Drawing General with Kelly Smith

This course will be the essential foundation that students can carry with them to move forward with confidence without stumbling blocks. All the skills necessary for observational drawing will be addressed. Measuring and how to use a stick and a proportional divider will be taught. Understanding the picture plane and how it relates to perspective will be a focus of the class. Different types of drawing - line versus mass drawing, direct drawing versus blocking in, and gesture will be explained. How to use the page and composition will be discussed as well as value scales, light and shade, and soft and hard edges. Foundational materials, charcoal, and its various forms, pencils, and value scale markers will be used and discussed in depth. We will work mainly from observation but the skills needed to grid from a photo reference will also be taught. The students will have an awareness and…