Class Information

As your child will learn in the first session, everyone can learn to draw. My goal in this class is to help each child gain confidence in their ability and give them tools to help them progress beyond our sessions together. Just as learning to read takes time, so does drawing.

The way this class will be structured is that during class your child will learn some techniques and then do some drawing exercises or be starting an assignment. Then they'll have a take home assignment to do before the next meeting. Also they'll have a list of sketchbook assignments to pick from to complete between each class. I encourage them to draw daily. Just like any skill you want to develop, the more you practice, the quicker you advance.

There are two types of drawing, symbolic and representational. I will be teaching representational drawing which is realistic, drawing what you see. Symbolic drawing is the typical symbolic stick figure images that all kids create. It is the type children do naturally and they need time to develop this by themselves. It is important for self-expression and language development. It should not be compared to realistic drawing. Children learning to draw realistically are building perception, concentration, and problem-solving skills. They naturally stop symbolic drawing around 8 or 9 and want to draw realistically (representational).

A conflict occurs between their growing complex perceptions of the world around them and their art skills. Rarely do children learn to draw realistically on their own. Unless they learn before stopping the symbolic drawing stage, most assume they don't have the natural talent and stop drawing. But every child can learn! The dilemma is that previously stored knowledge (symbolic drawing), which is useful as a child, prevents their seeing the thing in front of their eyes. The majority of children need to be taught how to make the cognitive switch from drawing with their left brain (symbolic) to their right brain (representational). There are some who naturally make the switch and are labeled "artistic", BUT all children can learn the techniques and drawing tricks that artist's know.

The natural progression in art is to first learn to draw, then color and finally painting. Beginning Drawing I & II together is a complete beginning drawing course. Intro to Design I, will teach students various design topics to give the students an introduction to each area. The topics will include color theory, art history & graphic design.

Jonah - age 8

And finally, since God is the greatest Artist and Designer, I base my approach on the fact that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" and He created us to be creative and glorify Him.

References:
Drawing with Children
by Mona Brooks
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain
by Betty Edwards