Rendering in Charcoal & Chalk

September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • 2026
10 AM to 12:30 PM

5 Sessions – 5 week course

LOCATION: Encinitas, CA Studio

Back in 2026, this popular course! Learn ways of rendering the figure, face and other subjects with confidence. Gain the skills to consistently evoke what you see. I’ll share with you step by step my signature methods for creating accurate, beautiful, exciting, even award-winning renderings. We’ll work in one and two colors. Charcoal, graphite and chalks are the materials we’ll use, on paper. New artists – hone the skills which are foundational for success in all art including painting – with materials that are so manageable and forgiving. Experienced artists – improve your journey with a deep dive to the foundation, that is, values – accurately seeing and reproducing shades of light and building a composition with them.

We’ll cover: 

• Balanced composition
• Values
• Edges and lost edges
• Line and shape
• Graduated tones
• Negative space
• Lifting 
• Integrated backgrounds

Create drawings that are pleasing in their accuracy – yet with elements of startling spontaneity for that ‘wow’ factor.

You’ll work from supplied photographic reference images. Each class starts with a demonstration drawing by the instructor. Then, you’ll work with individual help as you follow a clear and adventurous path in your rendering.

If you’ve taken this course with me before – great, come hone your skills and drill deeper into the techniques and mindsets!

Bonus: each class demo is video recorded. If you must miss any of the five classes you can catch up with video recap and correspondence with the instructor later.

September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • 2026
10 AM to 12:30 PM

PS  Taken this class before? Use code ‘GIMMEMORE’ at checkout for a discount.