art classes
DRAWING COURSE
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The DRAWING COURSE is structured through the 7 elements of art.
We begin with study of Line (contour drawing, etc. ) then Shape ( using basic shapes to build a drawing), then Form ( learning to render), then Value (learning to show a range of values, then Texture (learning to control your mark-making), then Space (learning to show depth, linear perspective), and then Color (learning to mix colors). Once we pass color theory, I move into introductions to a variety of art materials. We usually warm up with cartooning exercises. The wild creativity afforded by cartoons allows the students to loosen up and have fun, which inspires them toward freer and bolder drawing when they take on the more focused parts of the lesson. Being present with the student’s ideas lets them feel seen and heard by me. I ask the student what they think about the work they are doing rather than give my expert opinion as the final say all the time. The student should feel emboldened to communicate concerns or ask questions about the content, instead of merely following along dutifully, yet not fully “getting it.” |
Watercolor shading exercise - student Otis Gordon
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PRINTMAKING WORKSHOPS
We currently offer two relief printing workshops using linoleum blocks. Both teach how to use the medium including the history of the medium as a tool for activism. The Political Printmaking workshop focuses on a general history including discussion of activist art. The Political Printmaking of Mexico workshop focuses on the history of the medium as an activist tool in Mexico.
We have a new monotype workshop, Monotype Utopia which teaches the medium and includes a discussion of ideas of utopia. Students are asked to use their art to visualize their own utopic ideas.
We have a new monotype workshop, Monotype Utopia which teaches the medium and includes a discussion of ideas of utopia. Students are asked to use their art to visualize their own utopic ideas.
