Over the course of 4 weeks, you will learn the fundamentals of drawing with charcoal! You will be introduced to this expressive wonderful art medium, practice drawing skills while exploring a range of techniques, applications and uses that a variety of charcoal can offer.
Jessie will provide students with all materials with the exception of a drawing board (see materials list). Enjoying learning a new medium without the commitment of purchasing all the materials.
With a hands-on teaching approach, I will be showing you how to apply and remove this medium, step by step, watch while your drawings interplay between lights & shadow then develops into something simply wonderful! You will really feel the power of shade & tonal value as you create beautiful drawings with the intensity that only charcoal offers.
Step by step instructions each week will be accompanied with a finished sample work to be used as a visual guide. You will practice your drawing observations, learn to simplify shapes, contours and ideally learn how to create a nice composition. You will get to know the medium, tools and techniques that you will then be able to apply to your own future drawings. My goal is to get you to enjoy the joys of charcoal and help build your confidence while we have fun creating!
About the Instructor: Jessie Fries
My name is Jessie Fries, and I am a freelance artist-painter & free spirited creator of things.
Within my body of work my subject matter may vary from animals, birds, flowers, nature, sunsets & moonrises here on earth & outer space, to unusual creatures such as monsters, aliens or abstract expressive figures.
In my artwork -I may use bold colorful acrylics, or play with striking pastels, or get dirty with moody charcoals, maybe even get stained with funky inks, or perhaps express with earthy juicy watercolors, even upcycling ‘trash to treasure’ is something I enjoy! It all depends on my creative mood & where studio time takes me on any given day. I let my inner muse decide what I shall make, not always knowing which direction I will go towards until the idea & inspiration feels right.
I am a self-taught artist. I have a deep conviction to put forth my very best efforts in everything I create. I continue to learn and push artistic boundaries daily. Over the last three decades, I have been blessed to receive a multitude of ribbons & awards from various juried art shows on the South shore. More importantly I proudly co-own and operate a successful working art studio full-time in Plymouth Mass. called The Art Shoppe.
I am humbled & appreciative of the fact I get to chase my art dreams daily. I do, however, work at my art, learn from it and practice my craft daily. There is still so much to learn, so much more to create. I hope to inspire others that ‘Art is fun’, and indeed it is.
Materials Provided:
-Willow/vine charcoal
-Charcoal compressed blocks (both hard and soft)
-Assorted charcoal pencils / also a ‘white’ charcoal pencil included
-An eraser pencil
-White eraser
-Gum (kneaded eraser)
-Chamois cloth
-Stumps/ assorted blenders
-Wax paper
-Powdered (ground) charcoal
-Paper and painter’s tape will be supplied as needed, as will fixative art spray
Materials Required from Students:
- It is required that students bring their own drawing board. 13in. x 17in. or larger drawing board would be great!
- Please also dress appropriate, you are going to get dirty! This for sure can be a messy medium. (Hand cleaner will be offered by instructor)
