Classes 2020


I teach classes in Colored Pencil, Drawing, Color Layering, Botanical Art and Illustration and more.

The pandemic has postponed most of my classes until 2021. Stay tuned!

BASICS BOOTCAMPS : 2020
Drawing workshops with
Susan Rubin & Marjorie Leggitt

Beyond the Basics: Cabinet of Curiosities
Wednesday -Thursday, January 22-23
Time: 9:00 am-2:30pm
Location: Denver

It’s time for an art adventure! Expand your drawing skills to include hyper-realism, trompe l’oeil, and organic composition, all as you work in graphite on a single 10” X 10” square. We’ll start by drawing a small, unusual object and create a composition, gradually adding surprise objects as we go. Learn how to adjust shading and shadows as objects interact with each other, add strong contrast and refine perspective to make objects appear to be 3-D. Draw small textured ‘extras’ that fool the eye. Learn how to manage a balanced composition at the same time. Sound like jumping off the high-dive? Two days and two instructors will help meet the challenge!
Note: This class is tailored for students who have completed Drawing Challenges. Experienced artists are welcome. Contact us for more information
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Back to Basics: Drawing with Confidence
Monday- Thursday, February 24-27
9:00 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Denver

This fun workshop returns to the basics of Line, Shading, Perspective, and Composition to bolster your drawing skills and boost your confidence. Susan and Marjorie will guide you through steps to better drawing. Understand how to "see like an artist" and activate your artistic intuition. Revisit the principles of light, form, and depth to flesh out compositions. Practice perspective to accurately portray physical and atmospheric depth. Develop composition strategies to create dynamic artwork. We'll challenge and delight you with subjects large and small, indoors and out. Instruction, exercises, practice, and individual guidance will assure that in just four days you'll firm up those shaky skills and draw anything better and faster.
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Beyond the Basics: Finding Focus
POSTPONED
Thursday-Friday, March 26-27
9:00 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Denver

Back to Basics builds confidence and skills - now reach for the next level in Beyond the Basics: Finding Focus!  Expand your understanding of composition, perspective and shading with specific techniques and intriguing subject matter. Start with conscious planning to develop a completed piece, learning essential steps along the way. Two instructors and two full days of instruction and practice will hone your eye for accurate drawing and balanced composition. Beyond the Basics will expand your artistic toolbox and enhance all of your work going forward.
NOTE: Though this workshop is tailored to students who have completed Back to Basics, experienced artists are welcome. Contact us for more information.
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Beyond the Basics: Into Color
POSTPONED
Thursday-Friday, June 11-12
9:00 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Denver

Drawing in graphite but dreaming in color?  Take two instructors and two days to accelerate your color acumen.  Before you jump into full color, learn to see in monochromatic values and trick your brain into perceiving varied hues from just one color. Now think in pairs.  We’ll access one warm and one cool color to explore the power of color mixing and temperature as we model light on form with simple subjects. By day's end on Friday you'll not only be amazed by how you look at color differently, you will create a finished piece to be proud of!
NOTE: Though this workshop is tailored to students who have completed Back to Basics and Finding Focus, experienced artists are welcome. Contact us for more information.
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Beyond the Basics: Face It (Portraits)
POSTPONED
Thursday-Friday, July 30-31
9:00 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Denver

Drawing people is a challenge! Start with some basic proportional cues that will help you to site the shape of a head and plot features on the face. Apply drawing skills you already know to capture and accurate profile. Step-by-step, we;ll work in graphite to build faces from shape and line ab=nd apply principles of light on form to flesh out a portrait from a few lines. Enjoy this fun challenge as you take your drawing in a fresh new direction!
NOTE: Though this workshop is tailored to students who have completed Back to Basics and Finding Focus, experienced artists are welcome. Contact us for more information.
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Beyond the Basics: Drawing Challenges
POSTPONED
Thursday-Friday, November 12-13
9:00 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Denver

Let's draw the tough stuff! After all this practice, there are still subjects that stump you. From transparency to translucency, folds to crinkles, spikes to soft and more we'll meet drawing dificulties head on. Two instructors and two full days will help to unravel the mysteries of texture and shadow on almost any subject. Working in graphite, you'll elevate your drawings from good to great woth a new arsenal of tips and tricks for your drawing toolbox.
NOTE: Though this workshop is tailored to students who have completed Back to Basics and Finding Focus, experienced artists are welcome. Contact us for more information.

.: COMING SOON :.
Beyond the Basics on the Road in OCTOBER 2020
We're planning a trip filled with culture and drawing.
Stay tuned!
POSTPONED
Colored Pencil Essentials
AND
Start Up Library: Colored Pencil

Back online September 1 at Craftsy.com

ALWAYS AVAILABLE!
On line.
Any time.
Your pace.

Learn the basics of colored pencil &
how to mix color like a painter.

Join over 20,000 people worldwide
 in my Craftsy/Bluprint classes!
Picture
Susan Rubin in Back to Basics
Picture
Marjorie Leggitt in Back to Basics