Students looking to improve their skills in drawing portraiture are invited to join instructor Matthew Grimmer for this 4-week introductory course. Students will begin by exploring the basic anatomy of the skull and facial muscles, and learn how to apply this knowledge as they begin building their portraits. This class is meant to cover the basic building blocks for self-portraiture, and is open to beginners or those with basic drawing experience. We will cover how to build and shape in 3-D using pencils and will cover basic areas of drawing, such as overall composition, cross-hatching to create form, and making the most of light and shadow, all within the context of the figure.

Utilizing small exercises throughout the course, you will work on a single long-form drawing throughout the course. The course will focus on achieving anatomical realism through a slow-paced practice that is based on measurements, comparison, and thoughtful mark-making. By the end of the course, students should have an understanding of the anatomy of the head, the complexity of shapes that create the face, and its relationship to drawing their portraiture, as well as improved confidence in their pencil handling.

This course will be held weekly from 5:30-8 pm on Thursdays, September 4-25, in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach, 111 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant.

Recommended ages: Adults only