Art is an innately human experience and a process to be cherished and fostered in anyone and everyone. The importance of art (in all its forms) is well documented across history and it is essential to our growth not only as individuals but as a species. The basis of all visual art is drawing. Drawing is a way of understanding. It’s the simplest, most direct method of taking what we see and putting it into the physical world. Without a strong foundation in drawing, our art becomes limp and buckles under ambiguity.

My teaching philosophy focuses on connecting students to what they see and why it looks the way it does. I want them to be asking questions. The more they understand their subject, towing in a healthy skepticism and precociousness the better they can render it in the 3D. This ability, people sometimes label talent, hinges on helping to solidify that wonder, imagination, and “creative play” we often lose in adult life.

By the end of the class I hope to leave students with a developing muscle memory – being able to record what they see using accurate perspective and depth, contrasting shades through understanding of light logic, using an artist’s eye for detail and visual interest and ultimately the tools to bring what they imagine to fruition.