Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

Description

I have taught adult beginners’ drawing classes for the last three years, and then….COVID.   I am now offering an online version of my “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” Adult Beginners`Drawing Bootcamp!

There are two options.  If you’re looking for social connection and a schedule that keeps you accountable, the Small Group class will meet once a week over Zoom.  If you are looking to go more low-tech, try the Self-Paced class. 

Either way, you will receive access to instructional videos, printable worksheets, and lots of instructor feedback through email, phone or video calls.

What makes this class different?   

I have combined the best of drawing exercises from the classic “Drawing on the Right Side of The Brain” book, with my own favourites pulled from fifteen years as an art teacher. For the more challenging activities in the book, I have created ‘stepping stone’ activities that build up students`skills and confidence.  Throughout the class, I guide students through common drawing problems, explain the reasons why every beginner runs into the same problems, and teach techniques to help students truly `draw what they see`.

Expect to reflect!

This is a class for people who like to think about their learning and their process.  I am full of fascinating tidbits about the history of drawing, about how artists work, and about how drawing skills develop from infancy to adulthood.  We talk about how visual signals are processed by the brain, and how humans`amazing capacity for language might actually impede observational drawing.

Structure of the class:

GROUP CLASS.

The online portion of the class will be about 2 hours a week. After about 45 minutes of lecture and discussion, there will be a chance to draw together on the weekly exercise.  Students are welcome to turn their cameras off or on while they work.  I will be there to answer questions, and there can be some friendly chatter.  At the end, students are invited to reconvene onscreen to share their reflections on their process and say goodbye to the group.

 Additionally, there will be projects to complete on your own, about one hour a week.   Don’t worry- they come with clear instructions, often with printed worksheets, and online-videos.  I will be available during ‘office hour’ times for clarification and support.  There are also optional extension exercises for those who want to go further with their drawing practice between classes.  

SELF-PACED

All the materials and lessons from the class, at your speed.  You will receive an invitation to join our Google Classroom, which has written instructions for all assignments, printable files and links to videos.  The exercises are designed with a warm-up, a main exercise and a take-it-further extension.  There is a suggested schedule, but you are free to do the exercises in any order that you wish.  As you complete each exercise, email it to me for feedback.  You also have up to three hours of one-on-one instructional time that you may use for weekly check-ins or longer tutorials.

Tech requirements:  

If you are doing the Self-Paced class, all you need is a computer that can access the internet and a way to scan or photograph your drawings, which you will then email or text to me.  We can discuss your progress over the phone, or video call (see below.)

If you are doing the Group class, you will need all of the above, plus a device with a webcam and microphone for the weekly Zoom.

What the Class Covers

In moving the in-person class to online, I’ve slowed down the pace, added more exercises, more content and more chances to revisit previous techniques.

The Beginners Class (six weeks) begins on Jan 31st, and covers contour lines, negative space, proportions, and markmaking!  There is a focus on drawing from photos and from artwork.  Absolutely foundational stuff for a beginner.  

Special Instructions

Online class.  Group class meets Sundays through Zoom.

You may also work through the assignments on your own, and receive instructor feedback through email and phone.  Lower class fee, please email for more info.

Prerequisites

None!  Beginners welcome!  

Registration Details

Email jacquie@jacquiedraws.com to register or for more info.

Suppy List

Basic drawing supplies: 2B pencil, white eraser, kneaded eraser, fine tip marker.

Workbook and specialty supplies provided (local pickup in Vancouver, or mailed to you, you pay shipping)