Natural Illustration: Bees and Wasps in Graphite

Sunday, May 6 / 10 am – 3 pm

In this intermediate to advanced class, students will learn the basics of natural illustration drawing with a focus on bee/wasp illustration using graphite pencils. Students will learn about bee/wasp anatomy, creating a final work illustrating the bee/wasp and two chosen details on the insect. Specimens of bee and wasps will be provided to draw from life, as well as photo reference materials. *Students should have some drawing experience and should be familiar with basic graphite pencil techniques. 

Instructor: Sophie Banspach
Ages: Adult (15+) / Intermediate or Advanced levels

Supply List:

  • Graphite Pencils 2H, HB, B, 2B, 4B (At least one of each)  
  • Pencil Sharpener
  • Kneaded Eraser, White Eraser 
  • Paper Blending Dowels (Various Sizes) 
  • 11 x 14” Bristol drawing paper pad. 2-ply or heavier, medium of vellum finish
  • Magnifying glass
  • Optional: Specimens or reference images from your own collection

Drawing Techniques: Line, Value and Composition

Thursdays, March 1 – 29 / 1 – 4 pm

Students will enjoy this five-week introductory level course designed to teach basic drawing techniques while focusing on line work, value scales and composition. This class is designed to provide a foundation for drawing, teaching students how to realistically draw objects within an environment. Each class will focus on different drawing techniques and strategies, beginning with value scale exercises and moving towards rendering and shading three dimensional objects in an engaging composition.

Instructor: Rachel Stiff
Ages: Adults (15+) / Beginners Welcome!

Required Supplies: 
• Charcoal Pencils or Sticks 2B-6B Soft & Medium, 1 White Charcoal Pencil 
• Graphite Pencils HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B 
• Pencil Sharpener 
• Kneaded Eraser, Pink Eraser 
• Paper Blending Dowels (Various Sizes) 
• 18 x 24″ Newsprint Pad 
• Heavyweight White Drawing Paper

Drawing Techniques: Line, Value and Composition

Thursdays, March 8 – 29 / 1 – 4 pm

Students will enjoy this introductory level course designed to teach basic drawing techniques while focusing on line work, value scales and composition. This class is designed to provide a foundation for drawing, teaching students how to realistically draw objects within an environment. Each class will focus on different drawing techniques and strategies, beginning with value scale exercises and moving towards rendering and shading three dimensional objects in an engaging composition.

Instructor: Rachel Stiff
Ages: Adults (15+) / Beginners Welcome!

Required Supplies: 
• Charcoal Pencils or Sticks 2B-6B Soft & Medium, 1 White Charcoal Pencil 
• Graphite Pencils HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B 
• Pencil Sharpener 
• Kneaded Eraser, Pink Eraser 
• Paper Blending Dowels (Various Sizes) 
• 18 x 24″ Newsprint Pad 
• Heavyweight White Drawing Paper

Drawing Techniques: Shape and Form

Tuesdays, April 17 – May 8 / 1 – 4 pm

Students enjoy this four-week course designed to teach basic drawing techniques with a specific emphasis on drawing shape and form. Students will improve their observational drawing skills by first working on rendering basic shapes, working later towards creating compositions on the page and realistically drawing more complex objects, forms and textures while referencing staged still life displays. This class is designed to provide a strong introductory foundation for beginning drawing students and a refresher for more advanced students.

Instructor: Rachel Stiff
Ages: Adult (15+) / Beginners Welcome!

Required Supplies:

  • Charcoal Pencils or Sticks 2B-6B Soft & Medium, 1 White Charcoal Pencil
  • Graphite Pencils HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B
  • Pencil Sharpener
  • Kneaded Eraser, Pink Eraser
  • Paper Blending Dowels (Various Sizes)
  • Newsprint Pad
  • Heavyweight White Drawing Paper
  • Optional: Drawing Board

Life Drawing: Open Studio

Thursdays, July 12 – August 2 / 1 – 4 pm

Improve your life drawing skills and explore a variety of media while working freely from a nude model in this popular open studio class. The instructor will be present to coordinate class and offer instruction upon request. Both male and female models will be posed and drawn.

Instructor: Jerry Stinson 
Ages: Adults (18+) / All Levels

The following are suggested basic supplies – all media are welcome, so please bring whatever supplies you need for whichever media you are using. 
– Drawing board – 20”x 26” or larger (light-weight masonite works best) 
– Newsprint pad – 18”x 24” – rough surface recommended 
– Bull dog clamps or similar to attach pad to board 
– Medium and Support Items: 
– Vine charcoal, thin and fat pieces
– Choice of conte crayon, 6B graphite pencil or sticks, china marker, compressed charcoal, carbon pencils, or any suitable medium for drawing on newsprint 
– Large kneaded eraser 
– Pink pearl eraser
– Portable pencil sharpener or utility knife (best for soft/medium pencils)
– Clean small rags 
– Sandpaper pad for sharpening drawing mediums 
– Stumps for blending (optional)

Life Drawing: Open Studio

Thursdays, June 7 – 28 / 1 – 4 pm

Improve your life drawing skills and explore a variety of media while working freely from a nude model in this popular open studio class. The instructor will be present to coordinate class and offer instruction upon request. Both male and female models will be posed and drawn.

Instructor: Jerry Stinson 
Ages: Adults (18+) / All Levels

The following are suggested basic supplies – all media are welcome, so please bring whatever supplies you need for whichever media you are using. 
– Drawing board – 20”x 26” or larger (light-weight masonite works best) 
– Newsprint pad – 18”x 24” – rough surface recommended 
– Bull dog clamps or similar to attach pad to board 
– Medium and Support Items: 
– Vine charcoal, thin and fat pieces
– Choice of conte crayon, 6B graphite pencil or sticks, china marker, compressed charcoal, carbon pencils, or any suitable medium for drawing on newsprint 
– Large kneaded eraser 
– Pink pearl eraser
– Portable pencil sharpener or utility knife (best for soft/medium pencils)
– Clean small rags 
– Sandpaper pad for sharpening drawing mediums 
– Stumps for blending (optional)

Life Drawing: Open Studio

Thursdays, May 3 – 24 / 1 – 4 pm

Improve your life drawing skills and explore a variety of media while working freely from a nude model in this popular open studio class. The instructor will be present to coordinate class and offer instruction upon request. Both male and female models will be posed and drawn.

Instructor: Jerry Stinson 
Ages: Adults (18+) / All Levels

The following are suggested basic supplies – all media are welcome, so please bring whatever supplies you need for whichever media you are using. 
– Drawing board – 20”x 26” or larger (light-weight masonite works best) 
– Newsprint pad – 18”x 24” – rough surface recommended 
– Bull dog clamps or similar to attach pad to board 
– Medium and Support Items: 
– Vine charcoal, thin and fat pieces
– Choice of conte crayon, 6B graphite pencil or sticks, china marker, compressed charcoal, carbon pencils, or any suitable medium for drawing on newsprint 
– Large kneaded eraser 
– Pink pearl eraser
– Portable pencil sharpener or utility knife (best for soft/medium pencils)
– Clean small rags 
– Sandpaper pad for sharpening drawing mediums 
– Stumps for blending (optional)

Life Drawing: Open Studio

Thursdays, April 5 – 26 / 1 – 4 pm

Improve your life drawing skills and explore a variety of media while working freely from a nude model in this popular open studio class. The instructor will be present to coordinate class and offer instruction upon request. Both male and female models will be posed and drawn.

Instructor: Jerry Stinson 
Ages: Adults (18+) / All Levels

The following are suggested basic supplies – all media are welcome, so please bring whatever supplies you need for whichever media you are using. 
– Drawing board – 20”x 26” or larger (light-weight masonite works best) 
– Newsprint pad – 18”x 24” – rough surface recommended 
– Bull dog clamps or similar to attach pad to board 
– Medium and Support Items: 
– Vine charcoal, thin and fat pieces
– Choice of conte crayon, 6B graphite pencil or sticks, china marker, compressed charcoal, carbon pencils, or any suitable medium for drawing on newsprint 
– Large kneaded eraser 
– Pink pearl eraser
– Portable pencil sharpener or utility knife (best for soft/medium pencils)
– Clean small rags 
– Sandpaper pad for sharpening drawing mediums 
– Stumps for blending (optional)

Life Drawing: Open Studio

Wednesdays, July 11 – August 1 / 6 – 9 pm

Improve your life drawing skills and explore a variety of media while working freely from a nude model in this popular open studio class. The instructor will be present to coordinate class and offer instruction upon request. Both male and female models will be posed and drawn.

Instructor: Jerry Stinson 
Ages: Adults (18+) / All Levels

The following are suggested basic supplies – all media are welcome, so please bring whatever supplies you need for whichever media you are using. 
– Drawing board – 20”x 26” or larger (light-weight masonite works best) 
– Newsprint pad – 18”x 24” – rough surface recommended 
– Bull dog clamps or similar to attach pad to board 
– Medium and Support Items: 
– Vine charcoal, thin and fat pieces
– Choice of conte crayon, 6B graphite pencil or sticks, china marker, compressed charcoal, carbon pencils, or any suitable medium for drawing on newsprint 
– Large kneaded eraser 
– Pink pearl eraser
– Portable pencil sharpener or utility knife (best for soft/medium pencils)
– Clean small rags 
– Sandpaper pad for sharpening drawing mediums 
– Stumps for blending (optional)

Portrait Drawing: Open Studio

Tuesdays, July 10 – 31 / 1 – 4 pm

Improve your portrait drawing skills and explore a variety of media in this fun and encouraging open studio class. The instructor will be present to coordinate class and offer individualized instruction upon request. Weekly brief demonstrations will encourage individuals to work through drawing challenges and explore media of choice in this open studio format class.   Both male and female clothed models will be posed and drawn in this four-session class.

Instructor: Jerry Stinson
Ages: Adults (15+) / All Levels

Suggested Supplies: The following are suggested basic supplies – all media are welcome, so please bring whatever supplies you need for whichever media you are using.

– Drawing board – 20”x 26” or larger (light-weight masonite works best)
– Newsprint pad – 18”x 24” – rough surface recommended
– Bull dog clamps or similar to attach pad to board
– Medium and Support Items: Vine charcoal, thin and fat pieces, choice of conte crayon, 6B graphite pencil or sticks, china marker, compressed charcoal, carbon pencils, or any suitable medium for drawing on newsprint
– Large kneaded eraser
– Pink pearl eraser
– Portable pencil sharpener or utility knife (best for soft/medium pencils)
– Clean small rags
– Sandpaper pad for sharpening drawing mediums