The Sketchbook Challenge
Registration opens Jan 3rd at 9am
Fridays 12-2pm est | feb 4 - mar 11
Wednesdays 12-2pm est | apr 6 - may 11
The Sketchbook Challenge is just as its name suggests: a 6-week challenge to FILL a sketchbook! This course will introduce a multitude of exercises and methodologies that will instill healthy habits and facilitate a relationship with your sketchbook. Whether you are a beginner or expert in your creative journey, this course will help you find ways a sketchbook can benefit your unique creative practice.
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Each class will follow the same format: we will open with ~15 minutes of artists sharing progress made on their sketchbooks, followed by ~1.5 hours of guided exercises, and a final ~15 minute debrief. Class #3 and #5 will host ~1-1.5 hours of open studio time during which each participant in the class will have a 5-minute private meeting with Amanda in a breakout room.
The class will have a shared Google Drive account in which participants upload photos of their work. This helps create a stable and clear image to view each other’s work. Each class will be hosted in a secure and private meeting on zoom, the zoom link will be sent the day prior to each class.
If you miss a class, a recording will be personally sent to you containing the exercise conducted that day. If you miss a private meeting, it will not be rescheduled. Thank you for understanding.
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Sketchbook* see note below
Pencil (I recommend 2B or similar)
Ruler
Dry media (consider colored pencils, markers, crayons, etc)
Wet Media (consider watercolor, gouache or acrylic paint)
Fixative spray
A note about sketchbooks -
It is vital to choose a sketchbook that is right for you. The wrong sketchbook could mislead you so please, please, PLEASE, shop around. Hold the book. Feel the pages. Consider the following:
Size: Choose a size that is slightly outside of your comfort level. Smaller sketchbooks sometimes feel more comfortable and accessible, but I’d recommend looking for something ~8x10 inches. This size will give your thoughts and drawings space to wander and breathe.
Paper weight: Make sure to read the label of the sketchbook to ensure the paper will hold your preferred medium. If you intend to paint in your sketchbook make sure your paper can hold water and pigment well. When in doubt, buy a mixed media or watercolor sketchbook.
Format: Hard cover allows for easy lap drawing, soft cover is more malleable, spiral bound is great to take drawings out of your sketchbook. Does square, rectangular or wide landscape format best fit your intentions?
I will be using a 8.25 x 11.75 Moleskine Art Sketchbook. This sketchbook is the right size and feel for me, but it may not be right for you. It takes pencil, inky pen, and non-watered down acrylic paint very well. Blick studio markers will bleed through the page and water-based media will make the page buckle.
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You will have access to a number of documents to aid and support your journey during the Sketchbook Challenge. The following is available for limitless download and never expire:
Downloadable versions of all presentations shared by Amanda
(5) homework assignments to complete in between classes
(3) extensive lists of drawing prompts
Amanda’s artist inventory list (100+ excellent artists)
Several art readings regarding how/why artists keep sketchbooks
An optional contact list of participants (many keep in touch after class ends)
A few other goodies!
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$270 per seat
Interaction of Color
Registration opens Jan 3rd at 9am
Wednesdays 12-2pm est | Feb 2 - mar 9
Interaction of Color will change the way you see the world around you. Rooted in Josef Albers’ famous color theory methodologies, each exercise will train the eye to see subtle shifts in value, saturation and temperature amongst different hues. This course will primarily use Color-Aid paper and collage to investigate color relationships and is designed for artists of all media - painters, weavers, designers, anyone - and will inform the way you engage with color in your unique creative practice.
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This class will open with an introductory demonstration of the day’s exercise with ample time for questions. The following hour will be open studio time in which everyone will have a 5-minute private check-in with Amanda in a breakout room. The remaining 15-20 minutes of class will consist of a short, informal group critique. It’s very important to share and see the work of other ‘students’ because we all learn from each other in the classroom.
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Cutting Mat
Exacto Knife
Scissors
Rubber Cement
9x12 Bristol paper
Color-AId Paper (I recommend the 4.5 x 6” 220 pack)
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$250
CRITIQUE & MENTORSHIP
REGISTRATION OPENs JAN 3RD at 9am
As an art educator, it is my utmost responsibility to help you uncover the next level of your unique creative practice. Art education is not one-size-fits-all; different artists have different backgrounds, skills, challenges and goals. Which is why I’m offering this opportunity meant to reflect YOU and your work, all on your schedule. Individual guidance will help you live up to your full potential as an artist, making work that is exciting, genuine and true to you.
These individualized meetings are meant for 2D artists of all backgrounds and skillsets. Book individual appointments or reoccurring meetings.
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More details about the Foundations of Painting video series can be found in Pre-Recorded Class listings.
Video tutorials are a great format for learning new skills, but sometimes unique questions arise that require a conversation or personalized demonstration to further one’s understanding. These private meetings can be catered to your needs and questions to ensure you have a concrete understanding of the subject.
Available only to those who purchased the Foundations of Painting package. Book in calendar below.
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Have a question? Need feedback on a painting? Want help mixing that perfect hue? I’m here, let’s talk! I’ll give you direct, honest and constructive feedback and/or provide a personalized demonstration to help answer your question(s). This option is a great way to ‘feel out’ if we are a good fit for one another before opting for a full Mentorship.
To Book: Select “Drop-In Consultation” option and book 1 meeting in calendar below.
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Book 5 meetings that work for your schedule, spaced as you please. Our first meeting we will identify and discuss goals for your work, and each of the following meetings we will deepen our discussion of your work, materials, process, concepts, or anything you wish. I have ample thought, drawing, and written exercises that will help to investigate, explore and discover more about your unique creative practice.
To Book: Select “Mentorship” option in calendar below and book 5 meetings, a $50 savings versus booking individual meetings!
During our time together, I will:
Deliver tangible, actionable feedback for your work
Discuss complex 2D formal qualities with clarity and concision
Provide examples of relative historical or contemporary artists
Uncover conceptual narratives that exist in the work
Encourage healthy work habits and studio relationships
Provide feedback on artist statements
Provide expertise regarding materials, supports and finishes
Help you discover who you are and who you aspire to be as an artist
REGISTRATION OPENS JAN 3RD