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.

Drawing & Painting Course Descriptions

These are the course descriptions only.

8001a | Basic Drawing | Studio

Drawing is a learned skill based on hand-eye coordination. Through free-hand drawing, you will develop how 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 | Studio

8010a | Basic Painting | Studio

Basic Painting is an ideal class for the beginning student who wants a structured approach to painting with acrylics or for the intermediate student who wants one-on-one instruction. 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 in order to learn how to mix a variety of colors. Section A will focus on acrylics and Section B will focus on oils. *See SSA website for materials list. There are no prerequisites; however, Basic Drawing is recommended.

8010b | Basic Painting | Studio

8011 | Watercolor Painting | Studio

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. A materials list will be provided at the first class.

8025 | The Figure In Drawing | Studio

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.

8027 | Experimental Drawing | Studio

Wheeler will draw upon ideas and techniques born in his own studio practice to lead the students through a series of projects designed to look past the artistic ego and get to a place of real artistic experimentation and discovery. This fun yet intense class is designed to lead you to fresh artistic avenues through face-paced collaborative artistic experimentation employing a wide variety of medias, techniques, and approaches. Students will also experiment with water-based painting media and mixed media applications. Previous drawing or painting experience recommended, but not required. *See materials list.

8080 | Cartooning, Comics, Caricature | Studio

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.

ON-8001 | Basic Drawing | Online

Drawing is a learned skill based on hand-eye coordination. Through free-hand drawing, you 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. Registration closes May 31.

ON-8013 | Wonders of Water Media | Online

Dive into water-based media for use in daily sketching, direct painting, collage, and printmaking. Weekly demos range from wet-into-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. Registration closes May 31.

ON-8018 | Mixed Media Drawing | Online

Mixed Media drawing is an exciting way to explore the expressive drawing qualities of dry and water-based media. In this course we will discover the interactive dialogue that using a multitude of art mediums can create. Build your studio inventory while developing a variety of drawing skills. See SSA website for materials list. No class June 21. Registration closes May 31.

ON-8081 | Graphic Novel Design | Online

Have a story idea you want to develop graphically? This class gives students experience in pre- and post-production processes to turn drawings into an illustrated graphic novel ready for print and internet. Learn the creative process-from the brainstorming phase, scriptwriting, storyboard layout, to final black and white ink drawings. Gain an understanding of how to use Adobe Photoshop to digitally scan, refine, color, and letter storyboard drawings for print and digital media. Students must have a computer with an Adobe Photoshop software subscription; see SSA website for details and materials Registration closes May 31.

ON-8099 | Sketch Journalism | Online

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. A variety of media suitable for quick on-the-go drawing will be explored from ink, markers, gouche, and watercolor pencils. See SSA website for materials list. Registration closes May 31.

Drawing & Painting

Drawing & Painting Material List

Drawing & Painting Course Descriptions

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