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Course

Drawing I: Focus on Perception

ART-X401.66

10 WEEKS | LIVE ONLINE & ONLINE | FALL, WINTER, SPRING, SUMMER

Learn basic drawing techniques through a variety of instructor demonstrations, guided in-class exercises and homework projects. Topics include contour drawing, positive and negative space, perspective, shading and composition. As this is a foundation course, work is based on drawing from observation. Explore the concept of light and shadow by experimenting with highlights, cast shadows and reflected light. An introduction to realistic portrait and figure drawing is included, focusing on proportion and "sighting" techniques used by the masters. Most importantly, you will experience a change in perception, learning to see like an artist in this fun but challenging class.

What You Will Learn:

  • Line and contour; pure contour and modified contour; use of viewfinders.

  • Positive and negative space, and how to create volume.

  • How to combine space, proportions, values and gesture.

  • Drawing the head in profile and with ¾ view.

Quarters Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer | Live Online & Online
Current Course Fee: $350
Course Length: 10 weeks
Prerequisite: None
Note: Required course for Art and the Creative Process professional certificate. 


Materials: 
Based on instructor, please bring to first class:

Instructor Michelle McCunney: 
Graphite pencils (2B & 6B); 18"x24” or larger Drawing Board with clips, and 18"x24” Rough Newsprint Pad.

Instructor Kelsey Worth: 
Set of Drawing Pencis (including HB, 6B, 8B, & Matte Black 12B or darker graphite pencils); Artist Grade Graphite Powder (not lubricant); Sketch Pad (9"x12" or 11"x14"); Ruler; Pencil Sharpener; Tombow Mono Zero Eraser; Kneaded Eraser; Hard Eraser.

Instructor Michael Colletta: 
Drawing Board; Newsprint; 11'x15' Drawing Paper; Charcoal; Drawing Pencils (2B, 4B, 6B); White Eraser; Gum Eraser; Pencil Eraser.

Full materials lists will be distributed during first class meeting.

Course Information

Live Online
3.00 units
$350.00

Course sessions

Closed

Section ID:

E 00005262

Class type:

Synchronous web-based class meetings that are scheduled to meet online at published times (time/date).

Textbooks:

All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.

Policies:

Drop Refund Deadline:

10/05/2026

Schedule:

Date Day Start End
9/28/2026 Monday 06:00 p.m. 09:00 p.m.
10/5/2026 Monday 06:00 p.m. 09:00 p.m.
10/12/2026 Monday 06:00 p.m. 09:00 p.m.
10/19/2026 Monday 06:00 p.m. 09:00 p.m.
10/26/2026 Monday 06:00 p.m. 09:00 p.m.
11/2/2026 Monday 06:00 p.m. 09:00 p.m.
11/9/2026 Monday 06:00 p.m. 09:00 p.m.
11/16/2026 Monday 06:00 p.m. 09:00 p.m.
11/23/2026 Monday 06:00 p.m. 09:00 p.m.
11/30/2026 Monday 06:00 p.m. 09:00 p.m.
Closed

Instructor:

Michael Colletta, MFA, B.A.
Michael Colletta, MFA, B.A.

25 years painting experience specializing in working from life and from the imagination, and has taught classes in studio art at UC Santa Cruz

Michael Colletta teaches Drawing I: Focus on Perception, Drawing II: Refining Technique, Figure Drawing I, and Figure Drawing II for the Professional Certificate in Art and the Creative Process. Michael received his master's degree from Yale University and bachelor's degree from UC Santa Cruz. He has 25 years of painting experience, specializing in working from life as well as from the imagination. He has taught classes in studio art at UC Santa Cruz. His work has been exhibited nationally and he belongs to many private collections.

Full Bio