If you are a beginning artist wanting to develop drawing or painting skills, or an experienced artist wanting a second opinion on a specific piece, I offer an alternative method of instruction. Studying in classroom situations is a great way to learn, it exposes one to new ideas, new methods of working, and the chance to experience other artists solve their problems. The class ends just as the questions and problems begin to surface and the instructor is nowhere in sight.
I have many years experience teaching in the classroom, I now also teach on the Internet, you no longer need to travel to join me and I will not leave you. Instead work one-on-one with me right in your own home no travel, no cancelled workshops, work at your own pace. No matter where you live, you can get support in achieving your artistic goals and remove the frustration of working alone.
What I Offer:
Instruction in fundamental drawing and painting techniques.
Instruction in the theory of composition, and color theory.
Instruction in avian and mammal anatomy.
Critique of drawings/paintings, both finished and works in progress, for accuracy, readability and compositional choices.
My Artistic Expertise:
Subject: Realistic representations of botanical, and zoological subjects.
Media: Graphite pencil, gouache, acrylic and watercolor.
STUDY OPTIONS
1. Critique: Two part session: $100.00
When you need a fresh set of eyes to look at your work. See current tip of the month for a sample critique.
a. E-mail me a photo or scan of your drawing or painting
(see below for details for sending images).
After reviewing the work my written comments and drawn suggestions are returned by e-mail.
b. When you have made changes, return the image for a second review. After looking at the
reworked image I will return your scan with my final comments.
In some instances additional sessions for the same image will be necessary. In these instances additional charges may occur.
2. Individual Goals: Set by the artist: $400.00 10 assignment minimum (depending on the subject your goal might require additional
assignments).
You identify your goals. I create a program tailored to your
specific needs.
a. Free: E-mail me your stated goal. I will create a program
specifically designed to help you
achieve your artistic goals. If you approve, detailed
instructions for the first assignment and
suggested materials list will be sent.
b. On completion of each assignment send me a .jpeg high resolution - 300dpi minimum scan
along with any questions you may have. Written comments and drawn suggestions
will be returned by e-mail a long with detailed outline for the next assignment.
c. Additional assignments will be created to
further your progress.
3. Structured Courses:
Course includes: Pre-designed course material, a materials list,
lecture notes, and .PDF file graphics.
A. Color Theory: $300.00
This course consists of four assignments. Student should
anticipate a minimum of 10 hours to complete each assignment.
Through a series of exercises and practice worksheets you will
develop a clearer understanding of how colors interact with one
another. The use of only six primary pigments will simplify the
process, while creating a full range of secondary and complex
tertiary hues. The knowledge learned in this course will enhance
any chosen method of painting.
Objective: To gain an understanding of color interaction.
Assignments:
1. Brief history of pigments. How we see color. Primary colors.
2. Secondary colors.
3. Tertiary colors.
4. Complimentary colors.
On completion of each assignment send me a photo or scan along
with any questions you may have. Written comments and
suggestions along with detailed outline for the next assignment
are returned to you by e-mail.
B. Composition Theory: $300.00
This course consists of six assignments. Student should
anticipate a minimum of 15 hours to complete each assignment.
There is no question as to the power of a good composition.
Composition can draw the viewer from across the room, it can
inform, entertain or even generate an emotional response. The
basic principles presented in this course have been time tested.
Objective: To become skilled in creating a pleasing composition.
Assignments:
1. Fundamental principles of composition.
2. Balance: Positive and negative space, light and dark, color
and texture.
3. Eye level, focal point.
4. Image placement to indicate, emotion, action and clear
message
5. Perspective.
6. Accurate description of light source, perspective and
environment.
On completion of each assignment send me a photo or scan and a
list of any questions. I will review the work and send you by
e-mail my written comments and drawn suggestions along with
detailed outline for the next assignment.
C. Reading Photographs - Birds: $350.00
This course consists of five assignments: This is a
lecture/study course with graphite drawing for illustration.
Student should anticipate a minimum of 15 hours to complete each
assignment.
Drawing birds is generally done with the aid of photographs;
birds do not sit long enough for detailed renderings. Artists
who understand avian anatomy and function create good bird
drawings.
Objective: To understand basic avian anatomy and to recognize
individual
species variations.
Assignments:
1. Skeletal system. Observe and compare similarities to mammal
species.
2. Feather structure and function, eyes, bills and feet.
3. Specific details for Raptors.
4. Specific details for Songbirds.
5. Specific details for Waterfowl and Wading birds.
After completing each assignment send me a photo or scan of the
assignment along with any questions you may have. Written
comments and suggestions along with details for the next
assignment are returned to you by e-mail.
D. Fundamental Graphite Techniques -Worksheets designed to teach graphite pencil techniques- $425.00
This course consists of 33 steps. Students will work through the steps in my book Fundamental Graphite Techniques each step being practiced until it is understood before moving to the next. Artist who master fundamental techniques first are artists who have a solid foundation on which to build their own individual style. While I use botanical subjects this will not limit you in anyway for future choices of subjects.
Assignments:
- Line
- Tone: Continuous tone, Hatched tone
- Basic Geometric Shapes: Square, sphere, cone, cylinder
- Concave and Convex Surfaces
- Surface Contour Line
- Folds
- Working in Layers
- Pigment Pattern
- Drawing: The Process
On registration you will be sent a materials list, in addition you will need a copy of my book. After completing each assignment send me a 300dpi .jpeg scan (no photographs as these distort the tone of the graphite work) of the assignment along with any questions you may have. Written comments and suggestions along with details for the next assignment are returned to you by e-mail.
Equipment
A high-resolution scanner or good digital camera. Work will be
sent to me and returned as a .jpeg at no less than 300dpi. image
no larger than 13 x 20.
Assignment materials are in Adobe Acrobat PDF format, so they
can be easily read online or printed.
Suggested art supplies and reading lists will be provided.