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

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

8001c | Basic Drawing

8002 | Drawing Beyond the Basics

This multi-level class is for beginners with some drawing background or for experienced student-artists who would like to refresh their drawing skills or learn about different drawing styles and materials. Students will move beyond using drawing merely to render objects accurately and will come to view drawing as a challenging vehicle for expression of both form and narrative. Bring a sketchbook or drawing pad (size 11 by 14 or 18 by 24-inches) and a selection of pencils and an eraser; additional materials will be discussed at the first class. Prerequisite: Basic Drawing or equivalent experience.

8009 | Oil Painting | NEW

Oil paints, known for their flexibility, slower drying and working time, opacity as well as transparency, and depth of color offers 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

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 in order to learn how to mix a variety of colors. Intermediate student 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

8011a | Watercolor Painting

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.

8011b | Watercolor Painting

8025 | The Figure in Drawing

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.

8087 | Landscape Painting | NEW

Working from photographs and plein air (outdoor) sketching, learn basic landscape principles. You can explore different grounds and water-based painting media as well as mixed media applications, and study stylistic examples of artists who have worked within these methods. Painting methods and various working approaches will be demonstrated and encouraged. Required materials will be discussed at the first class. Previous drawing or painting experience recommended, but not required.

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 Sept 20.

ON-8008 | Color Design & Theory | NEW Online

Color is an essential tool for the artists. Gain an understanding of how to use color and apply it effectively in all areas of art-from color mixing, color relationships, and color interaction. This exploration of color theory considers color as a descriptive and expressive element of art, emphasizing color perception and application, as well as how hue, value, and intensity can affect design and visual effects. Investigations of two-dimensional design problems and the formal, technical, creative, and psychological aspects of color usage will be introduced and emphasized. See SSA website for materials list. Registration closes Sept 20.

ON-8099 | Vizualized Narratives | NEW Online

Based on literary inspiration, whether from your own writing or that of other authors, work with pen & ink, collage, and watercolor learn the basics of illustrative drawing to elaborate text. Poems, short stories, quotes, family memories, personal journal reflections, and children's literature, are all potential sources. Book layout and design will be discussed and exercises in self-expression will be at the core of the class. Many examples of historical, as well as contemporary illustrators will be discussed. This course offers you the framework to get started with your goals in illustration. See SSA website for materials list. Registration closes Sep 20.

Drawing & Painting

Drawing & Painting Material List

Drawing & Painting Course Descriptions

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