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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.A (main studio)
Taught by Deb Steinberg
Eight Tuesday evenings, 6–9 pm
May 29 – July 17
DF1.B (main studio)
Taught by Paul Mohr
Eight Sunday afternoons, 1:30–4:30 pm
June 10 – July 29
DF1.C (northwest—Casas Adobes Congregational, 6801 N Oracle Rd)
Taught by Paul Mohr
Eight Monday afternoons, 1:30–4:30 pm
June 25 – Aug. 13
DF1.D (main studio)
Taught by Paul Mohr
Eight Saturday afternoons, 1–4 pm
July 14 – Sept. 8 (no class Sept. 1)
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DF1.E (eastside—Glass Illusions,
150 S Camino Seco, Ste. 119)
Taught by Paul Mohr
Eight Monday evenings, 6–9 pm
July 30 – Sept. 24 (no class Sept. 3)
DF1. F (main studio)
Taught by Deb Steinberg
Eight Thursday evenings, 6–9 pm
Aug. 2 – Sept. 20
DF1.G (main studio)
Taught by Paul Mohr
Eight Saturday mornings, 9 am–noon
Aug. 4 – Sept. 29 (no class Sept. 1)
DF1.H (main studio)
Taught by Meredith Milstead
Eight Tuesday afternoons, 1–4 pm
Aug. 14 – Oct. 2 |
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.A (eastside—Glass Illusions,
150 S Camino Seco, Ste. 119)
Taught by Paul Mohr
Eight Monday evenings, 6–9 pm
June 4 – July 23
DF2.B (main studio)
Taught by Maria Arvayo
Eight Wednesday evenings, 6–9 pm
June 6 – Aug. 1 (no class July 4) |
DF2.C (main studio)
Taught by Deb Steinberg
Eight Tuesday evenings, 6–9 pm
July 24 – Sept. 11
DF2.D (main studio)
Taught by Paul Mohr
Eight Sunday afternoons, 1:30–4:30 pm
Aug. 5 – Sept. 30 (no class Sept. 2) |
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)
DF3.D: Composition (eastside—Glass Illusions,
150 S Camino Seco, Ste. 119)
Taught by Meredith Milstead
Eight Saturday afternoons, 2–5 pm
July 14 – Sept. 8 (no class Sept. 1)
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DF3.E: Composition (main studio)
Taught by Deb Steinberg
Eight Wednesday afternoons, 1–4 pm
July 25 – Sept. 12
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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.A: Color, Level 1 (main studio)
Taught by Deb Steinberg
Eight Wednesday evenings, 6–9 pm
May 23 – July 18 (no class July 4)
DF3.B: Color, Level 1 (main studio)
Taught by Deb Steinberg
Eight Tuesday afternoons, 1–4 pm
June 5 – July 24
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DF3.C: Color, level 2 (main studio)
Taught by Meredith Milstead
Eight Wednesday evenings, 6–9 pm
July 25 – Sept. 12
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These classes develop experience in and mastery of media, genres (figure, comics, abstraction, etc.), and approaches.
 Drawing Sampler (main studio)
Taught by Deb Steinberg
DF1 recommended but not required
Three Saturday afternoons, 1–4 pm
June 2: Graphite
June 9: Charcoal
June 16: Ink
This survey explores the many different ways to use the seemingly simple and straightforward drawing media of graphite, charcoal and ink. Take your mark-making skills into new territory!
Fee: $105 (Associates $95)
Pastel Primer (main studio)
Taught by Deb Steinberg
Prereq: DF1 & 2 or equivalent, DF3 Color 1 strongly advised
Four Thursday afternoons, 1–4 pm
Aug 9 – 30
This is a short 4 week foray into the mysterious world of pastel painting. We’ll learn about the different types and brands of pastels, and work with a variety of grounds on which to apply them. Color theory will also be discussed.
Fee: $130 (Associates $115)
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Introduction to Acrylic Painting/
Acrylic Painting Studio (main studio)
Taught by Cynthia Miller
Four Saturday mornings, 9 am–noon
June 2 – 30 (no class June 16)
Session will explore the fundamentals of acrylic painting, materials and techniques through guided exercises, demonstrations and discussion. All levels welcome. Advanced painters may work on ongoing individual projects and/or use the special project provided in each session.
The June session includes fundamentals of acrylic painting and a Special Painting Project: Transcribe a Master painting with Acrylic paint. With sufficient student interest, subsequent sessions will be scheduled in July and August, and include fundamentals along with July (July 7–28) Special Painting Project: Under-painting With Acrylic paint, Still-life; and August (Aug. 4–25) Special Painting Project: Collage and Acrylic painting, Still-life and Portrait.
Fee: $130 (Associates $115)
Color Camp (main studio)
Taught by Betina Fink
Pre-requisite: Drawing Fundamentals;
Drawing with Color, level 1
Eight Thursday evenings, 6–9 pm
Each block will focus on methods of working with color using a different media. Color mixing, layering and blending, choosing harmonies, understanding color in composition, and how to use color specific to the media will be practiced.
Block 1: June 14, 21
Watercolor Pencils: Create line and wash-like effects using drawing and brushwork.
Block 2: July 12, 19
Pastel: Pastels are water soluble and will be used as a dry media and combined with water for wash-like effects,
Block 3: August 9, 16
Gouache: This water based paint is similar to watercolor and is used by designers, because it is opaque and dries quickly.
Block 4: September 13, 20
Oil Paint: Experiment with this versatile medium. Paints and solvents provided by the studio.
Fee: $190 (Associates $170); any one block, $75 (Associates $65)
Painting Sampler (main studio)
Taught by TDS Teaching Artists
Six Sunday afternoons, 1–4 pm
July 15 – August 19
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)
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 Introduction to Engraving
(in copper or wood)
(Rancho Linda Vista, Oracle, AZ)
Taught by Andrew Rush
Two Saturdays, 10 am–5 pm
June 9 and July 7
Engraving is the most basic hand-skill in the history of printmaking, requiring one-on-one training in tool use and maintenance, and learning the basic vocabulary. It not only is a powerful book illustration skill; its mastery opens up a much deeper understanding of many other printmaking techniques. Students bring their sketchbooks, all work is from life.
Fee: $120 ($100 for Associates); materials and tools provided including one copper plate or one end-grain woodblock)
Woodblock Weekend: Relief Printmaking for Beginners and Beyond (main studio)
Taught by Joe Marshall
Friday, 6–9 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
Section A: July 13 – 15
Section B: August 10 – 12
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, $165 (Associates $150), includes all materials |
Draw With Your Whole Body
(main studio)
Taught by Pat Dolan
Prerequisite: some drawing experience, courage and playfulness
Three Friday afternoons, 1–4 pm
August 10 – 24
Draw really large using charcoal, sumi ink, and water-soluble pencil on butcher paper. Capture the figure and animal imagery through gesture and mark making, using your whole body while having fun with movement.
Fee: $115 (Associates $105); includes model fees
Life Drawing for Dummies (main studio)
Taught by Deb Steinberg
Prerequisite: DF1 & DF2 or equivalent
Four Saturday afternoons, 1–4 pm
Aug 18 – Sept 15 (no class Sept. 1)
If you love the idea of drawing the human body but are too afraid to try, this is the class for you. Grab your sighting stick and the drawing medium of your choice and join me for 4 weeks of low stress life drawing. No anatomy lessons, just drawing what you see.
Fee: $150 ($135); includes model fees
Cowboy Up (DeAnza Resort,
2869 E. Frontage Rd., Amado, AZ)
Taught by Laura Hudson
Prerequisite: DF1 & DF2 or equiv.
Two Wednesday mornings,
9 am–noon
July 25 and August 1
A new take on the western cowboy—draw actual cowboys wearing what they wear, not “in costume.” First session focuses on the figure, with the possibility of two or three figures in one composition. Second session focuses on portraits.
Fee: $90 (Associates $80);
includes model fees
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A Summer 2012 Sketchbook Seminar
(main studio)
Taught by Andrew Rush
Three Tuesday evenings, 6–9 pm
June 5, July 10, August 28
As we become more skillful as visual communicators, developing a daily practice of keeping a record of drawings and visual ideas becomes an important step in capturing a personal expressive direction. The sketchbook/journal is, in my personal practice, the single most useful tool where my explorations of the outer world meet my inner imagination. Daily entries can accumulate in surprising ways to reveal the larger personal directions that often pass unnoticed as single entries.
This seminar is intended to support independent summer sketchbook work. In addition to the three meetings, I will be in touch by e-mail at points throughout the summer.
Meeting 1 (June 5): I will introduce my model for a sketchbook practice, in which we develop a traveling kit to expand the range of tools, mixed media, show examples and demonstrate how one’s sketchbook can reflect daily work from both our personal inner and outer lives that accumulates into a coherent direction.
Meeting 2 (July 10): We will gather to review and share our progress and inspiration, address obstacles, celebrate new insights, set new goals.
Meeting 3 (August 28): We will wrap up the experience by reviewing our sketchbooks, and identifying the projects and insights that we can build upon into the future.
Fee: $120 (Associates $105); if one must miss any one meeting, the instructor is willing to arrange a separate appointment to review progress.
Mystery and Magic of Pastels (northwest—Casas Adobes Congregational,
6801 N Oracle Rd)
Taught by Pat Dolan
Prerequisite: Intro to Pastel/Pastel Studio/or equivalent
Four Tuesday afternoons, 1–4 pm
June 5 – 26
Uncover ways of fully expressing yourself in pastels using their luminosity in a spirit of play and delight. Experiment with simplifying into abstraction.
Fee: $150 (Associates $135)
Drawing Dinner (BYOD)
(main studio)
Taught by Cynthia Miller
One Thursday evening, 6–9 pm
July 12
Join a playful potluck and drawing/painting session to re-visit the theme of Food on the Table, painted by Bonnard, Cezanne, Thiebaud, Picasso and others. Creative guidance in drawing and color concerns and beverages provided by the instructor. All mediums welcome.
Fee: $40 (Associates $35)
Experimental Drawing (main studio)
Taught by Katrina Lasko
Two Sunday afternoons, 1:30–4:30 pm
June 24 and July 1
Work with a variety of materials—charcoal, graphite, ink, oil sticks, acrylic, watercolor. Choose a subject, and through the process of drawing, “see” how it can be rendered realistically or transformed to abstraction with a personal style. Whether you are new to drawing or an experienced artist, this approach to art making will show you how selecting and combining materials can alter the experience of seeing.
Fee: $75 (Associates $65)
Intaglio Open Lab Printmaking (main studio)
Taught by Andrew Rush, Tom Lindell, Ka Fisher
Thursdays, 9 am–4 pm (instruction available am only)
June, July, August (monthly)
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.
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Mixing the Oil Painting Palette
(main studio)
Taught by Leia Zenderman
Saturday, 10 am–4 pm
June 16
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)
Painting Beautiful Flowers in Watercolor
(main studio)
Taught by Sherry Bryant
Saturday and Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
July 21 and 22
This class guides you through creative exercises in color choice, composition, and painting techniques to capture the fleeting beauty of flowers…their leaves, backgrounds and growth patterns, and character of individual flowers. Create your own floral masterpiece in watercolor.
Fee: $130 (Associates $115)
Mixed Media Acrylic Painting Workshop
(main studio)
Taught by Cynthia Miller
Thursday and Friday, 9 am–noon
August 2 and 3
Combine acrylic paint with chalk, oil pastels and oil paint stick to create unique, richly colored, layered and textured works on paper. Enhance your current painting methods and re-discover the wonder of transparencies and painted possibilities. Guided exercises and printed notes to assist you. Some painting experience helpful and all levels welcome.
Fee: $85 (Associates $75); includes all materials
Painting Trees in Watercolor
(main studio)
Taught by Sherry Bryant
Three Tuesday mornings, 9 am–noon
Aug. 7 – 21
The joy in your work will increase with your growing knowledge of nature. This class is about trees…which encompass the vitality of nature itself. Get to know trees, individually and collectively, and incorporate them into your work in watercolor.
Fee: $105 (Associates $95)
Desert Waterscapes in Sumi-e Style (northwest—Casas Adobes Congregational, 6801 N Oracle Rd)
Taught by Joy Mills
Three Tuesday afternoons, 1–4 pm
Aug. 14 – 28
Celebrate the monsoon season with landscapes that have water as the subject. Water-filled landscapes are the dynamic combination of Heaven & Earth. Express the universal power with minimal brushstrokes. Discover the laws of Far Eastern perspective to achieve deep distance.
Fee: $105 (Associates $95)
Abstract Painting Workshop
(main studio)
Taught by Carolyn Gibbs
Saturday, 10 am–4 pm
August 25
Suitable for all skill levels, requires only an interest in abstraction. This workshop provides an opportunity to loosen up your approach and explore what abstract painting application can be. What results is a freshness you can take back to your own unique expressions. Fundamental skills in color and composition are reinforced and developed further. Expect a few challenges that will unloose your sense of freedom.
Fee: $75 (Associates $65)
Getting Art Done (main studio)
Facilitated by Katherine Gregg
and Catharine Kim Woodin
Four Wednesday evenings, 6–9 pm
May 16, June 13, July 18, and August 15
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.
Fee: $40
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DF1.C
Taught by Paul Mohr
Eight Monday afternoons, 1:30–4:30 pm
June 25 – August 13
Fee: $175 (Associates $160)
Mystery and Magic of Pastels
Taught by Pat Dolan
Prerequisite: Intro to Pastel/Pastel Studio/or equivalent
Four Tuesday afternoons, 1–4 pm
June 5 – 26
Uncover ways of fully expressing yourself in pastels using their luminosity in a spirit of play and delight. Experiment with simplifying into abstraction.
Fee: $150 (Associates $135)
Desert Waterscapes in Sumi-e Style
Taught by Joy Mills
Three Tuesday afternoons, 1–4 pm
Aug. 14 – 28
Celebrate the monsoon season with landscapes that have water as the subject. Water-filled landscapes are the dynamic combination of Heaven & Earth. Express the universal power with minimal brushstrokes. Discover the laws of Far Eastern perspective to achieve deep distance.
Fee: $105 (Associates $95)
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) |
DF2.A
Taught by Paul Mohr
Eight Monday evenings, 6–9 pm
June 4 – July 23
Fee: $190 (Associates $170)
DF3.D: Composition
Taught Meredith Milstead
Eight Saturday afternoons, 2–5 pm
July 14 - Sept. 8 (no class Sept. 1)
Fee: $130 (Associates $115)
DF1.E
Taught by Paul Mohr
Eight Monday evenings, 6–9 pm
July 30 – Sept. 24 (no class Sept. 3)
Fee: $175 (Associates $160)
Bringing Your Fundamentals to the Field
Taught by Laura Hudson
Prerequisite: Drawing Fundamentals, level 1
Wednesday, 9 am – 3 pm
July 18
Begin to move from the studio to the great outdoors by applying the skills of drawing fundamentals with the bottle, brick, crumpled paper, etc. Using simple tools of sketchbook, pencil, charcoal and an eraser, we can begin drawing the outside world, and understand that the great scale of the mountain range is not overwhelming when approached in the same way we see and draw crumpled paper. We will start with thumbnail sketches to determine shape and value in the first half of the workshop, break for conversation and lunch, then produce a finished drawing in the afternoon.
Fee: $75 (Associates $65)
Cowboy Up
Taught by Laura Hudson
Prerequisite: DF1 & DF2 or equiv.
Two Wednesday mornings, 9 am–3 pm
July 25 and August 1
A new take on the western cowboy—draw actual cowboys wearing what they wear, not “in costume.” First session focuses on the figure, with the possibility of two or three figures in one composition. Second session focuses on portraits.
Fee: $90 (Associates $80); includes model fees
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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*
- Monday morning, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, general studies*
- Tuesday evening, 6 – 9 PM, one long pose, costumed
- Thursday evening, 6 – 9 PM, general studies*
- Saturday morning, 9 AM – Noon, one long pose, nude
* “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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