Drawing & Painting

At Southwest School of Art, we believe that no matter what their area of emphasis, every emerging artist needs a strong foundation in Drawing and Painting. It is a learned skill that relies heavily upon on hand-eye coordination and which is an ability that, in time, can be mastered by just about everyone. We build upon the basic foundation by further encouraging students to experiment with style, form, and structure.

Drawing & Painting Material List

Materials List

Classes not listed here will either have required materials in the class description, discuss needed materials during the first class, or the materials will be supplied.

Course details (meeting times, tuition, etc.) are listed below.

Summer 2022 Drawing & Painting Course Descriptions

These are the course descriptions only.

8000 | Introduction to Drawing | Beginning

Have you always wanted to draw? Get a step-by-step, hands-on guided tour of line drawing with charcoal and pencil-all supplies provided! Grasp an understanding of observational drawing, translating what the eye sees on to the page, as well as the design and composition principles that lie beneath all art: line, color, texture, and values. Let this non-judgmental introductory class be the steppingstone to future art classes. Includes materials; please bring a bag lunch.

8001a | Basic Drawing | Beginning

Drawing is a learned skill based on hand-eye coordination. Through free-hand drawing, you will develop skills to render three-dimensional objects-using drawing principles of line, shape, value, texture, perspective, and composition. Bring an 18 by 24-inch drawing pad, a selection of graphite pencils, and an eraser; additional materials will be discussed at the first class.

8001b | Basic Drawing | Beginning

8009 | Oil Painting | Intermediate

Oil paints-known for their flexibility, slower drying and working time, opacity as well as transparency, and depth of color-offer the painter a variety of application methods from thin glazes diluted with solvent built-up in layers to thick impasto painting. Investigate the materials and techniques of oil painting as you acquaint yourself with the medium. Emphasis on developing a personal style of painting, as well as working on composition and the principles for completing a well-executed painting will also be covered. Prior drawing and painting experience helpful. See SSA website for a list of materials.

8010a | Painting | All Levels

Painting is an ideal class for the beginning student who wants a structured approach to painting with acrylic paints. The class will cover color mixing, paint application, selection and use of brushes, and other painting tools, as well as painting composition. A limited color palette is encouraged to learn how to mix a variety of colors. Intermediate students may sign up and work with the instructor's guidance. *See SSA website for materials list. There are no prerequisites; however, Basic Drawing is recommended.

8010b | Painting | All Levels

8011 | Watercolor Painting | All Levels

This class is for both the first-time painter, as well as the student who would like to learn more about the various approaches to painting in this very direct medium. Demonstrations will be given on how to paint wet-on-wet washes, dry-on-wet washes, and with a dry brush. Color theory as it relates to watercolor will be discussed. Intermediate level students, while developing an independent vision, will learn ways to improve their painting skills through advanced demonstration, practice, and critique. See SSA website for materials list.

8014 | Landscapes: Working with Pastels | New | All Levels

Learn to bridge the gap between drawing and painting. Take advantage of working with a dry medium and using pastels like paint, experimenting with mixed media underpaintings, techniques, and surfaces. Students will create luminous colorful landscapes that demonstrate an understanding of color harmony, values, and depth of field. Class includes materials.

8025 | The Figure in Drawing | Intermediate

This course offers a combination of traditional and alternative approaches to the body in art. Students will explore various interpretations of the human form, from representation to abstraction. To develop their personal style, students will work from live models and personal images, using a variety of drawing materials, basic monochromatic water-based media, and various experimental techniques. Bring an 18 by 24-inch newsprint pad, a selection of pencils, and an eraser to the first class; additional materials will be discussed at that time. Model fees are included. Prerequisite: Previous drawing experience.

8080 | Cartooning, Comics, Caricature, and Anime | All Levels

Cartooning, or visual storytelling, is more than just an enjoyable indulgence of the imagination; it speaks to interests such as editorial illustration, children's book illustration, comic strips, comic books, and storyboarding. Its various forms combine caricature, figure drawing, and illustration through the medium of ink and watercolor on paper. Instruction will focus on character development, illusions of movement, sequential staging, setting management, inking, and coloring?all aimed towards the refinement of narratives and ideas. Bring a 9 by 12-inch sketchbook and a sharpened pencil to the first class.

8082 | Animation and Motion Graphics | New | All Levels

Animated digital graphic effects entertain us more than ever before with multiple outlets on television, the internet, and other digital services. Instruction will focus on the basics of how to use Adobe After Effects® software, as well as some Photoshop for pre-production. Character animation, transitions, masking, 3-D space, and other effects will be covered. Artists and cartoonists will be able to bring their illustrations to animated life! Prerequisite: Cartooning, Comics, Caricature, and Anime, Graphic Novel Design, or similar experience recommended; working knowledge of computers is essential. Students are recommended to have their own Adobe subscription if wanting to work off-campus; see materials list.

8099 | Sketch Journalism | All Levels

Learn the skill of quick gestural drawing for sketching on the go, whether for jotting down travel memories or ideas for later exploration. Quick gestural drawing and the use of perspective will be covered. Class will convene outdoors on SSA's grounds and the Riverwalk. A variety of media suitable for quick, on-the-go drawing will be explored from ink, markers, gouache, and watercolor pencils. See SSA website for materials list.

ON-8001 | Basic Drawing | Online | Beginning

Drawing is a learned skill based on hand-eye coordination. Through free-hand drawing, you students will develop how to render three-dimensional objects-using drawing principles of line, shape, value, texture, perspective, and composition. Live drawing sessions are complimented by assignments for practice outside of the class time. See SSA website for materials list.

ON-8013 | Wonders of Water Media | Online | All Levels

Dive into water-based media for use in daily sketching, direct painting, collage, and printmaking. Weekly demos range from wet-on-wet washes, wet-on-dry washes, use of various grounds, and ways to create glowing color using watercolor, gouache, and other mixed media approaches. Work from still-life's, the outdoors, photographs, and personal forms of self-expression. Perfect for beginners as well as experienced students. See SSA website for materials list.

Drawing & Painting

Drawing & Painting Material List

Summer 2022 Drawing & Painting Course Descriptions

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