top of page

Register for the course here

Drawing I

Course ID: 1013

Drawing is the foundational skill at the heart of the visual thinking required for all art processes. Drawing 1 will develop and hone students’ drawing technique by increasing students’ observational skills through practice with the five basics of drawing: the perception of edges, spaces, object relationships, light and shadow, and the whole. Weekly lessons will include sketchbook exercises, drawing assignments that focus on specific skills, ongoing drawing projects, and discussions. The students will explore a variety of drawing mediums, which include pencil, graphite, charcoal, colored pencil, etc. Students will be allowed creative freedom in choice of subject matter within the project parameters. No prior drawing experience is needed and more advanced students will still be challenged by the assignments and benefit from the consistent practice this course provides.

Resources and Materials:

  1. soft pencil case


    — No hard boxes- just soft, zippered pouches, please. Any brand/style acceptable.

  2. Handheld pencil sharpener with receptacle


    — any brand acceptable

  3. Art Portfolio with handles


    — Author: Star Products, size 14 x 20


    — Please try to obtain this exact portfolio in the 14 x 20 size. Do not purchase a clear portfolio- they are too flimsy.



    (Note: Students who are taking any other art course with Mrs. Beaupied may use the same portfolio for all courses.)


    (Note: Students who took art with Mrs. Beaupied previously may use the same portfolio from last year.)

  4. Sketchbook


    — Author: Canson Brand ONLY


    — Canson XL Mixed Media, 98 lb, 60 sheet, spiral bound. MUST BE 9 x 12 size!



    (Note: If a student is taking both Drawing and 2D Design they will need to purchase 2 of these sketchbooks, one for each course.)

Categories: Art
Target Levels: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12
High School Credits: 1

Tuition and Class Schedule by Academic Term:

Full Year 2024-25

Topics and Objectives
1. Drawing from memory, observation, and imagination
— Understanding the difference between three types of drawing.
2. Using Line Weight
— Learning how to use line weight for variety and value
3. Pencil Sighting
— Using the pencil to determine the degree of angled lines
4. Pencil Grips
— The different ways to hold a pencil when drawing.
5. Geometric versus Organic Shapes
— The characteristics of 2D geometric and organic shapes.
6. Combining Shapes
— Students will learn to see drawing subjects as their component shapes.
7. Cubism
— Students will learn about the cubism art movement and create an animal drawing based on cubism concepts.
8. The Four Main 3D Forms
— Students will learn to draw all of the main 3D forms that are the building blocks for all drawings.
9. Perspective
— Students will learn how to create depth through foreshortening and shading in both one and two-point perspective.
10. Shading for Value
— Learning how to create dark, midtone, and light values with all 3D forms through a variety of techniques.
11. Still Life
— Defining and creating still life artworks; lighting and photographing a still life; using a still life to communicate a story.
12. Creating Surface Texture
— Using a variety of techniques to create realistic surface texture.
13. Combining Forms
— Students will gain skill in putting multiple forms together when creating drawings.
14. Portrait Drawing
— Learning facial proportions and how to draw and shade facial features, while creating a self-portrait with expression.
15. Grid Drawing
— Students will learn how to create grids to copy or resize a drawing subject.
16. Contour Drawing
— Learning how to focus on and reproduce the contour lines of a subject.
17. Pointillism
— Students will learn about the Pointillism art movement and will use the technique to create a drawing of a seashell.
18. Op Art
— Students will learn about the Op Art movement and will use the concepts on three drawings to improve their shading/blending technique.
19. Steampunk
— Students will learn the history and science behind Steampunk style and create a mixed media drawing inspired by those concepts.
20. Planning a Drawing Composition
— Students will plan and create a mixed media drawing of an animal with its habitat using some basic rules of composition.
21. Art Discussion and Feedback
— Students will gain a greater comfort level talking about their own art, as well as offering constructive feedback to fellow artists, through periodic art presentations.

bottom of page