Focus On The Features

Course Overview:

Strengthen your eye-and-hand coordination through direct observation by drawing and/or painting from a “new” model each week. Focus on how to construct a portrait or full figure with special attention to the five main features of the head. Each week we break down one of the main features and learn the nuances of the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and neck. Beginners are encouraged to work in pencil, charcoal, and pan pastel, while those with more experience may work in other mediums, such as watercolor, acrylics, or oils. All levels are welcome, as instruction and demonstrations are given on an individual and group basis.

Course Materials:

Pencil: Two mechanical pencils, a 2 mm mechanical holder with 4B leads and a 0.5 mechanical pencil with 2B leads; a kneaded eraser; blending stump; small sanding block; rag; 18″ x 24″ Strathmore series 300 drawing pad (or any brand you already have). Drawing support: foam core 3/16″ thick drawing support (cut to 19″ x 25″) with four bulldog clips to hold everything together.

*Attention: Artist & Craftsman Supplies (Hillcrest) will have two discounted kits hand-selected by the instructor. Buy both, combined, or either one separately if you already have the materials provided in the other kit. Kit #1: drawing board, clips, drawing pad. Kit #2: recommended pencils, eraser, stump, sanding block.

Charcoal: 4B charcoal pencil; softest vine charcoal; rags or Viva paper towels, kneaded eraser.

Pastels: soft vine charcoal; NuPastel, box of 96 pieces; Canson brand pastel paper, #429, 426, or 431; foam core drawing board cut one inch larger than your paper, with two clips to hold it.

Pan Pastels: Charcoal pencil 4B, soft white charcoal pencil, black pan pastel, white pan pastel, a minimum of two sponge applicators, kneaded eraser, smooth paper, and drawing board.

Beginning Watercolor or Gouache: one tube each of Ultramarine Blue and Burnt Sienna watercolor for the first session, more colors if you have them (additional colors will be discussed at first meeting); large covered Woods or Pike palette or your favorite travelling palette; a #12 pointed and a 1″ flat brush; tissues or Kleenex; Arches or other good quality paper (no Strathmore student-grade watercolor paper).

Oils: up to 18″ x 24″ canvas board (prime with single light wash of Golden Acrylic Gray Value #6); Robert Simmons filbert brushes #2, 4, 8, 12; Gamsol odorless mineral spirits with container; Liquin; Viva paper towels; disposable paper, wood, or glass palette (plastic palette saver to store them); Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna, and Permalba White paint for the first session, or if experienced, also bring a warm and cool of each primary color or whatever colors you normally use.

Acrylics: Same as oils, except no mineral spirits, just a container for water.

Register For Class Through the Athenaeum

January 28–February 25

(5 Weeks, 15 total hours of instruction)

La Jolla Studio

$215/235 (includes model)