Drawing Lessons

Since 1994 I have been teaching people how to draw. Each class has 3-5 people who meet together for one hour per week. There are 5 of these classes in Exeter at the Courthouse Gallery on Tuesdays. (but not in July, August or December)

Each person works at his own pace on his own drawing. Some have been with me for a month now, some for about 10 years. The only ones who don’t learn are the ones who quit too soon.

Everyone comes for a different reason. Here are some:

  1. To learn how to get their shapes and proportions more accurate so they can paint better.
  2. A desire to prove some art “teacher” wrong, who told them they have no talent. (Isn’t that mean!? Wasn’t the “teacher” there to help?? )
  3. A love of learning how to do new things.
  4. A desire for a new hobby.
  5. Always thinking it might suit them, and finally making the time to investigate that interest.
  6. Already knowing how to draw but needing a specific time and place.

Have a look at what some of my students have either just completed or are currently working on:

Spice Cat

joshlyn

IMG_2853

 

There are specifics about drawing lessons here. (Click on the word “here”).

My classes are full right now but you can get on a waiting list. Sometimes people do quit. I don’t think I drive them away. . . life changes, or they got what they came for and move on.

Firewood by the Wilsonia Door

Wilsonia cabin drawing

What is it about doors that is so attractive? In this pencil drawing, it is the light and shadow.

Does this look like a cabin to you?

What is a cabin? A little home in the mountains, but it can be a big fancy-pants home in the mountains too. (Ask my sister-in-law who lives in Tahoe!) But is any home in the mountains a cabin?

So many questions. That’s how I am wired. That’s how I learn, think, make decisions, and roll.

This looks like a cabin because there is firewood piled by the door. Did you notice that?

You can get a copy of The Cabins of Wilsonia here: The Cabins of Wilsonia.

I Love To Teach People How To Draw

I love to teach people how to draw.

Every Tuesday afternoon, people come to the Courthouse Gallery in Exeter for lessons. Four people for an hour at a time, each one working at his own pace on his own drawing. (Yes, I know it is acceptable to say “they” as a singular pronoun now, but I cannot. Can not.)

Sometimes I demonstrate some drawing techniques to a group. Two weeks ago I did this for the Tulare Palette Club, a delightful and attentive group. I sort of talked a little bit too long. They were gracious, but told me to shut up at 9:05. It was very fun.

And occasionally someone makes an appointment and comes to my studio for a private lesson. This is also great fun. I find out why she wants to learn to draw and tailor the information to her specific needs.

Equal opportunity here: “his” in the 2nd paragraph, “she” and “her” in the previous. No “they”. However, the Theys used to live up the road from me. Had a sign in their front yard – said “The Theys”.

I am not making this up.

And I don’t make up stuff when I teach people to draw. I help them all learn, and we all have a great time.

Are you interested?

Here is a sample to whet your appetite:

Bandit

This pencil drawing is “Bandit” by Jennifer Logan. She has been taking lessons from me for about 3 years.

You can learn more here: Lessons.

Unsolved Building Mysteries in Wilsonia

Happy Birthday, Audrey!

A man cave? A Dude Den? a tool shed? guest quarters (so they won’t be inclined to overstay)?

Even after four years of visiting Wilsonia while working on The Cabins of Wilsonia, there are still many unsolved mysteries.

Get your copy here to learn about (or at least just look at) many mysterious buildings in Wilsonia: The Cabins of Wilsonia

Willow 4
Pencil drawing of Wilsonia outbuilding

Wilsonia Cabin Porch Drawing

Porches, decks, balconies. . . all those outdoor living spaces are very important to all cabins, including Wilsonia cabins.

willow 1-2

This one was very charming and it was for sale during the project. A friend bought the cabin, so her daughter secretly bought the drawing for her. Then, the mom secretly bought the drawing of her daughter’s cabin for her!

I was caught in a web of cabin gift giving secrets. It was tricky, but I don’t think I spilled any beans.

This four year project, The Cabins of Wilsonia, had many benefits, and one of them was rekindled and new friendships.

Wilsonia Cabin Confusion Drawing

Wilsonia cabin drawing

This Wilsonia cabin kept me confused for a long time. The cabin sits on a corner of 2 roads. On one road, it looks very rustic. On the other, it looks like this.

You can see this drawing and one of the other side in The Cabins of Wilsonia, available for sale here.

The book was a huge project. Confusion was a regular occurrence as I worked through how to depict a cabin community with 212 cabins.

Wilsonia Cabin Drawing

Wilsonia cabin drawing

This is a simple board and batten cabin in a box shape, very reminiscent of Mineral King cabins.

The owner was delightful. Her extended family has about 3 cabins, all within shouting distance of one another. We talked on the phone at least one time and she was so encouraging as I was deep into the project of making The Cabins of Wilsonia.

(It is available here at this link: The Cabins of Wilsonia)

The original pencil drawing of this cabin is available for sale.

All the drawings from The Cabins of Mineral King have sold. Most of the original drawings from The Cabins of Wilsonia are still available.

I wonder why? I definitely draw better now!

Life is full of mysteries.