Drawing for the Terrified*

Michael J. Strauss

These workshops are for beginners as well as those with some drawing experience who feel they might benefit from more instruction. They are based on the premise that drawing can be an acquired skill, not just a talent, and that most can learn how to draw if they spend the time and energy needed. Since drawing is foundational for painting, those who paint in watercolor and oil can benefit by taking these workshops. Some of the topics covered are listed below.

Drawing to Learn
Materials used in drawing
Learning to see
Learning about graphite
Learning about charcoal
Learning about inks
Perspective, an Introduction (one point and two point)
Mechanical Aids to Perception
Vertical and horizontal alignments
Measurement
What you "know" and what you see
Movement of the eye and the hand
Eye-hand coordination
Gesture
The contour line
The variety of line
Value
Defining form with light
Creating 3D Volume on a 2D page
Perspective, part II. picture plane, ground line, horizon line, vanishing point, aerial perspective
Composition

The workshops are a collaborative learning experience. There will be individual assistance from the instructor, as well as class critiques. Come prepared to draw, share your work with other beginning students, and have a good time.

* This title is based on a similar course taught by Ronald Swanwick at Stable Studio in the U.K. (http://www.stablestudio.co.uk/) For a nice holiday in England, visit and take Ron's class as well. We cover some similar topics, but the courses are different and you will benefit by taking both of them.