Drawing 2
"A painting that is well composed is half finished" ~Pierre Bonnard
Drawing 2 is designed to build on the work of Drawing 1, and will advance students to a higher intermediate level of artistic knowledge and skill. Lessons will build upon the concepts students have previously learned, like the Elements and Principles of Design, which are the building blocks of all artful composition.
The Seven Basic Elements of Art are: Line, Shape, Color, Value, Form, Texture, and Space. The Principles of Art represent how the artist uses the Elements of art to create an effect and to help convey the artist’s intent. These include: Balance, Contrast, Dominance/Emphasis, Movement, Pattern/Repetition, Rhythm, Harmony, Unity, and Variety.
Having studied the framework of all forms of artwork, students will now set out to create a body of work that reflects their knowledge of composition, and will come to know their materials even better.
Please note that this is a two-part, 24-week course.
In Part 1 (Fall Semester--12 weeks), the course will devote three weeks to each of these art-forms: Still life, Portrait work, Landscapes, and Architectural art. Students will practice drawing techniques, use 1, 2, and 3-point perspective, develop better compositions, practice working general to specific, use shading techniques, make thumbnail sketches, apply triangulation and mapping, use toned paper, and more.
For example, the course will begin by introducing the art of Still life, in which students will learn to use a viewfinder, learn cross hatching techniques, and practice creating compositions before they choose a final piece. Students will focus on creating beautiful still life for three weeks before moving on to Landscapes, where they will discover landscape art through various materials–such as pen and ink, pastel, and charcoal–using both additive and reductive methods of applying material. Students will be inspired by the concept of Notan to create compositions, and begin to see the world through the lens of the four basic forms.
In Part 2 (Spring Semester--12 weeks), Students will explore four or more genres of art. For three weeks we will compose drawings in the genre of "Expressionism", then for another three weeks; Historical genre, followed by the genres of Symbolism and Abstraction. Apply all of our composition and drawing techniques as we go.
Students will be given weekly assignments and encouraged to practice in their sketchbooks (thumbnail sketches, pressure control exercises, etc.), which will receive a grade and positive feedback. The goal of this course is to lead students into Drawing 3, where they will learn how to create a series of work that reads as a whole, and continue drawing in a variety of genres.
"Both of my sons have thoroughly enjoyed Mrs. Jennings' drawing classes. Her patient and reassuring style encourages even the most reluctant artist. She brings her vast knowledge of art, her skill as an artist, and her experience as a homeschool mom into her teaching. We love Mrs. Jennings!"
-Christina T., California
