Course Details

This 10-lesson graphite drawing course, begins with an introduction to drawing materials and fundamental pencil techniques. It progresses through learning about light, shadow, and perspective, and covers rendering textures and basic compositional principles. The curriculum includes detailed studies of geometric and organic shapes, portraiture basics, and landscapes. Towards the end, students apply their skills in a culminating personal project. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on practical application, allowing students to develop a solid foundation in graphite drawing while exploring their individual artistic styles.

Whether you want to take this course alone or with a friend, sign-ups are available year round. Start learning with Jordan Ring-Sakabe today!

By the end of the course, you’ll have…

• A high-level understanding of the medium of graphite drawing

• Familiarity with some of the most influential graphite artists and their techniques

• Skills and methods to help you draw whatever you envision

• 4-5 pieces of personal artwork

• Activities that will challenge and enhance your drawing abilities

• A lot of fun and creative exploration.

Outline:

Lesson 1: Introduction to Materials and Basic Techniques

• Overview of different types of graphite pencils (H, HB, B series).

• Introduction to other materials: paper types, erasers, sharpeners.

• Basic pencil grip and stroke practice (hatching, cross-hatching).

Lesson 2: Understanding Light and Shadow

• Concepts of light source, shadows, and shading techniques.

• Practice simple forms like spheres and cubes to understand shadow and light.

Lesson 3: Simple Geometric and Organic Shapes

• Drawing and shading basic geometric shapes.

• Introduction to organic shapes, using objects like fruits or leaves.

Lesson 4: Introduction to Perspective

• Basic principles of one-point perspective.

• Drawing simple scenes or objects using perspective rules.

Lesson 5: Textures and Patterns

• Techniques for creating different textures (smooth, rough, reflective).

• Exercises include drawing textures from observation (wood, fabric, metal).

Lesson 6: Composition and Layout

• Basic elements of composition: rule of thirds, leading lines, framing.

• Create a balanced still life composition using objects of varying textures.

Lesson 7: Portraiture Basics

• Proportions and structure of the face.

• Focusing on individual features (eyes, nose, mouth).

Lesson 8: Full Portrait Drawing

• Apply the skills from the previous lesson to draw a complete portrait.

• Emphasis on shading and texture to create lifelike features.

Lesson 9: Landscapes and Sceneries

• Principles of landscape drawing: foreground, middle ground, background.

• Drawing a simple landscape focusing on depth and atmosphere.

Lesson 10: Review and Personal Project

• Review key skills and techniques learned.

• Students begin a personal project, applying techniques learned to a subject of their choice.

Additional Information:

Minimum Age:12 years old.

This is to ensure a level of maturity that aligns with the course's objectives. Graphite drawing requires a careful handling of materials and tools, and the techniques involved can be detailed and precise. Teens and adults are more likely to understand and adhere to the necessary precision, have a longer attention span, and can concentrate on detailed instructions and tasks better than younger children. The complexity of the subject: Graphite drawing techniques involve nuanced skills and attention to detail. Children aged 12 and above are generally more capable of grasping these concepts than younger kids.

Location: Ring-Sakabe Fine Art Studio

Contact & Booking:

As we embark on this enriching artistic journey with the Graphite Drawing 101 workshop we kindly request all interested individuals to reach out directly to Jordan at jordan@ringsakabefineart.com. When reaching out, please specify:

• The name of the student you’d like to enroll

• Your available days and times for the class.

Your feedback will be invaluable in helping us shape a schedule and structure that caters to the needs and preferences of our aspiring artists. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Materials List:

1. Graphite Pencils:

   • Any set that has at least a 2H, HB, and 2B graphite pencil will suffice.

   • (Recommended) I personally use 3 Staedtler Mars 780 Technical Mechanical Pencils with lead refills for 2H, HB, and 2B grades

2. Sketchpad:

   • A 9” X 12” sketchpad with at least 50-100 sheets of medium-texture paper suitable for graphite. (A4 or A3 sizes are also fine.)

3. Sketchpad Board:

   • Portable and sturdy sketchpad board for a stable drawing surface. Make sure it is bigger than you sketchpad.

4. Erasers:

   • Kneaded eraser (for precise erasing and highlighting)

   • Plastic eraser (for sharp, clean erasing)

   • (Recommended) Mechanical eraser (for detailed erasing, such as the Tombow Mono Zero Eraser)

   • (Recommended) Electric eraser (for effortless and precise erasing, such as the Derwent Battery Operated Eraser)

5. Sharpeners and Sharpening Tools:

   • High-quality manual pencil sharpener (if using traditional wooden pencils)

   • Razor blade or cutter for precise manual sharpening of pencils

   • High grit sandpaper (at least 400 to 600 grit) for fine sharpening and shaping of pencil points

   • (Recommended) If you purchase the Staedtler Technical Mechanical Pencils, you will also want the Mars Rotary Action Lead Pointer and Tub for 2mm Leads to sharpen your lead refills.

6. Blending Tools:

   • Blending stumps or tortillons

   • Soft cloth or tissue paper

7. Rulers:

   • Clear plastic ruler for precise lines and measurements.

8. Fixative:

   • Workable fixative spray to protect finished drawings

9. Carrying Case:

   • Pencil case or artist’s tool bag to organize and protect drawing tools

10. Cleaning Supplies:

    • Paper towels for cleaning and blotting

Embark on this transformative journey and let your creativity flow with Essentials of Graphite Drawing: Techniques and Expressions. By the end, not only will you have honed a new set of skills, but you'll also have a deeper appreciation for the art and history of graphite drawing. Join us and let your artistic journey begin!