Drawing Lab students work in sketchbooks to augment studies we usually do on larger paper. Our Wednesday and Thursday evening crews enjoy learning quick gesture sketches as well as longer, detailed studies of objects around the studio. Shown in the above photos, Lenore happily busted out a fine Picassoesque gesture sketch of the rooster, while … Continue Reading ››
During the past several months, as always, our studio enjoyed opening the doors to a diverse mix of students from Santa Cruz as well as international visitors, all with diverse skill levels and interests in drawing. Our Drawing Lab sessions were festive yet focused on improving skills.
Conversational … Continue Reading ››
Jennifer Lawrence drawing in the movie “Joy” (2015)Note: Although posted in 2015, this piece still has a lot of excellent information about the role of drawing in the movies.
Whether it be a cameo appearance, or a major role, drawing can play an important part … Continue Reading ››
Micron pen sketch along the Emma McCrary trail, Santa Cruz, California.
On urban streets or nature trails, where I enjoy sketching swiftly, I often find myself struggling with how to show realistic depth in my drawing. I’ve come up with a few strategies that use … Continue Reading ››
A child's random scribble?
These drawings look like they could have been made by anyone—a child scribbling just for fun, an employee doodling during a staff meeting—but they’re not.
A doodle during a staff meeting?
Extraordinary … Continue Reading ››
A drawing road trip is great for trying new tools and exploring techniques
Several decades ago, as an avid surfer, nothing excited me more than packing my surfboards and heading up the coast to discover new places to ride waves. Recently, I decided to conjure … Continue Reading ››
I learned to draw flowers at a young age. You probably did too. As children, we were encouraged to make each flower an object of beauty. But what about wilted native sunflowers? Why would anyone spend time drawing such dreadful looking things?
Throughout life, … Continue Reading ››
Every drawing you do has the potential to suck. Or not.
The fear of making mistakes is what keeps many of us from even trying to draw. However, it is possible to embrace failure and actually enjoy salvaging a drawing from the brink of disaster. Sketching through your mistakes on paper is an important and fun part … Continue Reading ››
Conversational … 
