Drawing Course Overview
This 12-week drawing course introduces students to the fundamentals of drawing, from basic techniques to advanced shading and composition. Ideal for beginners or those looking to refine their skills, the course covers essential elements such as line, form, perspective, and texture. Students will work with a variety of subjects, including still life, landscapes, and portraits, as they learn to create realistic and expressive drawings. By the end of the course, students will have built a portfolio of work showcasing their progression and personal style.
Course Outline
Week 1-2: Introduction to Drawing Tools & Basic Techniques
- Drawing Materials: Overview of pencils, erasers, paper, and other tools.
- Basic Techniques: Understanding lines, shapes, and mark-making.
- Observation Skills: Training the eye to see and interpret form.
- Project: Draw simple objects using basic line and shape techniques.
Week 3-4: Shading & Texture
- Understanding Light and Shadow: Basics of shading and light direction.
- Shading Techniques: Hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, and blending.
- Creating Texture: Techniques to mimic different textures like fabric, wood, and metal.
- Project: Draw a still life scene with various textures.
Week 5-6: Perspective & Proportion
- Introduction to Perspective: One-point and two-point perspective.
- Understanding Proportion: Scaling objects accurately and maintaining balance.
- Composition Basics: Arranging elements for visual appeal.
- Project: Create a landscape or architectural drawing using perspective techniques.
Week 7-8: Drawing from Real Life (Still Life)
- Setting Up a Still Life: Choosing objects, arranging compositions, and lighting.
- Realistic Detailing: Enhancing realism with details and accuracy.
- Practice in Proportion and Shading: Applying prior techniques to a still life setting.
- Project: Complete a detailed still life drawing of a small scene or object group.
Week 9-10: Introduction to Portrait Drawing
- Basics of Facial Proportions: Understanding the structure of the face.
- Feature Study: Drawing eyes, nose, mouth, and ears accurately.
- Capturing Expression and Emotion: Techniques for lifelike portraits.
- Project: Draw a portrait focusing on facial structure and expression.
Week 11: Advanced Composition & Personal Style
- Developing Style: Encouragement to experiment with personal techniques.
- Complex Composition: Creating balanced, detailed scenes.
- Project Planning: Begin developing the final project, integrating all learned techniques.
Week 12: Final Project & Presentation
- Project Completion: Finalize a comprehensive drawing that showcases skill development.
- Presentation & Feedback: Display final projects, receive feedback, and discuss growth.
- Next Steps: Guidance on building a drawing portfolio and tips for ongoing practice.
Outcome: By the end of this course, students will have mastered foundational drawing skills and created a portfolio showcasing a variety of subjects and techniques. This course equips students for further studies in art or enables them to pursue drawing as a creative hobby.