Life drawing is at the core of any serious program of fine arts. In these classes, students draw from the figure in pencil, charcoal, including an option of painting. Each drawing or painting is created over a period of sessions, developing the student’s eye for accurate gesture, proportions, and anatomy. With a single sustained pose, students will have the option of either taking one drawing/painting to a high degree of finish or completing several drawings from different positions around the model.

Students begin by drawing a plaster cast or still life in charcoal, developing their ability to render accurate proportions and value relationships. As students progress, they are introduced to the fundamentals of oil and/or pastel techniques, composition and color.

Life drawing is at the core of any serious program of fine arts. In these classes, students draw from the figure in pencil, charcoal, including an option of painting. Each drawing or painting is created over a period of sessions, developing the student’s eye for accurate gesture, proportions, and anatomy. With a single sustained pose, students will have the option of either taking one drawing/painting to a high degree of finish or completing several drawings from different positions around the model.

Deepen your understanding of color and put color theory to practical use. In this class we will explore various projects to boost your understanding and confidence with using and mixing color. Learn ways to alter chroma, the relative nature of color, color harmony, simultaneous contrast, and more through a combination of presentations, demonstrations, and assignments. Assignments will include color mixing exercises, and painting studies from still life objects and master works. Color I or a very basic understanding of Hue, Value and Chroma are strongly recommended. We will be using the Paxton Palette in oil paint. Limit 8 students.

Students begin by drawing a plaster cast or still life in charcoal, developing their ability to render accurate proportions and value relationships. As students progress, they are introduced to the fundamentals of oil and/or pastel techniques, composition and color.

Hybrid Class (Students may attend either in-person or via Zoom.)

Explore your imagination! In this class you will be coached through an imaginative art-making process that Christine uses for creating personal work and client commissions. Emphasis is placed on intent and visual narrative. Christine's teaching is tailored to the needs of each student, be it exploring personal themes or creating work for your portfolio. Assignments can be provided or self-generated. You may work using traditional or digital media. The goal of this class is for you to learn this process (with modifications as needed) and build confidence in and further develop your unique personal creative abilities, therefore, we will avoid using image generators. During class, critiques and discussion are done in a supportive group atmosphere. Students will work on their projects between classes. We use Google Classroom to share information and review projects (Gmail account needed for access). Classes are not recorded. Email Christine with questions or concerns: christine.mitzuk@theatelier.org.

Fall session: Includes lectures on Christine's imaginative art process, idea generation, composition, values, and color choices.

Winter/spring session: Does NOT include the lectures. Minimal introduction to the process on day one. After that, classes begin with a sketch prompt, and then we dive into project check-ins/critiques.

Summer session: TWO separate classes will be offered: one with the lectures, and one without.

Students will work from a live model in order to produce finished drawings and/or paintings. Students will work in pencil, charcoal, pastels or oils. Capturing a likeness is emphasized. Color and techniques in oil and pastel are covered.

Students begin by drawing a plaster cast or still life in charcoal, developing their ability to render accurate proportions and value relationships. As students progress, they are introduced to the fundamentals of oil and/or pastel techniques, composition and color.