8 WEEKS / MONDAYS / APR. 27 - JUN. 22* / 5:30PM-7:30PM / AGES 12+ / $296
*(No Class Memorial Day, May 25)
2590 Truxtun Rd #204, San Diego, CA 92106
8 WEEKS / MONDAYS / APR. 27 - JUN. 22* / 5:30PM-7:30PM / AGES 12+ / $296
*(No Class Memorial Day, May 25)
This 8-week drawing workshop is designed to help you build strong foundational skills while gaining confidence in your art. You’ll learn how to see like an artist and bring your drawings to life using line, shading, value, and texture. Each week is broken down into simple, guided steps so you can improve at your own pace in a relaxed and supportive environment. We’ll start with pencil drawing and gradually explore different techniques to strengthen your skills and creativity. No experience is needed—just come ready to learn, create, and have fun. By the end of the course, you’ll feel more confident in your abilities and have a solid foundation to continue your artistic journey.
8-WEEK CLASS OUTLINE
WEEK 1: Let Go + Learn to See
Ink Blowing
Blind Contour
Upside-down Drawing
Goal: Students will begin to draw from observation rather than assumption and build confidence by letting go of perfection.
WEEK 2: Line Quality + Simple Observation
Light vs dark pressure
Clean vs sketchy lines
Drawing simple objects (mug, fruit)
Intro to basic shapes
Goal: Students will improve control of their lines and begin accurately observing and drawing simple objects.
WEEK 3: Value + Shading
Value scale
Light source
Shading forms (sphere, cube)
Goal: Students will understand how light and shadow create form and begin using value to make drawings appear three-dimensional.
WEEK 4: Shading + Blending Techniques
Smooth shading
Blending methods
Fixing uneven or patchy shading
Goal: Students will refine their shading techniques to create smooth transitions and more realistic depth.
WEEK 5: Texture + Detail
Hair, fur, fabric, and surface textures
Mark-making techniques Stippling, cross-hatching, and variation techniques
Goal: Students will learn how to create the illusion of texture and detail to enhance realism in their drawings.
WEEK 6: Still Life + Measuring
Live still life setup
Measuring with a pencil
Proportions and placement
Begin still life drawing
How to choose a strong reference photo for final project
Students select or bring 2–3 options for next week
Goal: Students will learn how to measure proportions accurately and apply foundational skills to real-life drawing.
WEEK 7: Final Project (Part 1)
Review reference selection
Measuring from a photo
Layout and initial sketch
Begin shading
Goal: Students will translate a reference image into a structured drawing using accurate proportions and a strong foundation.
WEEK 8: Final Project (Part 2)
Refining shading
Adding details and texture
Final contrast and highlights
Group review or showcase
Goal: Students will complete a fully rendered drawing and demonstrate confidence in applying realism techniques independently.
Iris is a San Diego-based artist originally from Brooklyn, New York, specializing in realistic portraiture and detailed drawing. With over a decade of experience in the arts, she has been teaching since 2020, working with students of all ages in both public and private settings. Her teaching approach blends structure with encouragement, breaking down techniques into simple, easy-to-understand steps. She creates a supportive and engaging environment where students can build confidence, develop strong foundational skills, and explore their creativity. Iris is passionate about arts education and believes that with the right guidance, anyone can learn to draw and create work they’re proud of.