An 8 Week Intensive for Teens Covering Diverse Topics

Teens are ready for the same challenges as adult students, but often have differing interests and future college aspirations. This class was designed for those interested in drawing people, animals, building their own characters or environments, and making things look real. We also include drawing from life in charcoal, a staple in college portfolios.

Work will be done from photos, from life, and from imagination. We'll use graphite and black and white charcoal. All materials are included with the course fee.

Learn to See Abstract Shapes

Realistic drawing skills begin with the ability to break down complex forms into simple, understandable shapes. If you can see the simple abstract forms, you can more easily sketch those shapes accurately.

1 and 2 Point Perspective

If you want the freedom to invent your own worlds or change what you see to suit your own ideas, linear perspective is a must! You'll learn the basics of 1 and 2 point perspective, and perhaps 3 point depending on class interest and time. This will serve as the basis for working on 3D forms and lighting.

Build a 3D Model in Your Mind

Don't rely on AI to do the thinking for you! Now that you know perspective and a how to simplify complex shapes, you can learn to envision and shade basic solids. Once you can sketch them and move them into different positions in your imagination, you'll have the skills to do this with any object.

The Key to Making Realistic Drawings...

is following Light Logic! Even if your structure and proportion are correct, your eye will not be fooled unless your shading and values are correct. In this class you'll learn the rules of light logic and how to apply them whether working from your imagination or from observation.

Learn Classical Measuring Techniques

For centuries artists have used all kinds of methods for achieving proportion. You'll learn several in this class, including a method of measuring that is guaranteed to give you accuracy. This is a great method of you're into portraits especially!

Employ Methods Especially Suited to Working from Life 

Translating something you see in front of you is a completely different challenge than copying a photo, and art schools often want to see how you approach life drawing in portfolios. The last classes will be devoted to direct observation, including how to get proportion and shading when working from life.

Class Location & Details

Studio address:
School of Realist Art
7800 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite #17
Overland Park, KS 66202

*Important: The studio entrance is on the back side of the building. Parking is also available in the back, accessible from Robinson St.

Arrive 10 minutes early to grab an easel and get situated. All materials are included with in-studio tuition, but you're welcome to bring your favorite supplies or props if you wish.