January 2014 Colored Pencil Drawing Classes

Brighten up the cold gray winter with colored pencil classes

Create stunning artwork with this versatile medium. You will learn basic techniques and color theory to explore creative possibilities of colored pencils. Colored pencils can be combined with watercolors, acrylics, pastels and ink on various surfaces. Have fun with this versatile medium. 

Uppity Blue Hydrangea
18" x 22" Colored Pencil
© Barbara Goodsitt

Evening Classes, Winter 2014:

I will be offering colored pencil classes in the evenings at Washtenaw Community College on Tuesdays 6:30 pm- 8:25; 6 sessions starting January 21, 2014, ending February 25, 2014. Click here to register

Daytime Classes, Winter 2014:

I will be offering colored pencil classes in the afternoons with Ann Arbor Community Education and Recreation Jan 22 - March 19 on Wednesdays 1pm to 3 pm. Click here to register.

New Colored Pencil Drawing Lesson

ⓒ Barbara Goodsitt

Here is one of the new lessons I will be including in my next colored pencil drawing class on Saturdays with Washtenaw Community College - Life Long Learning. This will be presented after students work on some basic exercises. This piece provides the opportunity to learn:

• tonal layering
• how to distinguish between foreground and background
• developing dark backgrounds
• working with odorless mineral spirits 
• using colorless blenders. 

ⓒ Barbara Goodsitt
(click on image to enlarge)

New Saturday Afternoon Colored Pencil Drawing Classes Starting in January

ⓒ Barbara Goodsitt

Colored Pencil Drawing is a very meditative activity. I teach a tonal layering technique that is very relaxing. Students are usually enthusiastic about colored pencil drawing after they try it out.  My approach to teaching is geared towards helping each individual improve their drawing abilities in a supportive and joyful atmosphere. I will do demonstrations at each class.  Come join us for an 8 week Saturday afternoon class starting January 19th, located in a beautiful art studio at Washtenaw Community College.

This corrected link will take you to the art classes :

Register for colored pencil drawing at WCC online by clicking this link http://www.wccnet.edu/lifelong-learning/browse/view/category/art-photography/

Creating a still life in colored pencil

Final 

Still life, colored pencil on 11" x 14" Stonehenge
(click on pictures to enlarge)

Here is a sample of the first steps in a still life demonstration presented to my Saturday morning class. 

Colored pencil is a slow process, but very enjoyable.  The artist mixes colors by layering them over each other. By keeping the point of the pencil very sharp and using a light touch, you can preserve the tooth of the paper. The more colors and layers used will help the artist produce a picture that has a rich blend of color.

February 11th - AAWA 60th Anniversary Gala

Art by Barbara Goodsitt

Ann Arbor Women Artists (and a few good men) is the largest arts organization in Washtenaw County.  I have enjoyed being an active member for several years. This group has been a great resource for artists in our community. We have several local venues where members can exhibit & sell their artwork. AAWA also offers a series of free lectures in our educational speakers program, as well as many art workshops led by nationally known artists.  AAWA was started 60 years ago, and this year we are celebrating our anniversary with a Gala Event: a Venetian Masked Ball. This event is open to the public. We will be honoring several important local arts professionals and there will be live music, food and a cash bar!  It is reasonably priced at $10 per ticket, so please join us at Washtenaw Community College on February 11th for a great evening.

Creative Drawing with Colored Pencil

Jane with pastel and colored pencil art
AA Rec and Ed

I just wrapped up teaching the winter session of my colored pencil classes at Ann Arbor Community Education (see photos) and Washtenaw Community College.  Despite the terrible weather, both classes were well attended and I thoroughly enjoyed my students. The classes were made up of a diverse group of people: all ages and abilities.

I enjoyed seeing how each person expressed themselves through their art.  It is so rewarding to see beginners who fall in love with the medium of colored pencil, and more advanced students who get excited by exploring and improving their techniques and creativity.  I have new ideas for more creative projects this spring.  Thank you to my WONDERFUL winter students. It was a great experience for me to work with you!

AA Rec and Ed

AA Rec and Ed

   

Teaching Colored Pencil Drawing

My first Life Long Learning students at Washtenaw Comunity College

I have a great time introducing people to colored pencil drawing. We start with excercises to acquire skills in developing values. We then move to tonal layering.  My students are just great and it is so much fun to watch them develop their skills and talents.

 Above is local graphic designer Karen Moeller. Check out her website at www.moedesign.com.  She has won awards for her work and her talent is evident in her colored pencil art here. I will be posting more pictures of my students work on my webpage at www.BarbaraGoodsittStudio.com

Artists Young Cho (with maple leaf drawing) and Alice McKeown (with pumpkin still life) display some really nice work too!

Fall Colored Pencil Classes

Fall is approaching and the temperatures will be more comfortable very soon.

I will be teaching two Colored Pencil classes.  One during the day with Ann Arbor Community Education, and an evening class with Washtenaw Community College's Life Long Learning Department.  These classes are geared toward being fun, relaxing and informative. All skill levels are welcome.  We will cover drawing techniques including tonal layering, transferring images, burnishing, using solvents and more!  Some mixed media work too.  Supply lists are available online.  To register see these webpages:

Washtenaw Community College Life Long Learning Classes
Wednesdays starting Oct 6 from 7:00- 8:55PM
THIS CLASS IS NOW FILLED

Ann Arbor Community Education
Tuesdays starting Oct 12 from 1:30 - 3:30 Oct 12 - Nov. 16 THIS CLASS IS NOW FILLED