Gesture Drawing

-the most important drawing class you’ll ever take

Learning and practicing the basics of gesture drawing is a MUST for any artist, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional. Gesture drawing serves as the basis for exploring form and composition regardless of intended outcome…it applies to all subject matter and styles from abstraction to realism. 

Traditional gesture drawing places on emphasis on movement, but there is much more to it. In our class we will learn to use a pencil properly, dissect and understand subject matter in a fluid way, increase our rendering skills, and practice organizing compositions. And we’ll have fun doing it. 

Using simple drawing tools and a wide variety of subjects, students will leave this class with greater confidence and the skill to dissect and simplify even the most complex of images.  

Topics include:

–   how to hold a pencil (yep)/pencil control

–   contour vs flat line

–   bringing movement and energy into your drawings

–   simplifying complex subject matter

–   working light to dark/general to specific

  • increasing speed and fluidity in drawing (getting loose!)
  • use light and dark to compose and create light source
  • composition (fitting it all in, selective intensity, rhythm, line value, etc.)

Additional topics:

  • the history and definition of gesture drawing
  • drawing as meditation
  • utilizing the power of suggestion
  • adding shading to your gesture drawings

Materials:

White sketching paper or copy paper

Pencils (4B or softer)

Hard white eraser

Pencil sharpener

Ink pen (0.5 recommended) 

ZOOM Classroom

Mondays, November 25-December 16, 7-8 PM EST

$100

(Payments by Paypal, Venmo, Zelle, or check)

For registration or additional information: amydapice@gmail.com 

Color and Composition in Watercolor

Color is the most subjective and mysterious element in art. Why we like or dislike certain hues is anyone’s guess, but there are principles and practices which can help us make good decisions in our artwork. 

Composition, on the other hand, is the most important foundation for our images.  It is the underlying design, or “map,” upon which all else resides…including color. 

Together, color and composition represent two ends of the artistic spectrum…the foundation and the finish. In this dynamic class, students will learn the basic principles of both as well as practice the skills of watercolor painting. 

Topics include:

  • the role of focal points
  • creating an eye path
  • the rule of thirds
  • respecting your edges
  • basic color terminology
  • using neutrals
  • analogous colors
  • using Complements
  • balancing Warm and cool

  • ZOOM Classroom-Five Weeks
  • Tuesdays, October 22-November 19; 7-8:30 PM EST (check your local time!)
  • $150 including videos and critiques on private Facebook group
  • Registration upon payment using PayPal (amydapice@gmail.com), Venmo (@Amydapice) or by check. 
  • For additional information, and materials list: contact amydapice@gmail.com

 

Times are hard for many. If cost is prohibitive, please let me know and we’ll work something out.

Please feel free to request additional info regarding course specifics. Also, share with anyone else who might be interested! Stay safe out there. 

amydapice@gmail.com