· Students will learn to draw favorite animals, people, and objects using different mediums.

· More advanced students will draw from three dimensional objects, illustrations, portraits, etc.

· Introduced to a new subject matter and exercises each week.

· Exposed to art history and styles such as realism, abstract, impressionism, classical, fauvism, etc.

· Instructed in color theory, perspective and composition.

· Classical music is played during class.

Below please find samples of the lessons and check back weekly as I often update the site and add the latest art works from my students.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

James McNeill Whistler and the Peacock Room




In this lesson I will discuss the 19th century artist James McNeill Whistler and talk about the "Peacock Room" which is now in the Free Gallery. After viewing images of Whistler decorative paintings of these magnificent birds the student will draw and color a beautiful peacock.
Above drawings are done by students age 6, 7 and 9.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Maynard Dixon's landscapes and One Point Prospective



In this lesson we will first have a short discussion and hands on practice on cool and warm colors and how important it is to know the subtle differences when painting a landscape. I will then introduce one point prospective. A road to the horizon line. I will discuss the american artist Maynard Dixon and show numerous images of his work. I will demonstrate how to draw clouds. No more cotton balls in the skies! They will learn about foreground, middle ground and distant ground and the importance of using color and value to create the illusion of distance.
Above drawings are done by students ages 6 and 9.

Figure in Motion








In this lesson I will teach the students how to draw realistic people and how easy it is. No more stick figures! I want ovals on necks and not circles on shoulders! I will demonstrate the proportions of the human body and head. The students will draw a running figure and use their imagination for the background. Beach, grass field, running after a soccer ball, etc.
Above drawings are done by students age 6 and 9.

Jacques-Laurent Agasse and the Nubian Giraffe






The students will be introduced to Jacques Laurent Agasse one of the most celebrated animal painters at the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century. Hie famous painting of the Nubian Giraffe that was give to Geroge IV is the focus of the lessons and the subject of our drawing.
I will discuss the different species of giraffes and their habitat and instruct the student how to draw a giraffe on the savannah. . I will demonstrate how to draw trees by using as an example the umbrella thorn acacia and also demonstrate how to draw realistic grass.
Above drawings are done by 6 to 9 year old students.

Llama in the Andes






In this lesson the students will learn to draw a llama. I will discuss the environment they live in and the importance llamas have to the local economy. I will show images of the landscape llamas live in. The kids love to draw the high peaks of the Andes.
Above drawings are done by students age 6 to 9.

Color Abstract








In this lesson I will introduce color mixing. The students will use tempera colors and create a color wheel using only the primary colors. They then create an abstract design and use colors they create to fill the spaces. They absolutely love this exercise!
Above drawings are done by students age 6 to 10.

Mustang Horse





This lesson is one of my favorites as I have a passion for horses and drew them since I was a child. I will discuss the Mustang horse, feral and not wild. They students will learn about the history and how important the horse was to this country's progress. I will show them numerous images of their habitat as well as different coats the horses have.
The drawing is very challenging but perfect at this stage of their progress. I will discuss again arial prospective and the importance of value in creating the illusion of distance.
The above drawings were done by students age 5 to 10.

African Elephant




In this lesson we will learn to draw an Elephant. I will discuss the differences between the African and Asian Elephants and show them numerous images of the African landscape.
After the students draw the elephant I will briefly discuss arial prospective and demonstrate how to correctly draw trees.
Above drawing are from students age 5 to 8.

The Coral Reef







In this lesson the students will learn about the rich life found on the coral reef. I will discuss the importance of the reef and have real samples of coral to show them.
The drawing focus is the Moorish Idols, after we draw a couple they will then fill the page with other elements found on the reef.
Above drawings were done by 5 to 9 year old students.

Henri Rousseau and the Toucan




In this lesson we learn to draw a Toucan. I will first start by talking about the rain forest and all the diverse animals and plants that live there. I will show the students many images to help spark their imagination.
Our focus will be the toucan and once they have drawn it then they can choose what other animals and plants they like to add to their composition.
Coloring as always is left to their imagination.
The above drawings were done in class by 7 and 9 year old children.

Lion





In this first class I will introduce the 5 basic elements of shape and after some warm up exercise the students will draw a lion. Once drawn they will use their imagination in choosing color and any other elements of design they like to add. During class I will discuss the lion, the habitat it lives in and show numerous images.
Above are some drawings from my students. The first one was done by a 6 year old, second by a 8 years old, third is by a 6 year old and last one at the bottom is by a 10 year old. There are just wonderful!