Here is a link to a website where you can download, print and assemble 3D forms out of paper. One of the best ways to improve your drawing skills is from direct observation and continuous practice. Practice by arranging a variety forms together in different combinations and try drawing multiple iterations. Challenge yourself by changing the viewpoint and looking at the forms from different angles. 

Join me on Friday 10/9 at 5pm MST for a relaxing and therapeutic class on mindful art-making. We will talk about different strategies for creating mindful art and using art-making as a form of   Generally I think this class really caters to using a fluid art medium, such as watercolor or India ink but any type of medium or materials can work. I like to have watercolor on hand along with some Micron pens. Get ready to create by setting up a work space, gathering your materials and supplies, setting out paper (watercolor, bristol, cardstock, etc) and having an open mind! 

Join me on Saturday 10/10 at 11am MST for a relaxing class on painting this landscape in watercolor.  If you don't have watercolor you could use gouache or acrylic as well. You'll need some watercolor paper, a cup of water, paper towel and some paint brushes. If you have masking fluid (frisket) you could use that as well for blocking out your white, but it's not required. I hope to see you there! 

I put together a short video on exploring light and shadow with forms. This is especially important when you are drawing my life and using your own light source and objects (forms). It can also help us when we are using our imagination and essentially "making up" the light source. This video will give us things to consider for where we choose to place our light source. I encourage you to try this exercise at home! 

Join me on Tuesday, 10/6/2020 at 5pm MST for a class that will show you how to draw the 4 basic forms in charcoal. At minimum you'll want some charcoal (vine or compressed), an eraser and some paper. You can full this post here for a full list of recommended charcoal supplies. You don't need a reference photo for this class, as we will discuss choosing our own light sources.

On October 20, 2020 at 5pm we will be welcoming Bruce Cody to engage our club in an exciting live event! Bruce has extensive experience as both an art teacher and an artist, specifically his oil paintings.  You can visit Bruce's website here to learn more about him and view more of his paintings.  You can sign up for this event now under "Upcoming Events." If you are unable to attend the live event you will be able to view the recorder version on demand. I hope to see you there! 

What supplies do you need to draw with charcoal? Simply put, you really only need charcoal and paper but I thought I would put together a list of the supplies I like to use. I recommend having vine charcoal and compressed charcoal (pencils or sticks). Blending stumps and paper towel or tissue.  For erasers I like having a kneaded eraser, an eraser pencil (for details) and a gum or white eraser for larger areas. For paper, you can use bristol, watercolor, drawing paper or pastel paper. What other supplies do you like to use when working with charcoal?