Drawing Fundamentals: Observation & Expression
CA$300
Drawing Fundamentals: Observation & Expression
6-Week Guided Drawing Course — In Person
Course Dates: October 10–November 21, 2026
Schedule: Saturdays, 12:00-2:00 PM
Please Note: No class on October 17
Location: 596 Mt Pleasant Rd, Toronto
Age: 16+
Course Fee: $300 per participant
Early Registration: $280 until September 15
Experience Level: Beginner-friendly; no previous drawing experience required
Course Description
This six-week course introduces the foundations of drawing through observation, experimentation, and creative expression. Participants will explore line, form, texture, composition, value, and contrast while experimenting with different drawing materials and techniques.
Through guided exercises and individual support, students will strengthen their observational and visual-thinking skills and develop a personal composition to complete by the end of the course.
What Is Covered
Line, shape, and form through still-life observation
Drawing techniques using graphite and charcoal
Texture, expressive mark-making, gesture, and contour lines
Working with oil pastels and other drawing media
Composition, balance, depth, and movement
Value, tone, light, shadow, and contrast
Visual thinking and personal composition development
Constructive feedback and artwork refinement
Weekly Curriculum
Week 1 — Line, Shape & Form
Explore line, shape, and three-dimensional form through still-life observation and drawing exercises using graphite and charcoal.
Week 2 — Texture, Gesture & Contour
Experiment with expressive mark-making, gesture, and contour lines to create texture, movement, drama, and harmony using oil pastels.
Week 3 — Composition & Depth
Learn the fundamentals of composition and use a viewfinder to create balance, depth, and movement within an artwork.
Week 4 — Value, Tone & Contrast
Explore light and shadow and learn how value, tone, and contrast can create dimension, depth, and atmosphere.
Week 5 — Developing a Personal Composition
Build visual-thinking skills through sketching. Use observation, reference images, and a creative theme or prompt to plan an original composition.
Week 6 — Refinement & Gallery Walk
Complete and refine your personal composition using your chosen drawing medium. Participate in constructive feedback and a gallery walk celebrating the completed work.
Who Is This Course For?
Adults interested in learning the foundations of drawing
Beginners and those wishing to strengthen their existing skills
Anyone interested in developing observation, visual thinking, and creative expression
No previous drawing experience is required
By the End of the Course, You Will:
Understand the essential foundations of drawing
Draw with greater confidence and observational awareness
Use a range of drawing materials and techniques
Create texture, depth, movement, and atmosphere
Plan, develop, and complete a personal composition
Reflect on and refine your artwork through guided feedback
Required Materials
Participants are responsible for bringing the following materials:
Pencil sharpener
Kneaded eraser
Graphite drawing pencils: HB, 2B and 4B
Set of 5 Studio Soft Graphite Pencils – DeSerresMedium willow charcoal
6-Pack Willow Charcoal Sticks – DeSerresCharcoal pencils—optional
Set of 5 Studio Sketching Pencils – DeSerres9 × 12-inch drawing paper pad, approximately 80–90 lb
9 × 12-Inch Drawing Paper Pad – DeSerres
The linked products are recommendations only. Comparable materials from other brands may also be used.
Meet Your Instructor
Joanne Pereira-Renaux is an illustrator, visual artist, educator, and community builder whose work brings together nature, storytelling, and creative learning. She believes in the power of creative play to encourage connection, curiosity, and positive change.
With more than 15 years of experience teaching art and developing educational programs in Dubai, Nepal, and Toronto, Joanne now focuses on illustration, community workshops, and educational toolkit design.
Inspired by gardening and land stewardship, she created Futuring with Nature, a workshop series exploring our relationship with the natural world through art-making. Her multidisciplinary practice includes illustration, acrylic painting, mixed-media collage, printmaking, and hand-built clay.
Attendance and Refund Policy
Due to the structured six-week format, missed classes cannot be rescheduled or made up. Course fees are non-refundable once registration is confirmed. Please review all course dates and ensure you are available before registering.
Class Dates: October 10, October 24 and October 31; November 7, November 14 and November 21, 2026. There will be no class on October 17.