95); all three sections $210 (Associates $190)
Exploring Watercolor
Taught by Judy Nakari
Six Wednesday afternoons, 1–4 pm
B: March 7 – April 11
Designed for students with some introductory
experience in watercolor. Depending on student
interest and experience, alternate painting
surfaces will be introduced. Be ready to open your
senses and enjoy the unique thrills of watercolor.
Instructor’s demonstrations, plus lots of individual
attention, will put you on the path to being a better
painter, with special attention given to composition,
aspects of color, edges, and especially, value.
Fee: $165 (Associates $150)
Watercolor Studio
Taught by Sherry Bryant
Six Friday afternoons, 1–4 pm
April 13 – May 18
Designed for ongoing skills practice for those who
have completed the Intro to Watercolor class or
have equivalent experience. Emphasis on creating
glowing transparent glazing and simplified shapes.
Fee: $165 (Associates, $150)
Ink Brush Southwest (northwest— Casas
Adobes Congregational, 6801 N. Oracle)
Taught by Joy Mills
Tuesday afternoons, 1–4 pm
A: March 13 – April 3
B: April 10 – May 1
Desert subjects—animal, vegetable, landscape—in
Sumi-e. What does the Sumi-e technique offer?
Spirited brushstrokes, the simplicity of using only
one pointed brush to create many variations, the
joy of painting subjects, and deep internal quiet and
stillness. A perfect practice ground for those who
work in watercolor or other water-based media.
Fee: each section, $130 (Associates $115)
Ink Brush Wet Mounting (northwest— Casas
Adobes Congregational, 6801 N. Oracle)
Taught by Joy Mills
Tuesday afternoon, 1–4 pm
May 15
Take the final step in preparation of your Ink Brush paintings. In this one-session class we will Wet Mount your rice paper painting onto white illustration board. This finishing will enhance the subtle variations of the ink-brushwork. Your painting will simply come to life.
Fee: $40 (Associates $35)
Introductory/Intermediate Encaustic Painting
Taught by Maria Arvayo
Saturday and Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
April 21 and 22
Explore painting with wax. Create luscious and luminous surfaces while learning to use a variety of tools and techniques. Encaustic is versatile and mixed media friendly. Learn the basics or explore new ideas and techniques. Most materials included.
Fee: $190 (Associates $170)
Getting Art Done
Taught by Katherine Gregg and Catharine Kim Woodin
Four Wednesday evenings, 6–9 pm
January 18, February 15, March 21 and April 18
Need a nudge to get into the studio? Want to continue to build your professional practices? Whether tweaking your artist statement, pondering the use of Facebook as an online portfolio or just needing a bit of structure to keep momentum on making art, this group will help. This workbook driven format helps artists produce more work (on average three times the amount produced prior), creates a safe place to show work in progress and get positive feedback. Make your New Year’s resolution to make more art and come join us!
Fee: $40
Professional Practices:
Social Media Networking
Taught by TDS Artists and Coordinated by Pat
Dolan
Two Monday evenings, 6–9 pm
A: Marketing, taught by Lynn Rae Lowe, Jan 23 and 30
B: Artist Blogs, taught by Catharine Kim Woodin, Feb. 6 and 13
C: Facebook, taught by Mikaela Quinn, March 5 and 12
D: You Tube, taught by Pat Dolan, April 2 and 9
How visual artists promote their work has changed
radically in the last decade with the introduction and
widespread use of social media. Using social media
effectively requires two skill sets: the ability to
understand and operate new technologies and the
ability to identify your market and create a strategy
to reach it. This class will focus on three ubiquitous
social media tools and how/why to use them.
Fee: any one section, $75 (Associates $65); all
four sections, $190 (Associates $170)
Creating Art for Social & Environmental Change
Taught by Pat
Dolan
Four Friday afternoons, 1–4 pm
April 6, 13, 20, 27
Beyond representing nature, do you want to make art that might actually change the environment for the better? There is an inherent link between environmental and social justice and the role art plays in this movement. What global issue has your attention, your passion? In this class, you will learn how to connect with your own creative expression on a deep level, and, focusing on your unique perspective, discover how your art can make a difference in the world. Together, we will explore ideas giving form to socially and environmentally significant themes, and create art projects that address the issues of possibilities and cultural change.
Fee: $130 (Associates $115)
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DF1.M
Taught by Paul Mohr
Eight Monday afternoons, 1:30–4:30 pm
Jan. 23 – March 12
Fee: $175 (Associates $160)
DF2.S
Taught by Maria Arvayo
Eight Monday evenings, 6–9 pm
Jan. 30 – March 19
Fee: $190 (Associates $170)
DF3.F
Taught by Meredith Milstead
Eight Tuesday afternoons, 1–4 pm
Jan. 17 – March 6
Fee: $190 (Associates $170)
DF3.U
Taught by Maria Arvayo
Eight Tuesday evenings, 6–9 pm
Part 1.1: Jan. 31 – Feb. 21
Part 1.2: Feb. 28 – March 20
Fee: any one part, $130 (Associates, $115); both parts taken sequentially (1.1/1.2 or 2.1/2.2), $190 (Associates $170)
Ink Brush Southwest
Taught by Joy Mills
Tuesday afternoons, 1–4 pm
A: March 13 – April 3
B: April 10 – May 1
Desert subjects—animal, vegetable, landscape—in Sumi-e. What does the Sumi-e technique offer? Spirited brushstrokes, the simplicity of using only one pointed brush to create many variations, the
joy of painting subjects, and deep internal quiet and stillness. A perfect practice ground for those who work in watercolor or other water-based media.
Fee: each section, $130 (Associates $115)
Ink Brush Wet Mounting
Taught by Joy Mills
Tuesday afternoon, 1–4 pm
May 15
Take the final step in preparation of your Ink Brush paintings. In this one-session class we will Wet Mount your rice paper painting onto white illustration board. This finishing will enhance the subtle variations of the ink-brushwork. Your painting will simply come to life.
Fee: each section, $40 (Associates $35)
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DF1.T
Taught by Paul Mohr
Eight Monday evenings, 6–9 pm
March 26 – May 14
Fee: $175 (Associates $160)
DF2.K
Taught by Paul Mohr
Eight Monday evenings, 6–9 pm
Jan. 23 – March 12
Fee: $190 (Associates $170)
DF3.K
Taught by Meredith Milstead
Eight Saturday afternoons, 1:30–4:30 pm
March 31– May 19
Fee: $190 (Associates $170)
DF3.V
Taught by Meredith Milstead
Eight Saturday afternoons, 1:30–4:30 pm
Part 1.1: Feb. 4 – 25
Part 1.2: Feb. 18 – March 10
Fee: any one part, $130 (Associates, $115); both parts taken sequentially (1.1/1.2 or 2.1/2.2), $190 (Associates $170)
Mixed Media Sampler
Taught by Maria Arvayo
Six Saturday afternoons, 1:30–4:30 pm
April 15 – May 20
Similar to the Painting Sampler, this class will give you a taste of three ways of working in mixed media: collage, monoprint, and encaustic. Class is divided into three two-week blocks that provide you with exercises to familiarize yourself with materials, tools, and processes of that mixed medium. All you need to bring is a sense of playful enthusiasm; all materials provided.
Fee: $165 (Associates $150)

DF1.U
Taught by Laura Hudson
Eight Sunday afternoons, 1–4 pm
Feb. 12 – March 18
Fee: $175 (Associates $160)
DF2.J
Taught by Laura Hudson
Eight Wednesday evenings, 6–9 pm
Jan. 18 – March 7
Fee: $190 (Associates $170)
Capturing Nature in Charcoal
Taught by Michael Moore
One Saturday or Sunday, 11 am–5 pm
Section A: Saturday, March 31
Section B: Sunday, April 22
Charcoal is nature’s own drawing medium. Plein air landscape drawing in the medium of charcoal offers a direct and inexpensive way to develop a visual response to natural forms in light and shadow. We will meet in Oracle, where an environment of tree and rock events provides clear compositional opportunities. The day will be divided into three parts: A brief introduction to the utility of charcoal for seeing the world in values, isolated from issues of color. A field trip to a beautiful location for hands-on experience with landscape drawing. An on-site sharing and discussion. Some drawing experience, especially the human figure, is strongly recommended.
Fee: each section $75 (Associates $70), both sections $130 (Associates $115) |
Sunday afternoons, 1–4 pm (except where otherwise noted)
Note: Minimum age for enrollment is 9 years old — no maximum age! Students should bring a sketchbook and pencil to each class. Other materials provided, except where noted.
Drawing What You See in Nature
Taught by Tanya Rich
B: January 22, 29 and February 5, 12
Practice drawing techniques based on observation
of the natural world. Participants will look at objects
taken from the natural world, such as desert plants
and critters, using a variety of drawing materials:
pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink. Drawing techniques
will incorporate using light to determine value,
and drawing believable forms in space, as well
as getting the most from each different drawing
material.
Fee: $80
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Comic Illustration
Taught by Brian Garvey
B: February 19, 26 and March 4, 11
Develop your own comic character and story
narratives beginning with pencil drawings and
finished with full page inkings. Learn how to create
action and drama in exciting narratives.
Fee: $80
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Altered Books
Taught by Alice Vinson
March 18, 25 and April 1, 15 (no class April 8)
Have fun taking old hardcover books and turning
them into your own works of art. We will approach
the altered book as art, and students will learn to
work additively and subtractively, incorporating
original work, found objects, etc. into their piece(s).
Explore materials, techniques, and play with words.
No experience required.
Fee: $80, see “online registration” info on our
website for supply info
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All TDS open studio sessions are held at The Drawing Studio, 33 S 6th Avenue. Each session is $10. No reservations are required.
- Sunday morning, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, general studies* (No 12/25 or 1/1)
- Monday morning, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, general studies*
- Tuesday evening, 6 – 9 PM, one long pose, costumed (No 12/20 or 12/27)
- Thursday evening, 6 – 9 PM, general studies* (No 12/22, 12/29, or 1/19)
- Saturday morning, 9 AM – Noon, one long pose, nude (No 12/24 or 1/28)
* “General studies” include short and long poses (2 min. to 1 hr.), usually nude.
Note: We sometimes must cancel Open Studio sessions to accommodate special events and/or ongoing classes.
Visit our link to Rebecca Olson’s Open Sketch page for the most up-to-date info about model scheduling.
Open Studio Monitors
Rebecca Olson, Carolyn Gibbs, Paul Mohr, Tom Bielejec, Kurt Anderson, Reid Silvern, Pete McCray, Betty Counseller, Steven Judy
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