In this intimate class of eight, students will engage in two 6-hour poses: female for the first two days and male for the following two. Regardless of drawing ability, participants will advance beyond quick sketches, learning a time-tested method for creating more finished figures and portraits. While six hours may seem short compared to traditional ateliers, it provides ample opportunities for Ken and Stephanie to introduce essential vocabulary and concepts that will significantly enhance your drawing skills beyond the typical 20-minute sessions of most sketch groups. During the first two days, you will learn from Ken, and on Days 3 and 4, from Stephanie. In this workshop, you'll learn to create an accurately angled, well-proportioned figure, transform it into volumetric forms like cylinders, cubes, and spheres, and then add the final touches that change an unfinished drawing into a polished art piece. Beginners will be encouraged to start their drawings on newsprint (using vine charcoal, charcoal pencils, and a kneaded eraser), and to then transfer their rough “starts” onto good quality white or toned paper to attain a more finished version in charcoal or graphite. Intermediate and advanced students are free to start in whatever way they prefer on any quality white or toned paper they are accustomed to, using any medium of their choice, such as pencil, charcoal, pan pastel, watercolor, acrylics, or oils. All levels are welcome, as instruction is individualized. Materials: You don’t need to purchase everything on this list. Only buy materials that are relevant to the medium with which you plan to work. If you’re more experienced, you may choose the medium of your preference. Beginners should start Day 1 with newsprint, a drawing board, vine charcoal, and a kneaded eraser. Drawing pad: 18" x 24” smooth newsprint and a wood or foam core drawing board (one inch larger with four clips). Charcoal: Soft vine charcoal and Conte 3B charcoal pencil or your favorite brand. Graphite: 2B, 4B, and 6B graphite pencils. Sharpener: Single edged razor blade or utility knife and rough sandpaper such as 90 grit. Erasers: Kneaded eraser and Tombow eraser. Blending stumps―large and small. Rags or Viva paper towels. Optional: Strathmore 400 series grey toned paper (24" x 18"); Pan Pastel in black and white; two triangle-shaped sponge applicators with extra sponges; one white, soft pastel. Max students: 8 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook
