Fun, affordable classes in the arts, offered through one of Seattle's most respected noncredit schools. For a full list of Seattle acting classes, writing classes, art classes, film classes and more, visit http://www.classesandworkshops.com
Figure Drawing for beginners Sponsored by: ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College Spring Quarter Dates: Saturdays, 7/11-8/1 ((four meetings) 1:15 pm-3 pm Where: University of Washington campus in Seattle Nils Osmar, instructor Course fee: $99
Anyone can learn how to draw people! In this class you'll learn how to draw the human figure, using an easy step-by-step method. We'll start by sketching some figures based on simple, underlying shapes, then add in the details. You'll learn about proportions and foreshortening, motion and action and how to use shading to make the figure look real and three-dimensional. Plus, an easy method of drawing clothing on the finished figure. No need to buy or bring any art materials; they're all provided.
To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.
(I liked) the instructor's ability to simplify the important concepts necessary to draw the human figure including foreshortening. (comment submitted online) Instructors attitude toward students, their objectives and their out put was positive and affirming....encouraging and accepting (comment submitted online) This was my first figure drawing class, I had no idea what to expect when I walked in the door. I felt comfortable at all times and I enjoyed the different skill levels in the class. I loved the teacher and overall I learned a great deal and had fun in the class. I would for sure recommend it to a friend! (comment submitted online) I liked learning techniques. Nils simplified the process so that drawing the figure is not so daunting to me any more. Great class! (comment submitted online) It was great, exactly what I was hoping for. I improved a lot and I understand the figure better now. - M.L., Seattle Thanks for the extra help with hands and feet. The class was excellent and I'll be back for some more in the future. - S.F., Seattle At LAST I understand about proportions!!!!! Thank you for explaining the difference between the three types. And it was nice having all the materials provided. - S.L., Seattle What I liked: the handouts, the lectures, the step by step stuff, the instructor's knowledge and organized approach. Disliked: no latte stand in the building! Okay, okay, I'll bring my own next time :) --O.E., Bellevue This was a great class for me. It went at an easy pace, but covered more than most figure drawing classes cover in a year. My wife mentioned the improvement in my drawings. - R.G., Seattle Nils is well organized and presents the information stap by step so that everyone can keep up. There was a good balance between the parts where he was showing us how to do things, and the drawing periods when we could practice it. - S.B., Seattle I loved it, it was really fun. - K.A., Seattle
What will we be doing in the class? We'll start off with some exercises to help students get comfortable with the materials, then move on to drawing simplified figures based on simple underlying shapes such as ovals and cylinders. (The instructor will draw the shapes on a chalkboard, and ask students to draw along.) We'll practice the simplified figures for a while, then start learning about the proportions. Again, we'll have lots of time in class to practice and make sure things are doing well at this stage. After we've learned and practiced the proportions, we'll learn how to add in the muscles and other details. We'll also learn about foreshortening, light and shade, and how to use negative space (the shape of the space around the figure you're drawing) to help get a resemblance to the particular person you're drawing. (scroll down for more information) By the end of the class, you'll have learned techniques that will make you more comfortable drawing people, whether you're drawing them from life, photos, or from your imagination. You'll have fun, draw a lot, and learn a lot. Is this a life drawing class where we draw from a live model? It's not a life drawing class per se, but a step-by-step figure drawing class. This means that we may do some drawing from live models, but it is not all we will do. Our main focus will be on learning an easy method of understanding the figure and getting down the shapes and proportions, so that students can get a good result whether they're drawing from life, photos or imagination. Does this course cover drawing faces too? We do learn some information about sketching heads and faces, but most of our time will be spent on the rest of the figure. If you want in-depth information about how to draw heads and faces from different angles, how to draw facial expressions, etc., you should also take Learn to Draw Faces Will we learn about drawing hands? Yes, one of the class sessions will cover how to draw hands (and feet). It sounds fun! But I'm really new at drawing. Should I take a beginning drawing class first? Figure Drawing for Beginners is an easy, step-by-step class and is open to everyone, regardless of experience level. Both beginners and experienced artists usually do well in the course. (If you are looking for a good introductory drawing class, check out Drawing for absolute beginners by the same instructor. But again, you're welcome in Figure Drawing whether you take the beginning drawing class or not.) Is it really possible to learn the basics of figure drawing in only four class sessions? The human figure is challenging and interesting to draw, and artists study it for years sometimes. But you can learn a great deal of key information in a few classes, if the information is well organized and there is an opportunity to practice it. Our goal in this class is to provide that information and practice, and get you off to a good start. Artists often tell us that the things they learned in this course made a night and day difference in their artwork. Do I need to bring any materials with me, or buy them in class? No, all materials are provided by the instructor. How do I sign up? Please see registration information at the bottom of this page. Can you tell me more about the instructor? Nils Osmar has made his living in the arts for over twenty years, working as a writer (short stories, stageplays & screenplays), illustrator (traditional and modern media), filmmaker and teacher. He currently teaches at the ASUW Experimental College, (a noncredit program of the Associated Students University of Washington) and the Wonder School of the Arts. (For a full list of upcoming classes, scroll down this page)
How do I sign up? Please see registration information at the bottom of this page.
Questions about signing up
How do I sign up? To register, call 206-420-1309, or use the Add to Cart buttons above. Online registrations will be handled securely by Paypal Merchant Services.
Does that mean I need to have a Paypal account to sign up? No. You can use Paypal if you want, or pay using any Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card or American Express.
How do I pay using a credit card? Start by clicking the Add to Cart button, then click "proceed to checkout." You'll be taken to a page where you can choose how to pay. If you want to use your credit card just click at the bottom where it says "Use your Credit Card or Bank account," then enter your credit card information.
Can I pay by check? Yes. If you'd like to pay by check, just download this form, print it, and mail it in with your check or money order. If you have trouble downloading or printing out the form, email Seattleworkshops@aol.com and we'll mail you a form.
How soon will I receive a confirmation email when I sign up? You should receive a confirming email within a few hours of registering (usually sooner). If you don't get a confirming email, call or email Nils Osmar, instructor at 206-420-1309 Seattleworkshops@aol.com or Nilsosmar@gmail.com
What is your refund policy? 1) If you sign up for a class, and then it is cancelled, or if the date or location are changed in a way that prevents you from attending, you will receive your choice of either a full refund, or a tuition voucher for the full amount paid. 2) If you sign up for a class, then change your mind or are unable to attend, and notify the instructor before the first meeting, you will receive your choice of either a refund of 2/3 of the course fee, or a tuition voucher for the full amount paid. 3) If you notify the instructor after the first class meeting, but before the second meeting, that you have decided not to attend you will receive your choice of either a refund of 1/3 of the course fee or a tuition voucher in the amount of 2/3 of the amount paid. 4) If you attend some meetings of a class but miss some meetings, you can make up the meetings you missed the following quarter at no charge.
Wonder School home page Nils Osmar home page
Other summer quarter classes
Art classes in Seattle Drawing for absolute beginners ___ SATURDAYS 9 am-10:45 am ___7/11-8/1 (four meetings) Learn to Draw Faces ___________ SATURDAYS 11 am-12:45 pm___7/11-8/1 (four meetings) Figure Drawing __________________ SATURDAYS 1 pm-2:45 pm___7/11-8/1 (four meetings) Cartooning 101 __________________SUNDAYS 11 am-12:45 pm___7/19-8/9 (four meetings) Perspective Drawing for Beginners____SUNDAYS 1 pm-2:45 pm___7/19-8/9 (four meetings) Acrylic Painting for Beginners ____________SUNDAYS 3 pm-5 pm__7/19-8/9 (four meetings) Exploring Color _________________SUNDAY 10 am-5 pm___ 7/12 only (one-day workshop)
Writing classes in Seattle Writing Fiction and Short Stories ______WEDNESDAYS 7/15-8/12, 7 pm-9 pm (five meetings) It's Time to Write Your Screenplay_THURSDAYS, 7/16-8/13, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (five meetings)
Photoshop classes in Seattle Adobe Photoshop __________FRIDAYS 7/10-7/24___7 pm-9:15 pm___ (three meetings)
Acting & Filmmaking classes in Seattle Let's Make a Movie ___________________ TUESDAYS 7/14-8/18 (five meetings) Filmmaking for Beginners _________FRIDAYS 7/31-8/21, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (four meetings) Documentary Filmmaking___SUNDAY 8/16 only (one-day workshop) Beginning Acting ____MONDAYS 7/13-8/10, 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. (five meetings) ***
*** all classes are held on or near the UW campus in Seattle, except for Beginning Acting, which is held at the Seattle Center/Center House. Exact locations and driving directions will be emailed out when you sign up
Questions? Call 206-420-1309 or email Seattleworkshops@aol.com