• Absolute Beginners
  • Drawing

A perfect introductory ONLINE course for students wishing to learn how to draw. 

Drawing is a tool for looking. Through deep observation of the subject, students develop their ability to process the information that they see. Using a variety of drawing media and working from still life, figure and landscape, we will explore fundamental concerns such as light and shadow, composition, positive and negative space, gesture, energy, intention and personal expression.

Emphasis is on development and expansion of visual language skills with some group (through ZOOM) and individual feedback in a supportive environment. GOALS: Students will develop basic visual language skills to begin on a path of personal expression through practice.


Note: There will be no class on May 24th.

This course will be offered via ZOOM. Prior to the course session, you will receive an invitation for the session(s) via email. You'll need a laptop, desktop or tablet, internet connection with good bandwidth and headset (either wired or wireless). We recommend that you set up a free ZOOM account and be familiar with ZOOM prior to the class beginning.  Here is a link to help you get started. https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/categories/200101697

Notes: Martha Eleen, a Toronto-based painter, has been teaching painting and drawing at Toronto School of Art since 2004. Her own works explore the relationship between culture and landscape. Eleen’s paintings are represented in the permanent collection of the Art Gallery of Ontario, and have been exhibited in public galleries in Canada, the US, Mexico and Japan. Her work has received critical attention in the form of curatorial essays, reviews and publications. She is currently represented by Loop Gallery in Toronto.
* This course is not currently open for registration

What you will learn

Introduction to Drawing (Martha Eleen)

  • Observational skills
  • Contour and line
  • Gesture and expression 
  • Values (light and shadow)
  • Composition (structure and spatial relationships) 

Materials to Bring

Basic Supplies

  • charcoal: Vine (Willow) charcoal thin/medium sticks
  • conte: orange and black (HB)
  • ink, Chinese bamboo brush (medium), 5B nib and pen
  • oil pastels (Pentel or Selectum are inexpensive (under $4)
  • white plastic eraser
  • bull clips
  • cartridge or bond paper (white, 18” x 24”)
  • thicker paper such as watercolour (smooth) or printmaking paper to support ink and washes

Try a variety of papers: manilla, craft, vellum, mylar.

Plywood board the size of paper pad: this can be used if you don't have an easel by resting it in your lap or leaning it against a table.