Drawing: The Painter’s Foundation
Location: Scottsdale Location
Room: TBA
Apr 5-9, 2010
Meets 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
on Mon Tue Wed Th Fri
Tuition: $810.00
Model Fee: $35.00
Level: BEG-PRO
Status: This program is completed
Drawing has long been recognized as the most basic foundation for the painter. The reason is simple: drawing teaches one to “see.” Seeing as an artist is different from seeing as a layman. An artist learns to read subtle information and make sense of it structurally. This includes wading through the plethora of ptical illusions that mislead the eye if copied “as is.” McGraw will lead students through the skills and information that all good draftsmen should know, using the human nude figure as the guide. There will be individual critiques and some spontaneous class demonstrations, inspired by model and pose. McGraw will also demonstrate in the most traditional way – on students’ pads. All levels are welcome. The only requirement is a willingness to learn.
- Drawing: Charcoal, conté crayon, pastel
Instructor -- Sherrie McGraw
Sherrie McGraw studied at the Art Students League of New York, where she later became a teacher. Her work has appeared in shows with the Salmagundi Club, American Artists Professional League, Hudson Valley Art Association and National Arts Club. She has been featured in American Artist, Southwest Art, Art of the West, and Art Talk and she recently published an article “The Heart of Drawing,” for Linea, the Art Students League journal. McGraw is the author of the acclaimed book, The Language of Drawing: From an Artist’s Viewpoint. www.sherriemcgraw.com
- Drawing Pads—At least one newsprint pad for gesture drawing(students will do many gesture drawing throughout the week)and at least one drawing pad with off-white paper (Omni Pads or anything comparable, paper that is off-white instead of brilliant white. It is easier on the eyes) Small Sketchbooks are available from Kunst & Papier (www.kunst-papier.com or phone 650-321-1738) My favorite styles are the Binderboard Sketchbooks and Wire-O Sketchbooks. Any size that appeals works beautifully. At least one pad needs to be 16 x 20 or larger for the long poses. Students can just use newsprint if money is a factor, as it is off-white . But they should also know that newsprint isn’t archival and will yellow and eventually disintegrate.
-
- Paper (optional)—a variety of colored papers (neutral tones), BFK Rives Paper, Somerset, Speckletone or Sennelier pastel card. Students will use the white conte on these papers to create an enhanced feeling of light on the model.
- Vine Charcoal—soft and medium
- Conte` Pencils and sticks—Sanguine, black, sepia and white
- Kneaded eraser
- Single-edged razor blades
- Sanding Block
- Chamois
- Niji Waterbrush—for use with conte to make a wash (www.dickblick.com) This is also optional, but a beautiful tool in making washes.
- Optional: Bistre and/or Sepia Ink with a watercolor brush #4 (or a variety of small ones); if possible, a retractable water color brush will be most handy, available through Escoda Sabates, S. A., www.escoda.com and/or a quill pen obtainable through www.studioproducts.com.
- An open mind