Since I have been teaching private and group drawing lessons for 21 years, I have lots to say on the subject.

In looking at the photos in yesterday’s blog posting, it reminded me that yes, a slanted drawing table would be more effective. However, my classes last for one hour, so we just make do with what is available.

I hear critical voices out there, saying “She’s only teaching them to copy photos.”

I am teaching people to see what is really there, providing tools which help them see proportions correctly, showing them how to break down complex shapes and textures into manageable forms, teaching how to plan and persevere and persist.

They are learning about values (the darks and lights), proportions, perspective, how to make things stand out, how to drive pencils to their furthest possible use (“It’s just a pencil!” – Nope, it’s a magic stick of graphite!), how to discern what is worth drawing.

To top it off, my students get to meet a variety of people from different walks of life, of different ages and backgrounds. All have a common interest – learning to draw in a realistic manner.

I love teaching people how to draw, and I really do love my students!