"There's nothing like an Arizona winter sky, clouds billowing and flashing against a jet blue sky." - RoseAnn V. Shawiak

This class will focus on expression and textures. In this class you will learn different techniques and approaches for capturing our famous southwestern skies. Pastel is the perfect medium to create the illusion of clouds and sky. Step-by-step I’ll walk you through pastel techniques and approaches. The goal is to capture the dynamic nature and whimsy of Arizona skies. We’ll cover the basics of working with pastels, mark making, and a bit of art history. Day 1 will be more technical, with art history and techniques: We’ll start by looking at inspiring images from art history that explore the techniques. Then I’ll demonstrate the process and then you’ll try them out. Day 2-4 will be work days, with the whole time for applying the techniques and feedback on your projects. This class is great for beginners/intermediate, but I'll work with more advanced students to help you hone your skills.

Materials not included. Please bring the following:

Pastel Paper: Assorted SENNELIER : PASTEL CARD (11"x14") or equivalent brand. If you have a favorite paper, feel free to use it. Link to article on pastel paper: https://finearttutorials.com/guide/best-pastel-paper/

Colors: We will use soft pastels for these classes. It's absolutely fine if you choose to use what you already have instead of buying a new set. In either case, you may want to buy more individual colors as you go along. Set of 24 soft pastels (Sennelier, Schminke, Art Spectrum, Holbein, Sennelier, Great American or the Dick Blick)

Detail Work: Pastel Pencils (Faber Castel Pitt Pastel pencils, Carbothello has a set of 12, Conte soft pastel pencils are also great also.) -OR- Hard/semihard pastels can also be used for finishing strokes and detail work. I recommend you purchase a small set of 24 or 36. Set of 24 hard pastels (Nupastel, CretaColor, Derwent, Holbein, Sargent or Sennelier)

Optional Materials:

Painters tape or artist tape (similar to masking tape, but with less tack)

Fixative or reworkable fixative (to set the pastels when done)

*Wet wipes

*Blending stumps or tortillons

*Small hand towel (old) or chamois cloth

*2b pencil and sketchbook

Create a unique image using specific abstract drawing techniques. Following the abstract art creation, follow a series of creating writing activities that will serve to explore the creative process, merging creativity with awareness. The session will complete with art showcasing and an open mic.

Materials provided by The Drawing Studio. 

When we write, we visualize our stories whether we know it or not. Likewise, our drawings and paintings can bring to mind words and phrases that in their own way illuminate our art. In this course, we’ll first compose a story, poem, or verse. Then we’ll sketch what the words bring to mind, and finally, develop a painting that captures the spirit of our written piece. The visual interpretation could be abstract, figurative, or a fusion of the two.

Materials not provided. Supply list coming soon!

Open Print Lab is designed to be a creative exploration space! Open Print Lab is where our intergenerational printmakers, with an established practice, meet with others, share work, tips, and life's journeys! Enjoy access to 3 manual roll-top etching/relief presses for your self-directed projects! This studio session is not a regular instructional class, so we recommend beginners start with one of our various printmaking classes.

Folks are welcome to bring in anything that they wish, just so long as it goes back home with you! A Studio Monitor is available to answer questions and orient you on materials. Some materials are available at cost, so bring cash for additional supplies.

Friday Print Lab is where our intergenerational printmakers, with an established practice, meet with others, share work, tips, and life's journeys! Enjoy access to 3 manual roll-top etching/relief presses for your self-directed projects! This studio session is not a regular instructional class, so we recommend beginners start with one of our various printmaking classes.

Membership with The Drawing Studio is required for Print Lab participation. Membership dues allow us to keep cost low. 

Folks are welcome to bring in anything that they wish, just so long as it goes back home with you! A Studio Monitor is available to answer questions and orient you on materials. Some materials are available at cost, so bring cash for additional supplies.

Aprender y Jugar is a community focused effort to explore the Spanish language, then expand its reach, by exposing folks through the arts - visual, music and story. This class invites young artists and their guardians to get familiar with Spanish vocabulary by listening and repeating words from a story.

Materials provided by The Drawing Studio.

No Class On 11/7

When working alone doing a project, many questions arise. In this class we will complete our own colored pencil project. Amber is there to help you along the way. As questions arise there will be mini lessons and demos to help you through the process.

Supplies not included. Please bring the following:

Colored pencils any brand listed below:

Prismacolor Premier (Cheapest and easiest to begin with)

Faber-Castell-Polychromos

Caran D’Ache (most expensive)

Eraser

Pencil Sharpener

Paper of your Choice

Drafting Brush

Removable Clear Tape

Learn about the principles of human proportions, blending techniques, and measuring tips. With instruction, learn how to discard your clip art files to more accurately depict the face. Each class includes thorough lecture before drawing for the remainder of class. Students will practice drawing a bust first, then drawing practice from live model.

Materials not provided. Supply list coming soon!