Our Classes
Below is an overview of course offerings.
* The updated schedule and pricing for current classes and workshops are located on the “Book a Class” page.*
Drawing from Observation
This course is designed to provide an increased understanding of tools and techniques as they are applied to observational drawing. It’s a process-oriented approach that begins with simple shapes, lines and values, leading to more complex arrangements to build a strong composition.
Through a series of traditional and experimental approaches to drawing, we will explore mark-making, the character of contour line and the interaction of light and shadow. In efforts to create the illusion of depth, we will utilize spatial devices such as transparency and overlapping, how a shift in scale and value can help us establish a sense of 3-dimensional space.
We’ll use diverse media such as: graphite, pastel, charcoal, pen, brush, ink and colored pencil.
Demonstrations and discussion will support this study.
A sketchbook is needed: Canson XL Mixed-Media sketchbook (11x14 or 9x12) & a set of pencils.
* materials will be provided.
Level: Open to beginners and those with experience that would like to reconnect with their practice.
Painting: water-based media
This study takes an expressive approach to painting, investigating the nature of color, line, shape, texture, light and shadow to create unified, balanced compositions.
We’ll work from observation and photo reference in order to strengthen our understanding of overall design. We will address color mixing, paint application and approaches. Basic preliminary sketches using drawing tools will be part of the process.
Level: This course is open to beginners and those with experience who want to reconnect with their practice.
*Please check the “book a class” page for a materials list and the most updated version of this course.
Abstraction: concepts, tools & techniques
This study is designed to be an exploration of traditional techniques and experimental approaches to drawing.
We’ll focus on creating imagery that departs from realistic representation. With spatial devices such as overlapping and transparency, we’ll learn how to fragment space, using the dynamic movement of line and shape to shift perspective. Abstraction will be the result of pairing down information, isolating and embellishing details in stages and layers.
Each session will involve a fluid discussion on methods of abstraction and will be accompanied by a demonstration on tools and techniques.
Suggested materials: 9x12, Canson XL mixed-media pad and a set of pencils
* All other drawing materials and surfaces provided.
Level: This study is open to beginners and those with experience who want to explore abstraction.
Some basic drawing skills are helpful but not required.
Portraiture
This course is an introduction to Portraiture.
Some prior drawing experience is needed.
Model fee included.
We’ll take a traditional and expressive approach to drawing portraits from a model.
Demonstrations will focus on gesture, geometric construction, basic anatomy of the head and facial features as well as expressive drawing techniques.
The goal is to gain ”a way in.”
Each session will feature a different model to provide short poses, enabling us to represent energy through gesture and form with line, color, light and shadow.
Techniques using a variety of surfaces and media will be introduced each week, such as charcoal, pastel, graphite, ink, colored pencil and others.
Some drawing tools provided.
Suggested materials (paper): small sketchbook and a larger drawing pad or mixed media pad (11x17, 14x17, or 18x24).
Any drawing tools and surfaces you already have are welcome.
Mixed-Media Assemblage
This study incorporates 2-d & 3-d elements, working from observation, memory and imagination. We will utilize drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, assemblage, writing and wall-relief to engage a personal narrative.
We will work with a variety of materials in efforts to expand our understanding of how to create symbolic meaning while still addressing the importance of a unified composition.
We will investigate symbolism within the context of a theme and develop ideas to create visual narratives based on personal experience.
Our processes will involve some seeking and gathering of materials, as well as sketches exploring project themes.
This course is an opportunity to become familiar with the versatility of materials while finding your personal, unique voice. It’s an exploration of the character, identity and associative power of objects and how we can re-contextualize and present them in new ways to communicate ideas.
Critical discussion and demonstrations will support this study.
Level: open
Materials: project descriptions and relative materials lists will be provided upon enrollment.
Model Sessions:
Figure Drawing for Artists
2-hour model sessions.
No instruction, just draw.
Model fee included.
Sessions fill up fast, so save your spot by registering in advance.
The schedule is posted weekly.
Check the “Book a Class” page for updates.
*water-based media welcome.
OPEN STUDIO sessions
This is a continuation of higher education. Open Studio sessions are geared toward those who would like a self-designed structure. The time in the studio is based on your specific creative needs.
In this situation, students bring work-in-progress or request an individualized prompt. Creative Prompts are geared directly toward you.
Open Studios provides a work space, individual feedback and guidance from an experienced instructor as well as group discussion with participants. Assistance with technique and approach is offered.
Basic drawing tools and materials are also available.
*A group can be formed if there is enough interest. We need at least four participants to make it happen.
Open Studio sessions can meet weekly or bi-weekly and will occupy a 2-hour block of time.
Check the “Book a Class” page for current schedule.
Please email to discuss this further: arthousejb@gmail.com
Art House Studios connections:
Studies in Oil Painting with Peter Clive
Whether your just beginning or would like to return to your artistic practice, this is an opportunity to learn with a seasoned professional.
Award winning artist, Peter Clive, offers a personalized study in traditional oil painting techniques for the novice and experienced painter to develop and hone your skills.
Working with either landscape, portraiture or still life, Peter begins each lesson with a painted demonstration of what you want to accomplish, guiding you through a developmental process in order to build your skills and talents for future work.
Peter Clive’s painting style utilizes strong composition, skillful draftsmanship and mood-inducing use of color.
Contact Peter Clive directly to schedule lessons today:
pclive38@gmail.com
(603) 864-0856
