Drawing Basics

Develop a strong foundation in drawing, enabling you to observe the world around you with a new artistic perspective and bring your creative visions to life. In this four-week course, you’ll explore light, form, perspective, and how to use different pencil marks to create realistic compositions. 

The course begins by getting you set up: learning how to differentiate between various drawing materials, set up your drawing space with the right lighting and positioning, and ensure that your space is conducive to the art-making process. 

Your first creative endeavor will be mastering the art of mark-making with your pencils and erasers. You’ll discover how to translate the interplay of light and shadow purposefully into your compositions. The course then explores perspective drawing, starting with one-point perspective and progressing to two and three-point perspectives. 

With your newfound skills, you’ll construct a still life that tells the story of who you are. Armed with a viewfinder and a sighting stick, you'll map out your composition with precision and intention. The techniques you’ve learned will guide your compositional choices, ensuring that your final drawing captures attention and engages viewers.

What you will learn:

✔ Set up a drawing space with suitable lighting, positioning, and drawing materials       
✔ Create a wide variety of marks and effects using pencils and erasers       
✔ Apply the principles of one, two, and three-point perspective drawing       
✔ Use rulers and guidelines to produce accurate and convincing perspective drawings     
✔ Create drawings that tell stories and make meaningful artistic choices

Join us and learn how to draw online!

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What you need to participate:

• Computer or mobile device with Internet. Internet speed must be at least 1.5Mbps download and 800Kbps upload. For students using a mobile device, download the Canvas mobile app and select “Interlochen Online” as your school.
• Pack of 6 drawing pencils 
• 14 x 17 inch drawing paper 
• Kneaded and gum eraser
• Paper clips
• Poster board or cardboard
• Scissors
• Blue tape
• Studio light
• A pack of kabob skewers
• A cork backed ruler at least 24 inches long
   

How the course works:

Interlochen Online courses are designed to be inspiring and flexible with weekly learning units that combine video segments and guided instruction that you can complete on your own schedule during the week. You will interact regularly with your teacher and peers inside the learning environment. 

You can also participate in an optional weekly hour-long video class meeting, where you can learn from the teacher and interact with your classmates in real-time. At the beginning of the course, you will complete a survey indicating your preferred times for the class meeting. The teacher will make every best effort to identify a meeting time that works for everyone. The teacher will also post recordings of the meetings and you can view them when it is convenient. 

The goal is that you walk away not only with practical skills and friendships but that you are inspired and motivated to pursue your art and realize your potential.