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 in order 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.
Suggested Materials List: 18x24 drawing pad (100lb) or Canson XL mixed-media sketchbook (11x14” or larger) & a set of pencils.
*Some materials will be provided. Any sketchbooks, alternative surfaces, drawing tools or water-based media you want to use are welcome.
Level: Open to beginners and those with experience that would like to reconnect with their practice.
Painting: water-based media
We will work primarily from observation, as well as photo reference and imagination in order to strengthen our understanding of overall design. Our practice will investigate the nature of color, line, shape, texture, light and shadow to create unified, balanced compositions. Preliminary sketches using drawing tools and paint will be part of the process.
We will explore how acrylic paint behaves, its limits and potential, through color-mixing and expressionistic mark-making. We’ll learn techniques using thick paint and a palette knife (impasto), and handling the brush, building layers with washes and glazes.
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 course is designed to be an exploration of traditional techniques and experimental approaches to drawing.
It may also involve mixing different types of wet and dry media.
We will work in a series, from observation, memory and imagination to create work that departs from visual reality yet is still inherently connected.
With the principles and elements of visual organization to guide us, we will work to simplify information using diverse materials, media and surfaces. We will use spatial devices such as shifts in scale, overlapping and transparency to play with the illusion of depth. We’ll work with texture, shape, line and color to find clarity of vision, getting closer to the essential meaning of our intentions for a work.
Suggested materials: at least a 9x12 mixed-media pad and a set of pencils. Any materials you’d like to work with are welcome. Art House is well-stocked and can supplement most drawing tools.
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 will 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