Creating Depth: A Beginner's Guide to Perspective Drawing
Fri Oct 25, 2024 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Drawn Studio, 2523 S. Big Bend Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63143 (accessed from rear of building)
Description
October 25, November 1, 8, 15, 22
Fridays from 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
$225 total for 5-session series
Only 8 spots available
Ages 16+
This course covers the fundamentals and fine points of perspective drawing, focusing on analytical techniques to translate three-dimensional forms into two-dimensional images.
Goals of This Course
- Develop a strong foundation in perspective drawing and analytical techniques.
- Cultivate the ability to observe and accurately represent three-dimensional forms on a two-dimensional surface.
- Foster creative exploration and personal style in drawing through guided practice and experimentation.
- Equip students with the vocabulary and skills necessary to discuss and critique drawings with a focus on analytical precision.
Course Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate fluency in various drawing techniques and media.
- Understand and apply vocabulary specific to analytical drawing.
- Accurately translate observed three-dimensional forms into two-dimensional images.
Course Level
This is a beginner-level course. No prior drawing experience is required; all necessary skills will be introduced from scratch.
Teaching and Learning Methods
This is a hands-on, studio-based course. Each session begins with short demonstrations and lectures featuring visual examples of both historical and contemporary artwork. These will illustrate techniques and material usage, followed by guided studio time to practice and create pieces reflecting the session's topic.
Students are encouraged to experiment and develop their own style or mark-making for each technique. While there will be specific guidelines for each assignment, personal exploration through trial and error is key to the learning process in this course.
Course Structure
- Progressive Learning: Each session builds on the concepts covered in the previous one.
- In-Class Work: During each session, you will complete a study related to the topic of that class.
- Homework: You are encouraged to take your work home for further refinement. Feedback on these pieces will be provided in subsequent sessions.
- Final Project: All concepts and techniques learned will culminate in a final piece. You may choose to create a still life, bust study, interior portrait, or landscape to demonstrate your understanding.
Course Schedule
Week 1: How We See – Still Life Study
- Key Concepts: Picture Plane, Diminution, Foreshortening, Convergence, Overlapping
- Focus: Understanding the basics of how we perceive objects in space.
Week 2: Vanishing Points & Eye Level – Outdoor Landscape Study
- Key Concepts: 1-Point, 2-Point, 3-Point Perspective, Eye-Level as Vanishing Line, Parallel Pointing Method, Determining Depth, Atmospheric Perspective
- Focus: Mastering perspective to depict depth and spatial relationships
Week 3: Basic Shapes – Interior Portrait Study
- Key Concepts: Simple Cube, Circle & Ellipse with Different Major Axes, Cones & Cylinder
- Focus: Breaking down complex forms into basic shapes to improve accuracy in drawing.
Week 4: Light Direction, Shade, & Cast Shadow – Bust Study
- Key Concepts: Planes, Contour/Shadow Line, Geometry of Cast Shadow
- Focus: Understanding how light interacts with forms to create depth and dimension.
Week 5: Final Piece – Choice of Still Life, Outdoor Landscape, Interior Portrait, or Portrait
- Application: Use the concepts and techniques learned throughout the course to create a comprehensive final piece that showcases your skills and understanding.
Materials and Resources
- Required Materials: Drawing paper, pencils (various grades), erasers, rulers, and other drawing tools. Additional materials may be suggested as needed for specific assignments.
- Suggested Resources: Reference books on perspective drawing, anatomy, and light and shadow techniques.
Evaluation and Feedback
- Participation: Active engagement in studio sessions and discussions.
- Homework and In-Class Work: Consistent effort in refining and improving your work based on feedback.
- Final Project: A comprehensive evaluation of your final piece, assessing your mastery of the concepts and techniques covered in the course.
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Refund policy:
Due to limited seating, we request that you cancel at least 7 days before your scheduled cohort start date. Cancellations made less than 7 days in advance of the event date will receive a 50% refund.
Courses are subject to cancellation due to low enrollment. Full refunds will be given to all students in the event this occurs.
Location
Drawn Studio, 2523 S. Big Bend Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63143 (accessed from rear of building)