New York Academy of Art

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to both drawing and painting, offering beginners the foundational skills and knowledge needed to embark on their artistic journeys with confidence. It aims to demystify the creative process by breaking it down into accessible, structured steps while emphasizing core techniques, materials, and methodologies. In the drawing segment, students will explore the foundational elements of observation, conceptualization, stylization, and material handling. They will work with tools such as graphite, ink, and ballpoint pens, gaining an understanding of rendering techniques and the use of light to depict form and space. The painting segment shifts focus to oil painting, introducing students to its material properties and foundational concepts. They will learn to paint still lifes and casts from the NYAA collection, developing a straightforward and effective method of painting while cultivating basic studio habits, from handling materials to creating compositions. By the end of the course, students will have a clear framework to continue their exploration of oil painting with assurance and skill. Together, these two disciplines will provide students with the building blocks to approach their artistic endeavors with confidence, clarity, and a deeper appreciation for the creative process.