Foundations in Art - Drawing I
Learn how to professionally draw at 3 Square Art in Fort Collins, Colorado
Foundations in Art - Drawing I
This 4-class art course that teaches the foundations of art with essential drawing skills and techniques. Learn the basics of drawing and “how to see” objects through structured classes with targeted drawing lessons. The class explores contour drawing, positive and negative shapes, and shading techniques. These lessons help develop a toolset for drawing and visually communicating with line and shape.
Classes
The Drawing I Course is divided into 4 classes that allow for careful development and training of each drawing technique. We recommend taking the entire course to build your drawing skills, but you can also take individual classes to focus on a particular subject or to join in at any time.
Class 1 - Drawing What You See
To learn how to draw you first need to train your eyes to see what is actually there, NOT what you “think” is there. To do this we start with contour drawing exercises including blind and modified contour drawing. Learn how to concentrate your attention on the line and shape of your subject to accurately draw what you see while developing strong eye-to-hand coordination using various drawing techniques.
Class 2 - Negative Spaces
Learn to draw the negative spaces around objects rather than the objects themself. This important techniques helps the artist focus on the shapes and relationships between and around the shapes to produce visually accurate drawings and to further break down preconceived notions about the subject. By focusing on the negative spaces the true shape of the subject comes into focus while increasing your drawing skills.
Class 3 - Creating Volume and Depth
This class introduces various shading and drawing techniques to create a sense of volume and depth while considering proportions and the object envelope. Learn the basics of cross-hatching as well as volumetric sketching, stippling, blending, and subtractive highlighting as we complete a simple still life and add dimension to your artwork.
Class 4 - The Final Drawing
The Final Drawing challenges you to draw a charming Italian villa scene using the drawing techniques learned from the previous three classes including contour lines, negative spaces, and shading techniques. This class also introduces the concept of single point perspective to better understand how we view the world. While the villa scene adds lots of complexity, you also will learn how to simplify forms to create a wonderful small finished drawing.
Details
Cost (Course): $150 for the Full Course (4 class set), Individual classes from course $45ea (inquire for availability)
Ages: 15+ All skill and creative levels welcome (younger artists are welcome with accompanying adult)
Materials: All materials are provided
Schedule
Fall Session I, September - October 2025 Dates - FULL
Class 1 | Drawing What You See - September 11
Class 2 | Negative Spaces - September 25
Class 3 | Creating Volume and Depth - October 9
Class 4 | The Final Drawing - October 23
Time: Thursday 1:30-4pm
Location
3 Square Art - New Classroom (2F)
2415 Donella Ct, Ste 110
Fort Collins, Colorado
*Please note that we do not have elevator access to the 2nd floor at this time. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience.
Instructor
Craig A. McKee
BA Studio Arts, magna cum laude, Kenyon College, OH
Register for Foundations in Art - Drawing I
Register for Drawing I by selecting an individual class or a full course below. Registering will sign you up for the next available single session or next scheduled full course. If you have any specific requirements, please don’t hesitate to email us at classes@3squareart.com. Thanks and hope to see you at Drawing I!
