Dear Julie: Drawing Classes for Beginners

Dear Carla,

Hi! I want to try your classes but I’m feeling intimidated because I don’t know how draw at all. Which of your classes would you recommend for a beginner? I was looking into “drawing workshop” and “sketching” but I’m not sure if those are for beginners. Thank you! —Julie

Hi Julie

Thank you so much for your email!

So many of our classes are great for people who are new to drawing! It’s our hope that some of these classes allow you to really embrace drawing as something fun to do and that the results can sometimes make us laugh, sometimes not, but it’s always exciting to “see what happens!”

Here are the teachers that have drawing classes or there is a lot of drawing involved, and I’ve put them in order of “less traditional” to “more traditional.” It really depends on your learning style and you can’t go wrong I don’t think with any of them.

Carla
https://www.carlasonheim.com/?s=carla+sonheim&post_type=product&dgwt_wcas=1

Lynn
https://www.carlasonheim.com/?s=lynn+whipple&post_type=product&dgwt_wcas=1

Cat
https://www.carlasonheim.com/?s=cat+bennett&post_type=product&dgwt_wcas=1

Lewis
https://www.carlasonheim.com/?s=lewis&post_type=product&dgwt_wcas=1

Anita
https://www.carlasonheim.com/product-category/classes/anita-lehmann-classes/

I would recommend picking a class that seems most FUN to you… and I recommend this in all seriousness. Choose something that seems like it would be fun to do, not what you think you “should” do first. It will all come in time. 

But which class or teacher gives your stomach a little ping of excitement? That’s the one to start with, I think.

Good luck to you!! Write back if needed…

xoxo
Carla

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NOTE: I wanted to start sharing some of the questions and answers I get. 😀

NEW Paper Mache Sculpture Class!

Paper Mache Sculpture
Instructor: Michèle Landsaat
Class Dates: June 21 – July 1, 2022

Michèle Landsaat is primarily an illustrator and printmaker, and her fantastic paper mache sculptures really are a three-dimensional continuation of her illustrations and narrative prints.

Michèle finds that sculpting her characters informs her prints and vice versa, and it has become an integral part of her art practice. The simple, forgiving nature of paper mache is non-threatening way to reimagine your two dimensional work into three dimensions using basic materials like crumpled newsprint and flour and water. And, its fun! She will show us how to use Japanese paper to finish the sculptures and how to add  line work features.

Here is the promo video:

And samples of her sculptures!

Class Itinerary

The videos are pre-recorded and will be available on the following schedule:

Lesson 1 – Tuesday, June 21
Lesson 2 – Wednesday, June 22
Lesson 3 – Friday, June 24

Lesson 4 – Tuesday, June 28
Lesson 5 – Wednesday, June 29
Lesson 6 – Friday, July 1

Week 1 Lesson 1 – Sketch Your Designs & Make Paper Mache Paste Design your figure… will it be an animal, a person, or…? Some drawing tips and considerations. Make a bunch of quick sketches and prepare your paste, too.

Lesson 2 – Wire, Crumpled Paper & Masking Tape Today you will work on building the initial form of your figure. Shape with wire, using your sketch as a guide, and add multiple layers of crumpled newsprint and masking tape until you are satisfied. Smooth your surface as you go.

Lesson 3 – Editing Your Form; First Paper Mache Layer Cut away and build up places to help shape your form. Add ears and other details with paper and tape. Add your first layer of paper mache with newsprint. Let dry overnight.

Week 2 Lesson 4 – Second Layer & Hanging Hooks Cut away any lumpy areas and create hooks for hanging; then add your second layer of paper mache using Japanese paper.

Lesson 5 – Drawing Features & Third Layer Draw or paint a variety of features to choose from using the media of your choice. Michele will demo using gel pen, colored pencil and acrylic paint. Let these dry overnight. Also, add your third and final layer of paper mache. Let dry overnight.

Lesson 6 – Applying the Features Adhere features to final layer using paste or glue stick. Take your time with this last important step, which will determine the personality of your finished sculpture!

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Go HERE to sign up!