Introduction to Drawing
Adult Class | Available
This class is recommended for anyone who took First Steps to Drawing or is coming to Fleisher with no previous instruction or experience.
You will learn step-by-step instructions on how to see in order to begin a drawing from life that contains both gesture and proportional accuracy. You will learn how this is accomplished. We will start by copying drawings and photographs, as well as drawing from life in order to learn the techniques for accuracy. Later, we will move into drawing animals and people from photographs, drawings and from life, always with an emphasis on intuition to put into practice the dictum, “draw first, measure second.” Drawing, first and foremost, is an intuitive practice we innately know how to do. Accuracy techniques are used in service to our intuitive nature.
Some of the concepts you will learn about are: gridding, simplifying into shapes, negative space and basic perspective. In each class you will build your skills progressively by both copying and drawing from life. You will learn to see in a whole new way!
What you will learn:
1. Scaffolded approach to translating 3D to 2D
2. How to perceive edges and draw them
3. Drawing natural and manmade things
4. How to focus while drawing
Concepts covered include line, proportion, composition, basic anatomy, basic perspective.
• Drawing pad (white paper) 9 x 12 or whatever size you have already
• Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Workbook by Betty Edwards. You could buy it used, but make sure it comes with the included viewfinder
• Pencils 2H, HB, 2B, 6B, 8B or a full set
• 2 erasers: 1 kneaded, 1 Mono Zero
• Ruler (minimum 6”)
• Vellum or other smooth, quality tracing paper pad such as: Crehatos 8.5" x 11" Tracing Paper, Translucent Tracing Pad, 100 Sheets 38lb/60gsm Vellum Art Paper
• Viewfinder
• Folder or binder clip, or binder with sheet protectors for handouts
• Optional: Sennelier fixative for graphite to protect drawings from smearing
Barbara Zanelli
Barbara graduated with a B.F.A. in Illustration from Syracuse University in 1999, and immediately moved to NYC. She met success in shows at Figureworks Gallery and Get Real Art, but felt drawn to study classical painting in Florence, Italy. She lived there for one year studying drawing under Mario Pachioli. Then in 2004, she moved to Philadelphia on a full scholarship to study with Nelson Shanks at Studio Incamminati. It was here that she developed her portrait painting, drawing and color theory skills. She left the atelier in 2006 to work on a series of large paintings depicting figures of Greek mythology and began to explore landscape painting. After travelling and painting extensively, Barbara returned to Incamminati to finish the Professional Program in 2015 and served as a teaching fellow for two years. In addition to Fleisher, she currently teaches painting and drawing at Studio Incamminati, Wayne Art Center, Main Line Art Center, Abington Art Center, Journey’s Way, and Repenning Fine Arts in Audubon, NJ. You can visit her website to view more artwork at barbarazanelli.com.