Wednesday, September 09, 2020

 Fall Courses at Neilson Park Creative Centre

I'm looking forward to Fall Classes starting soon. I'll be teaching ONLINE classes only this term. It'll be good.


Into The Looking Glass: Self-Portraits
Online
Instructor: Helen McCusker
All levels
Monday, September 28 – Monday, November 9, 2020 (6 Mondays)
No class on Monday, October 12
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
$198.00 (with HST $223.74)
 
Self-portraits have existed as long as artists have been able to see their own reflection. They are an important part of any artistic practice as we learn to see objectively and scrutinize carefully to record ourselves and develop our skills. As we continue to self-isolate and limit our social circles, self-portraits take on a new importance – without others to model for us, we can turn to the mirror and do what artists have done for centuries – draw and paint ourselves!Using both mirrors and ‘selfies’, we will work with drawing and painting mediums. The focus will be on skill development, learning to see and understand the structure of the head and face, and interpretation. Exercises will explore line, shape, planes, proportions, composition, media usage (both drawing mediums and paint) and concept. Join us for an adventure into the looking glass.


Drawing with Soft Pastels

Online 

Instructor: Helen McCusker
All levels
Tuesday, September 29 – Tuesday, November 24, 2020 (9 Tuesdays)
Online, except for two “at Centre” critiques on Tuesday, October 27 and November 24
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
$297.00 (with HST $335.61)
 
Soft pastels are a versatile medium that have been used through the centuries by artists such as Carriera, Quentin de la Tour, Degas, Cassatt, Picasso and many others. They are portable, vibrant and easy to use. Through a variety of exercises, students will learn several different pastel techniques to create beautiful drawings. Subject matter for drawing will include drawing from Still Life and photo reference (supplied). We will cover colour theory, composition and design, personal style and expression, and the nitty gritty of what pastels and papers you need and where to find them. Class instruction includes demonstrations, examples of pastel work, one-on-one direction, and group critiques. Beat the Isolation Blues and join us for a fun, informative drawing class.

And a 2-day workshop:

Introduction to Drawing
Online
Instructor: Helen McCusker
Beginner
Saturday, October 3; Sunday, October 4, 2020 (2-day workshop)
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
$78 (with HST $88.14)
 
Have you been thinking you’d like to finally learn how to draw or get back into it after a long hiatus? This two-day workshop is just what you need. Learn how to observe and to draw what you see. Explore a variety of observational tools to approach subject matter. Discover an intuitive approach and develop your personal style. The emphasis is on cognitive exercises and process. Different media are explored and experimenting is encouraged. Technical skill in these media will also be addressed. This course is designed for those who have never drawn before. Individual attention is given to each student in a supportive, positive environment.
Click for Neilson Park website here.



 

Fall Classes at Visual Arts Mississauga

Learn to Draw on your iPad using Procreate and SketchesPro. Discover all the fun stuff you can create on your iPad in this 10-week Online course at VAM.

Click here for more info.

I'll also be teaching Drawing Explorations - a fun course with an eclectic approach to drawing. Whether you're just learning how to draw, or want to try something completely different - there's lots on offer.

Click here for more info.







 

Digital Symmetry Drawings

Done in Procreate using the Symmetry tool. Same drawing - different Layer Modes.







 Mandala Variations

Done in Procreate, more Mandala variations. I played with Layer Modes - it's a great way to discover new colour combos - every layer mode changes everything - highlights different shapes with every mode. You get some very cool effects happening.





 Digital Symmetry

Symmetrical drawings done in Procreate using a limited palette. The drawings were done quickly and as soon as I started to hesitate over a move, I'd save the drawing and open a new canvas. I was on a roll - there's some similarities between pieces, but I tried several different brushes and had no agenda other than to keep moving as fast as I could. Very little erasing or backtracking.