Observational Drawing I
8-Week Course
Instructor TBA soon!
Thursdays, 6 -9 PM
March 19 - May 7, 2026
Registration Deadline: March 16
[ REGISTER HERE ]
Description
Observational Drawing is all about learning to see—really see—and translate that visual experience onto the page with accuracy and clarity. This course introduces traditional, time-tested methods for drawing from life, giving you the tools to capture what’s in front of you with confidence. You’ll learn how to use sighting and measuring techniques to judge proportion and placement, how to apply one- and two-point perspective to create believable space, and how to draw more precisely by observing shape, angle, and alignment. Each class builds on the last, guiding you through a series of structured exercises that train both the hand and the eye. You’ll work from simple still life setups, interior spaces, and other real-world subjects, gradually building up the visual logic and spatial awareness that form the backbone of strong drawing. This course is ideal for beginners as well as those looking to refresh their fundamentals. Whether your goal is to move into figure drawing, painting, design, or just gain more control over your drawings, Observational Drawing offers a solid and reliable foundation—one that emphasizes careful seeing, deliberate mark-making, and a deep respect for the visual world around you.
This class will cover the following topics:
• Train your eye to see shapes, angles, and proportions more accurately.
• Learn classic techniques like sighting, measuring, and perspective.
• Build confidence by drawing from real life.
• Improve control, focus, and spatial awareness in your drawings
Materials List: (link to printable PDF)
Tuition: $370
Class Size
Minimum: 5
Maximum: 12
Level of Study: Beginner
No experience? No problem. Or, perhaps you're returning to art after a hiatus. Beginner-level courses are designed for individuals with little to no prior experience in making art. These courses focus on building confidence, developing foundational skills, and encouraging creative exploration.
Suggested Prerequisites: N/A
LOCATION: Unless otherwise specified, all courses are hosted at Manifest's new facility at 'M1' in Clifton at 3464 Central Parkway (see map and directions below). Manifest's new facility provides multiple studio classrooms, private lesson space, a darkroom, a film processing room, and a multi-purpose lecture and class meeting space as well as on-site parking, grounds, and exterior spaces in which to relax, discuss, and make art. The studios are outfitted with professional equipment, furniture, and study aids.
Map to Manifest's M1 Studios | Studio Calendar | Darkroom Calendar |
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