Foundations in Art - Drawing III

Classes

Drawing III is the final course in our Foundations in Art series designed to introduce artists to advanced mediums and techniques for expression with drawing. Through four meticulously crafted classes, students refine their skills with graphite, ink, pastels, and colored pencils, tackling classical sculpture fragments, intricate still lifes, evocative landscapes, and narrative portraits. Each session blends precision with unique mediums, fostering a deeper understanding of form, texture, and color. This course empowers you with the skill to create compelling artworks that resonate with your unique vision, preparing you for advanced artistic exploration or portfolio development.

Class 1: Tonal Study of Classical Sculpture Fragment (Graphite Pencils and White Chalk)
This class immerses artists in the rigorous Bargue-Gérôme-inspired drawing techniques from the 19th-century, a cornerstone of classical art training. Using graphite pencils sharpened to a fine point and white chalk on toned paper, you’ll draw a classical sculpture fragment cast to master form, volume, and light. Through precise measurement and smooth tonal gradations, you’ll develop observational skills and control, honing your ability to render sculptural depth and detail. This session builds a strong foundation for realistic figure drawing and advanced academic mastery.

Class 2: Capturing the Details of Still Life with Pen (Pen and Ink)
Dive into the precision of pen and ink to create a dynamic still life composition. You’ll use advanced cross-hatching, stippling, and ink washes to depict a complex arrangement of objects, emphasizing depth and atmosphere. This class challenging you to balance intricate details and careful mark making through careful observation and technique to create a cohesive composition, transforming simple objects into expressive, volumetric forms.

Class 3: Expressive Landscape with Pastels (Dry Pastels)
Explore the evocative power of soft pastels in rendering a vibrant landscape. Focusing on atmospheric effects like sky gradients and organic textures, you’ll layer and blend colors to convey mood and depth on toned paper. This session imparts the techniques of the impressionists and use of pastels to create almost a painterly effect, encouraging a balance of careful observation precision with expressive mark-making to capture the essence of natural scenes with emotional impact.

Class 4: Narrative Portraiture in Color (Colored Pencils)
The course culminates in a narrative-driven portrait, blending technical precision with personal expression. Using colored pencils on toned paper, you’ll capture likeness and emotion, incorporating symbolic elements like props or lighting to tell a story. This class synthesizes Drawing II’s skills in form, texture, and contrast, empowering you to craft a portfolio-worthy piece that showcases your artistic growth and unique voice.

Details

Cost (Course): $160 for the Full Course (4 class set), Individual classes from course $50ea (inquire for availability)
Ages: 15+ All skill and creative levels welcome (younger artists are welcome with accompanying adult)
Materials: All materials are provided

Schedules

Fall Session, October-November 2025 - CLOSED
Class 1 | Tonal Study of Classical Sculpture Fragment - October 6
Class 2 | Capturing the Details of Still Life with Pen - October 13
Class 3 | Expressive Landscape with Pastels - October 20 —> Date change to October 27
Class 4 | Narrative Portraiture in Color - October 27 —> Date change to November 10
Time: Mondays 6-9pm

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

Class Cancellation Policy