The Bargue drawing courses are based upon the 19th Century French Academic drawing course by Charles Bargue. French academies used these methods with a focus on shapes, form, line, and values. Students begin with graphite pencil on paper. This is sight·size learning is for the beginner to the advanced student to see more accurately and to practice this technique. The curriculum starts with simple projects and moves progressively onto harder, more complex work. Emphasis is on accuracy and training the eye not to be dependent on grids or tracing. This makes it possible to pursue drawing actively and freely in other areas like portraiture and landscape sketching. Students then move onto cast drawing (after the 4th Bargue) using the charcoal medium to draw a choice of dimensional casts. The basics of the “block in” will emphasize on accuracy of shape, proportion, and gesture. The modeling stage, in which the forms of the subject are conceived and rendered in an entirely 3-dimensional way is next. We will discuss the fundamentals of light and how it reacts with form and how to depict these events on a 2-dimensional surface. The goal is to complete the cast drawing with a strongly developed sense of depth and realism. These ongoing classes allow students to progress at their own pace in a supportive environment. The classes are offered in a 3 week (try it), 6 week, or 12 week (most value) sessions in the afternoons or evenings. Membership applies to all classes and workshops.

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In this portrait class, students will draw the portrait from a single pose for 6 weeks followed by another 6 weeks. The sessions will consist of developing a linear drawing with graphite on paper to establish an accurate likeness, proportions, and structure. The students will then begin modeling the form in a highly rational method, shape finding, anatomy of the skull, slowly developing each area based on an understanding of the effect of light on form. Individual student critiques will take place throughout each session. Beginning to advanced artists are welcome. Model fee extra.

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Learn the fundamentals of oil painting, starting from the very beginning. Through a series of lectures and class exercises you will learn how to depict light and shade through a value-scheme, how to create desired effects of color, as well as blending tricks to achieve a realistic sense of form. This is an excellent course for beginners looking to understand painting, both in concept and practice, and is the foundation for more complex oil paintings.  Teens welcome.

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This study will be on the traditional focus of building knowledge of the human anatomy. Bones, muscles, origins/insertions, functions, and other aspects of anatomy will be discussed.   The Anatomy Study will focus on parts of the anatomy with a live model, so students can apply the academic knowledge to an actual figure and relate the knowledge to the specific process of drawing. Sessions include lectures, male/female models Subjects include; Feb. 16; the torso, pelvis, March 2; legs and feet, April 13; shoulders, arms and hands, May (dates to be determined) shoulders, head/veins/hair.  Offered as 4 hours each Sat. Model fees included.

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This course will take students through the process of drawing the landscape, developing composition and values and transforming it to a finished painting. One can continue to simply draw in the class or move into oil painting. Students will work alongside the instructor as he explains techniques and materials throughout the creative process.

Class begins with thumbnail drawings from reference photos. Exploration of ideas begin and for those going onto painting, color studies are prepared. Transfer to panel, underpainting and color study demonstrations by instructor. Paul's glazing techniques will also be demonstrated. This class will also continue into the spring and possible plein air opportunities.

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This course will introduce the novice painter while still challenging the more experienced, to a step by step approach of establishing realist fur and feathers.

 Students will explore color theory, compositional structure and the use of various types of mediums to “thin out” the oil paint used for establishing layers of hair to create a realistic feel to wildlife painting.

 Course Objectives;

1.  Developing a strong drawing foundation and composition to transfer onto boards for their paintings.  

2.  Introduce students to the technique of building a painting by using layers of “thinned“oil paints to establish a pelt on an animal.

3.  Develop student’s confidence in painting an accurate portrayal of these wildlife animals in their natural habitats.

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This ongoing and very popular course will teach young people the fundamentals of drawing, composition and painting, how to mix and apply paint, and the use of a variety of art materials. Students may bring a project of their own on which to work. The ultimate goal of the Youth Program is to create a work of art that is satisfying
Class fee does not include materials.
Please email us for the materials list. info@wethersfieldarts.org

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Learn to create your own original Cartoon Character. Students will discover the different characteristics of drawing a dynamic character of your own. Starting by drawing their faces in a “cartoon style”, simplifying them into shapes and paying attention to depth while giving them a 3 dimensional look and drawing them from every imaginable angle. Once you have learned to render, you will be well on your way to creating your own dynamic cartoon character.
Class fee does not include materials.
Please email us for the materials list. info@wethersfieldarts.org

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