Drawing Class

 It's been awhile since my interest in graphite pencils has taken on a new direction. Learning about the difference between a 2D and 4D drawing pencil and it's hardness been enlightening (pun intended ). Shading, light and dark values, lost and found edges has been a standard practice in bringing new drawings to life. This is pretty much how we've proceeded during the first of two drawing classes at the Calistoga Art Center this month. The class size has been modest but the interest gratifying.

There are mostly women in this group and mostly in the beginning or intermediate range of their drawing ability. The exercise emphasized most, is the observation of the object they are drawing, and not so much abiding by any rules about how to create a masterpiece.Their work looked very good, and as a group they critiqued each others results diplomatically. Everyone seemed pleased with the outcome.

I was especially impressed with one lady who seemed to over scrutinze her work, finding things she wanted to corrrect. After viewing a lot of her attempts intially, it occured to me that we were over-analyzing what she thought she might want to accomplish.I provided a picture of a woman's head that I had drawn, and asked her to try drawing it upside down. Upon completion, everyone was really impressed by what she produced.

The book, "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" by Betty Edwards, has been an invaluable resource in the development of anyone's pencil skills, and thus producing impressive work. This book has been recommended reading for anyone taking this class. Session two will be happening on Wednesday, October 20th, and spaces are still open if you want to join this class. Just go to register at:

https://calistogaartcenter.org/drawing-and-illustration-fundamentals