A four-week drawing course on Bass Lake
The Art of Seeing
Realistic Drawing for Beginners
You don't need to be “good at drawing” to learn to draw realistically. You need to learn how to look.
Over four relaxed, small-group sessions, artist Jennifer Claveau will introduce the foundations of observational drawing and show you how line, proportion, light, shadow and texture can transform a blank sheet of paper into something remarkably dimensional.
Small class · All materials provided · Bass Lake, Oro-Medonte
Learning to see differently
Realistic drawing isn't about copying every tiny detail. It begins with observation.
We'll slow the drawing process down and learn to notice shapes, angles, relationships, negative spaces, light and texture. Through demonstrations, exercises and individual guidance, you'll develop practical techniques that make drawing feel much less mysterious.
This course is designed for beginners as well as artists who want to strengthen their observational drawing skills.
The four weeks
From first lines to a finished drawing
Week One
Learning to See
Explore contour, shape, proportion, negative space and simple measuring techniques. Learn how artists translate a three-dimensional object onto a two-dimensional page.
Week Two
Light + Form
Learn how value creates dimension. Explore highlights, midtones, shadows and cast shadows and begin turning simple shapes into convincing forms.
Week Three
Texture + Detail
Explore techniques for drawing surfaces such as fibre, wood, fur, feathers, leaves, stone and fabric. Learn when detail matters and when suggestion is more powerful.
Week Four
The Finished Drawing
Bring everything together in a longer observational drawing. Choose an interesting natural or personal object and develop a finished piece using line, proportion, value, texture and composition.
Students are encouraged to bring an object they would love to draw for the final session. Interesting natural objects, old tools, textiles, shells, plants and meaningful everyday objects all make wonderful subjects.
What's included
- Four instructor-led studio sessions
- Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours per session
- Small class size for individual instruction
- Drawing materials provided
- Graphite pencils
- Artist-quality drawing paper
- Erasers and drawing tools
- Demonstrations and individual guidance
- A finished observational drawing
- A relaxed studio environment overlooking Bass Lake
No previous drawing experience required.
Your instructor
Learn with artist Jennifer Claveau
Jennifer is a Canadian environmental artist, painter and educator whose practice is rooted in close observation of the natural world.
Her approach to teaching drawing begins with a simple idea: drawing is a way of learning to see.
Rather than relying on formulas or tracing techniques, students learn to observe relationships, shapes, light and detail and gradually build the confidence to interpret what they see through their own hand.
Course details
- Dates
- Coming soon
- Time
- Coming soon
- Location
- Box of Paints Studio, Bass Lake, Oro-Medonte
- Class size
- Limited small-group enrolment
- Experience
- Beginner friendly
- Materials
- Included
Course fee
$210 + HST
All four sessions and basic drawing materials included.
Join the ClassNo previous drawing experience is necessary.