• Introduction-Intermediate
  • Drawing

This process based ONLINE drawing course explores the personal narrative in art.

The self, as subject matter, will be investigated by way of varied vantage points. The series of projects begins with observations of one’s own face and body, and then expands the narrative description to include both the inner identity (thoughts, emotions, memory), and an outward looking perspective into the personal environment.

Students will have a chance to experiment conceptually, develop ideas and produce a series of drawings related thematically.

Lectures will focus on the aesthetic, political or social meaning of autobiographical historical and contemporary art.  

Pre-requisite: Intro to Drawing and/or some experience drawing the figure.


Spring 2021: 8 Weeks: Tuition: $325

TSA will deliver this course using 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

  • Observation and ways of seeing
  • Concept development
  • Process based structure to produce a series
  • Research and investigation of a theme

Materials to Bring

Please keep all purchase receipts in case items need to be returned.

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
  • Cartridge or bond paper (white 18” x 24”)
  • Thicker paper such as watercolour (smooth) or printmaking paper to support ink and washes
  • Plywood board (18” x 24”) for leaning on table edge or easel
  • Bull clips (for clipping pad to board)
  • Try a variety of papers: manilla, craft, vellum, mylar