In this Color Pencil class, students will learn a variety of fundamental techniques to bring their drawings to life using colored pencils. Our objective is to build confidence with the medium by mastering essential skills such as layering, blending, establishing values, and preserving highlights, while encouraging each student’s unique creativity. By the end of this class, students will be able to choose and mix colors, accurately render form through shading and highlights, and create dynamic compositions that showcase their individual style.
Week 1:
The first week focuses on familiarizing everyone with supplies and basic techniques. We’ll start by getting to know different colored pencils and complementary tools. The session will then dive into exercises that highlight proper layering, understanding values, practicing smooth blending, and preserving highlights. This foundational session sets the stage for more detailed projects in later weeks.
Week 2:
In the second session, students will work on coloring a vibrant leaf. This project helps them practice choosing the right color combinations and applying techniques learned in Week 1. Emphasis will be on layering and blending to create the intricate details of a leaf’s natural structure. Students will get hands-on guidance on how to build depth and texture in their artwork.
Week 3:
Week three introduces the concept of rendering three-dimensional forms using a subject like colorful apples. Here, the focus shifts to understanding how light interacts with curved surfaces. Students will learn to use highlights and shadows effectively to create the illusion of depth and volume, ensuring that their apple looks both realistic and lively.
Weeks 4 & 5:
In the final two weeks, students will take center stage by selecting their own subject. They will apply all the techniques they’ve learned in a self-directed project, with the instructor offering guided help and feedback along the way. This student-driven approach encourages creativity, personal expression, and the reinforcement of all key techniques covered throughout the course.