Draw the Line

Strengthen your drawing skills through a classical approach using a step-by-step method. 

This four-week course is for absolute beginners and intermediate students. It covers all the basics of drawing through demonstrations, drawing time and individual critique. The instructor will focus on the fundamentals of proportion, gesture, abstract shapes, value, and rendering form or shading. No experience necessary.

The class will discuss and experiment with different materials. Students will also study master drawings to understand the techniques and processes employed in successful drawings.

Students will be able to express their ideas and creativity through the basic marks in sketching and drawing: point, line, shape, value, space, texture, size, direction, and form. In addition, they will experiment with the ideas of unity, contrast, dominance, repetition, harmony, balance, and gradation. 

Subjects will include still life, portraits, and interiors. The instructor will give each students one-on-one attention. The class will end with a critique, during which students will evaluate and respond to their own work and that of their peers.

Upon completing the course, students will be able to:

• Develop a full range of drawing skills and mark-making vocabulary. 
• Apply accurate perceptual drawing techniques. 
• Apply 2D thinking to the 3D world and photographic reference material. 
• Make informed decisions about drawing tools and materials.
• Develop a more critical eye for art in general.

Class Breakdown: 

Class 1

Basics, materials review, measuring and seeing, proportions, relationships, plumb lines, shapes, line weight, straights and curves, blind contour drawing

Class 2

Positive negative shapes, gesture drawing, contour and cross contour, notan, bubble drawings

Class 3

Value, tone, hatching, cross hatching, soft, hard, lost, and firm edges, form and cast shadows

Class 4

The grid, composition, enlarging an image, 1 and 2 point perspective, eclipses, foreshortening 

Materials are not included.

About the instructor:

Will McGaul is a working artist in Miami and has been a professional art instructor since 2011. He prefers a semi-academic approach to teaching in order to provide proven art fundamentals for the student. Will is passionate about sharing his knowledge of drawing and painting in his classes to help simplify the process, encourage improvement and make it fun.

McGaul has exhibited in California and Florida and is a member of the Gold Coast Watercolor Society.