Shonna Pryor

Working from the nude model, students learn how to draw the human form from direct observation. Class exercises include fast movement and long duration poses as well as content from other visual sources including photographs and the imagination. The essential elements of life drawing, including anatomy, proportion, volume, composition, gesture, and the accurate and expressive use of line and tone are addressed to provide a focus for increasing skill. Students work with black and white dry media, such as graphite, charcoal, and conte crayon to realistically render subjects from direct observation. In addition, students explore experimental approaches such as blind contour drawing and drawing from memory. Focus is placed on both traditional drawing modes as well as individual creativity so each student can investigate their own ideas. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, presentations on historic and contemporary artists, and critiques supplement the studio experience. This course is recommended for both beginners and those wanting to improve and develop their current skills and ideas.

This course is for students that have a background in drawing, but little to no painting experience. Drawings serve as the foundation for acquiring new painting skills, and students are encouraged to develop their own ideas and goals with instructor guidance. Skills such as line, volume, space, materiality, form and function, and palette are explored through both drawing and painting. A variety of traditional and contemporary materials are used, and may include graphite, charcoal, pastels, water-based paints, mixed media, and/or collage. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago museum and discussions of practicing artists will supplement the studio experience and encourage inspiration and development of concepts in student artworks. By the end of the course, students will have a greater knowledge of material options and acquire the ability to transition from drawing to painting. Prerequisite(s): Introduction to Drawing or equivalent experience.

This course introduces the materials, methods, and tools of oil painting while students develop observational skills. Demonstrations on stretching canvas, laying out a palette, working with various paint application techniques, and color mixing provide students with the fundamentals of the medium and a strong foundation for future work.

This course introduces the materials, methods, and tools of oil painting while students develop observational skills. Demonstrations on stretching canvas, laying out a palette, working with various paint application techniques, and color mixing provide students with the fundamentals of the medium and a strong foundation for future work.

This course will introduce students to acrylic painting through the exploration of traditional and contemporary approaches to the medium. Through demonstrations, individual dialogue, class discussions, and critiques, students will learn how to work with the acrylic paints. Artists including Mark Bradford, Helen Frankenthaler, and Mark Rothko will provide inspiration as participants complete a series of paintings on paper, canvas, and wood.

Focus on the intimate relationship between drawing and painting as you experiment with a wide range of multi-disciplinary approaches that will help build a bridge between the two. Experiment with traditional and non-traditional drawing and painting materials to deepen your connection to contemporary studio practices and develop technical and conceptual skills to expand your personal visual language. This immersive experience is intended for students that want to advance an existing painting and drawing practice. Independent studio time is supplemented by lectures and demonstrations, as well as opportunities to engage with your instructor and peers through discussions and critique.