Art Classes in Courtenay

Drawing: The Right Approach, Level 1

In this introductory class, you will be guided through exercises that will improve your ability to “see correctly” as inspired by the landmark book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, by Betty Edwards. The basic premise behind this class is that the ability to draw doesn’t depend on an innate ability that only a few possess, but instead is something that anyone can learn with practice in seeing things a little differently. After learning just a few basic exercises, you will notice an increased ability to draw, as well as a heightened awareness of the visual world. There will be optional practice exercises between classes.

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Drawing: The Right Approach, Level 2

PREREQUISITE: The Right Approach: Level 1 or equivalent experience.

In this class you will continue practicing what you learned in the introductory class. This is a chance to make steady progress with your skills as you discover more about perspective, proportion and creating values. You will also have fun exploring different drawing materials such as charcoal and pen and ink. Subject matter will vary – you will work from drawings, photographs and real life. The Right Approach I and II will provide a solid basis of drawing skills and knowledge that will support the pursuit of any creative endeavor. There will be optional practice exercises between classes.

Drawing: The Right Approach, Level 3

PREREQUISITE: The Right Approach: Level 2 or equivalent experience.

Every Level 3 class will offer new subject matter to work from, as well as an opportunity to deepen knowledge of skills learned in Levels 1 and 2. There will be optional practise exercises between classes.

Drawing Animals Workshop

In this class learn how to draw our friends in the animal world. Some of the topics covered will be how to: find accurate proportions, capture movement, create a composition, draw amazing textures and understand values. Working from photographs and drawings we will explore various materials such as pencil, pen and charcoal.

All paint and supplies are included for use in class.

There will be a 1/2 hour break for lunch.

Drawing: The Figure and Drapery

PREREQUISITE: The Right Approach: Level 1 or equivalent experience.

In “The Figure and Drapery” you will practise your drawing skills using the expressive human form as inspiration. Working in a variety of media and from photographs and masters’ drawings, you will explore various skills including; contour and gesture drawing, depicting accurate values and how to correctly measure proportions. You will also practise how to draw clothing and explore how drapery can add expression and movement to your drawing.

Drawing: Perspective and Landscape

PREREQUISITE: The Right Approach: Level 1 or equivalent experience.

In this class we will learn how to draw different elements of landscape such as; trees, clouds and water, as well as how to add interesting human elements involving perspective; such as buildings, fences or vehicles. Also, practise arranging an interesting composition and how to work from photographs. Materials you will explore are: pencil, pen and ink and charcoal.

Colour Basics 1 – Understanding Colour

In this introductory painting course, participants will be introduced to acrylic paints while learning the basics about colour. Projects include making an accurate colour wheel, mixing colours, learning about colour relationships and completing an abstract painting that explores how colours interact with each other. This class (along with Drawing: The Right Approach) provides a strong foundation for creative artwork in any media.

All paint and supplies are included for use in class.

There will be a 1/2 hour break for lunch.

Colour Basics 2 – Values and Techniques

PREREQUISITE: Colour Basics 1 or equivalent experience.

This class is for those who have some painting experience, have taken the first Colour Basics or a similar class before. In this class you will practise seeing colours as values and paint a few value scales. Also, you learn various acrylic painting techniques, such as how to create colour transitions or different textures, as well as get some practice recreating values to do a simple painting.

All paint and supplies are included for use in class.

There will be a 1/2 hour break for lunch.

Colour Basics 3 – Intensity and Mixing Accurate Colours

PREREQUISITE: Colour Basics 2 or equivalent experience.

This class is for those who have some painting experience, have taken the first two Colour Basics or a similar class before. In this class you will discover how to create a scale of low intensity (less bright) hues. By understanding “hue”, “value” and now “intensity” you can recreate any colour you see. After practising a few intensity scales we will mix colours we see to create a simple still life painting.

All paint and supplies are included for use in class.

There will be a 1/2 hour break for lunch.