Spring 2012 Course Descriptions

Fundamentals of Natural Science Illustration (8 week course)

101 A, Wednesdays, 1-4pm, February 1 to March 21, Instructor: Susannah Graedel or

101 B, Saturdays, 10am-1pm, April 7 to May 26, Instructor: Dorie Petrochko

Anyone can learn to draw! Working in graphite, students will develop the skills they need to render natural science subjects accurately and aesthetically. Students will learn the methods the Old Masters used, building up layers of graphite to produce the subtle tone variation that reflects light on form. Students of all levels of artistic experience will learn the techniques they need to produce a beautiful portrait of a favorite natural subject. Through weekly assignments students will master the art of tonal drawing. This basic course provides beginning and experienced students with the skills and confidence they will need to portray the natural world in any medium and style. Materials list will be provided. Tuition: $350.

Botanical Illustration in Watercolor (4 week course)

102 A&B,Wednesdays, 1-4pm,  February 1 to February 22 and February 29 to March 21 or

102 C&D, Saturdays, 10am-1pm, April 7 to April 28 and May 5 to May 26

Instructor: Cindy Gilbane

Join us as we sketch, draw and paint the vibrant designs and color of fresh flowers and plants. Sessions can be continuous as we teach to all levels. Supply list provided, or material fee of $40, payable to instructor. Tuition: $175.

Drawing & Painting Museum Specimens (6 week course)

213, Saturdays 10am-1pm, February 4 to March 10, Instructor: Dorie Petrochko

This course will offer hands-on observation and drawing from Peabody Museum specimens of fossils, mammals, birds and insects. Microscopes and magnifying lights will be used to assist in the drawing process. Pre-requisite: Fundamentals of Natural Science Illustration or proof of prior drawing experience approved by the instructor. Supply list will be provided. Tuition: $210.

Botanical Oil Painting I and II (4 week course)

214 and 215, Saturdays, 10am-1pm, February 11 to March 3 and March 10 to March 31

Please note: The dates of these classes have changed!

Instructor: Jan Prentice

Relying on methods and procedures used by 17th Century Dutch flower painters, this class will sharpen powers of observation, improve draftsmanship, and color mixing ability. Resolving each element sequentially, this systematic approach allows students greater control over the painting process and thus, the final results. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Natural Science Illustration or permission from the instructor. Tuition: $175.

One Day Sketching Workshop: Indoors or Outdoors (6 hour workshop)

116 A and B, Saturday, 10am-4pm, March 17 or Saturday, 10am-4pm, March 24 Instructor: Linda Miller

Indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather, we will practice the art of drawing quickly. Gestural sketching will acquaint us with what we are observing. Practicing in this way prepares us for more detailed and sustained studies. Graphite and conte crayon will be the media of choice. This workshop is open to both beginning and experienced artists. Tuition: $90.

Drawing & Painting Birds (6 week course)

205, Wednesdays, 1-4pm, April 4 to May 9, Instructor: Dorie Petrochko

Have you always wanted to know more about birds and how to draw them? This six week class focuses on avian anatomy, sketching birds in the field, drawing from mounted specimens and skins, visiting the Yale Peabody Museum Bird Hall and incorporating reference images to expand our knowledge. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Natural Science Illustration or permission from the instructor. Tuition: $275.

Pen and Ink I: Basic Techniques (4 week course)

206, Wednesdays, 1-4 pm, April 4-April 25, Instructor: Susannah Graedel

Natural science illustrations in pen and ink have been admired for centuries for their elegance, clarity and beauty. Applying the drawing skills honed in Fundamentals of Natural Science Illustration, students will master the techniques of traditional scientific illustration using both crow quill and technical pens. This techniques class will focus on portraying light on form employing line and stipple. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Natural Science Illustration or permission from the instructor. Tuition: $175.

Pen and Ink II: Natural Science Specimens (4 week course)

207, Wednesdays, 1-4 pm, May2-May 23, Instructor: Susannah Graedel

Building on the skills honed in Pen and Ink I, students will illustrate natural science subjects from the Peabody Museum collection and the local environment in line and stipple using crow quill and technical pens. In the fourth class, as pen and ink drawings are a preferred medium for reproduction, students will scan one of their illustrations and produce a note card or business card featuring their image. Prerequisite: Pen and Ink I. Tuition: $175.

Drawing from the Peabody Museum's Dioramas (4 week course)

117, Saturdays, 10am-1pm, April 7 to April 28 Instructor: Linda Miller

We will meet at the Yale Peabody Museum and draw from their renowned dioramas and bird collection on the third floor. Graphite, colored pencil, and watercolor will be the media of choice. This course is open to both beginning and experienced artists. Tuition: $175.

Field Sketching (4 week course)

103, Saturdays, 10-1pm, May 5 to May 26 Instructor: Linda Miller

We will sketch natural habitats outdoors at Yale’s West Campus. Graphite, colored pencil, and watercolor will be the media of choice. This course is open to both beginning and experienced artists. Tuition $175.