"Randy"

"Beth"

"Ishan"

"White Shawl"

"Self-portrait"

A Color Portrait Class by Jon Rader Jarvis

This is a high content series - 10, 3-hour classes. Each class member will participate in the discussion and practice of simple steps to produce color portrait drawings, from paper sretching, paint handling and paper selection, to mixed media and adding what John Singer Sargent called "Flash". A handout sheet will be provided with extensive information. A concurrent web site with class notes and student work (at the student's option) will accompany the class, for missed notes or class work review. This is an intermediate level drawing class, which requires some drawing experience, preferably including some portrait work.

Class Contents:

Paper:
      Traditional and non-traditional drawing paper
Drawing materials:
      Traditional and un-conventional  
      Color andLlimited Palette
Paper preparation:
      Stretching, heavy papers, Gesso, Mixed media
Presentation:
      Portfolio, Conservation materials, Mat&Acetate
Storage:
      Mats, Cabinets and Museum Boxes
Alternatives:
      Planning and use, Giclee, Offset,
Long range planning and the future

COURSE GOALS AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES: The Class is divided into 10 sessions. Each class will begin with a short lecture and demonstration and hands on practice with materials and discussion points in the lecture. The class is designed to present at least one new idea for each class lecture.

CLASS CONTENTS: Each portrait demonstration will explore part of the possibilites of portrait drawing and explore the practical ways to use them. There will be class demonstrations on the practical aspects of materials creation and their effects on the finished work. Class participation is encouraged. Constructive critiques are included in each session after the first few introductory classes.

Introduction
Portraiture is the logical starting point. Learning the basics of the materials and how to use them, are necessary skills for any artist. Since we don't as a rule make our own drawing tools or paper, that would seem to be an anachronistic throwback to an earlier irrelevant day. However, people should make choices from knowledge and not from ignorance.

We will study materials and what goes together to make the everyday things we use to make art. Recipes will be included and we will practice the simple process of making or enhancing our own materials. Although time consuming, these educational tools will show you how to improve the materials you use, the intensity of the colors you choose for your palette and the longevity of those materials. We begin with old media and forms, and progress to the present day use. Then we will try to predict what the future will bring.

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS: For the first class - bring note making materials and questions. From the materials list, you may also bring drawing materials to practice the demonstration points. The greater the class participation, the greater the material covered and depth of content. The class will provide a model beginning with the third class, after we have gained a little familiarity with the implements, and grown tired of drawing each other.