The Art of Starting with Debra Baldinger: Intro to Drawing with Graphite and Colored Pencils - A Study of Value

Session 1: Explore the art of light and shadow in this foundational session. Learn techniques to identify light sources, create smooth gradients, and build depth using value scales. By mastering shading, you'll bring a dynamic, three-dimensional quality to your drawings.

Embark on a creative journey with our 6-month drawing series, "The Art of Starting: Intro to Drawing." Designed for both beginners and intermediate artists, this program is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their drawing skills, explore new techniques, and build a strong artistic foundation. Drawing is essential to all art forms and is a prerequisite for painting. While attending all six classes is encouraged to fully experience the course, missing one or two sessions won’t significantly impact your progress. Each class is structured to teach a unique aspect of drawing, allowing you to benefit from the sessions you can attend.

In this essential introductory session, you'll uncover the transformative power of light and shadow in your drawings. Learn how to observe and identify light sources and their interaction with objects, a crucial skill for creating realistic and impactful artwork. You'll explore techniques to render smooth gradients and transitions between light and dark areas, helping you to add volume and dimension to your work.

The session will also introduce the concept of value scales, a fundamental tool to understand and apply a full range of light to dark tones effectively. Through hands-on practice, you'll discover how shading can create form and mood, turning flat shapes into dynamic, three-dimensional forms.

By mastering shading techniques, such as cross-hatching, stippling, and blending, you'll gain the confidence to tackle more complex subjects with dramatic depth and realism. This session sets the stage for all future drawing explorations, providing a strong foundation to elevate your skills.

In addition to mastering the essentials of graphite drawing, this class now includes an introduction to colored pencils! Learn how to build rich layers of color, create depth, and bring your drawings to life. Perfect for those looking to expand their skill set and explore new ways to express their creativity.

Who Should Join:

This series is ideal for beginners starting their artistic journey and intermediate artists looking to refine their techniques or fill in gaps in their knowledge.

Supply List

•  Strathmore 300 Series Smooth Bristol Pad, 9 x 12 Inches

•  Blu Tack Mastic Adhesive Putty

•  Pentel Hi-Polymer Block Eraser

•  Staedtler Mars® Lumograph® 100 Drawing Pencils

        6B, 4B, 3B, 2B, B, H, 2H, 4H, 8H

•  Handheld Pencil Sharpener

• 24 pack artist grade color pencils (i.e. prismacolor, cretacolor, etc.)

   

OPTIONAL:

• Mechanical Pencils with various lead sizes listed.

🎨All supplies are available for purchase at Ethotera Art Studio.