My Sketch Class

Ranchlands Art Classes Aug '09

2009-07-04T11:18:00.000-07:00

Drawing and Sketching class -

Explore the different techniques and aspects of quick drawing (sketching). Used by many artists as a documentation tool, an exploration tool and an expression tool. Scribble art, line drawing, pen/ink etching and minimalism drawing will be explored. Both individual and group instruction will be offered during class. This program is a prerequisite for the Field Art Course in fall.

This program will cover a variety of techniques - traditional drawing with colored and lead pencils; sketching using using pencil, pen & ink; and scribble art using pen and pencil.

Times -
Class A (for adults 18 yrs and over)
6-wks August 5 to September 9
Wednesday evening 6:30 – 8pm
*Must pre-register

Class B (for teens 13 yrs and over)
6-wks August 7 to September 11
Friday evening 7pm – 8:30pm
*Must pre-register

Where -
Ranchlands Community Center
Contact: Cameron Keith (403) 208-1724
Pre-registered date: July 31

Instructor - Cameron Keith (403) 208-1724
Cost - $95.00 (not including supplies)

Supply List

Class No. 1 photos

2009-02-15T05:19:00.000-08:00

The photos of the backpack are [here].

Sorry for the delay, urgent family matter. Hope you understand.

See you all next week.

Cameron

Tonights class is canceled!

2009-02-04T04:38:00.000-08:00

Do to the resent storm event tonights class (Feb.4) is canceled. I am all geared up to start this class it's going to be great, so we will see you next week at the same time!

The classes will be set back one week with a start date of February 11. The new schedule will read as follows:

Time-
February 11 to March 18 (6 weeks)
Wednesday 6:30 - 8:00pm

Original post: [Link]

Drawing & Sketching - Feb 09

2009-01-04T07:58:00.000-08:00

Drawing and Sketching class-
This program will cover a variety of techniques - traditional drawing with colored and lead pencils; sketching using using pencil, pen & ink; and scribble art using pen and pencil.

Time-
February 4 to March 11 (6 weeks)
Wednesday 6:30 - 8:00pm

Place -
Shelburne Regional High School
Contact: Adam Dedrick (902) 875-2831

Instructor - Cameron Keith (902)637-1246
Cost - $85.00 (not including supplies)
Supply list

Samples

2008-12-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

Here are some samples of drawings we will explore. The subject may change, however they show some of the types of drawing we will be doing.Cloth/Wrinkles can be great challenge to do. The cloth is also a great daily exercise as it cover most elements found in drawings. Be it scribble art or shade drawn.

Landscapes and Scenery. You explore styles like quick sketching and scribble art.

The more advances classes will see life art and figures. This type of drawing takes time so will be covered over a few classes. You will need to do most of the work on your own and get help while in class.

Just a few of the subjects and techniques we will cover. Most of all, you need to set your mind to have fun and relax, the rest will just happen.

Tools of the Trade

2008-12-11T13:35:00.000-08:00

You can't do much without the trusty pencil and you can't do much unless you learn to use it correctly.

Mechanical Pencil:

This is the pencil that I use the most. I have a .3 .5 and .7, each one used for different areas of a drawing. They come in handy with fine detail and tight areas. They are great to handle and recommend getting ones with a rubber grip, as this will give you much more control. They last much longer because leads are protected by pencil casing.

Wooden Cased Pencil:

I like to use the Staedtler Mars Lumograph pencils and wouldn’t change them for any other. They are tough and don’t break easily. They are a must have if you plan on working on highly detailed drawings. Pencils range from hard to soft, 9H, 8H, … , 2H, H, F, HB, B, 2B, … , 8B, 9B. I mostly use 2h and 4h, I don’t expect you to use these also. Mix and match and see what works with your style and what you are trying to achieve. I use 2h for skin tones which allows me to lay down light areas. I use 4h to blend softer shades such as 4b and 5b.

Colored Pencil:

There may be a need to use colored pencils. Generally you are looking for a smooth lead the does not smug to much. Any combination of manufactures colored pencils should be fine. This tends to reflect your individual style.

Drawing Paper:

Bienfang is good paper and should fit most of the work that will be done. The size should be around 9 x 12.

Indenting Stylus:

Well this is my main tool for adding texture and realism to animal hair and fur. Just what is it, you ask? Well its used for impressing a line into paper before drawing starts, this makes an invisible line. When you run the pencil over it, it leaves a clean white line. Well this tool can be used in many areas such as hair,grass and other fine details. Once you understand how to use this, it will become a handy tool for adding realism to your pencil drawings. I have two and I made these myself. I have one for fine lines which I made using a pen and adding a needle to the tip of it. Make sure you sand down the tip a bit or else it will rip through paper. The second one that i have is a ball point empty pen which i use for thicker lines. Make sure that you have completely gotten all the ink out of the pen or you might get some unfortunate mistakes. The tip thickness depends on the pen itself also, look for the one that works best. Both of these are great for adding realism to your drawings. This is a style that I have developed and that has worked for me, you might not like working with this but that allows you to find a style that will work for you.

Stumps and Tortillons

These are used for blending graphite. They are double ended and is a great tool for getting smooth transitions from dark to light. Never, ever, ever use your finger to blend pencil because the oils from your fingers will cause graphite to stick to paper. Getting these little spots is the worst thing in a drawing, they practically impossible to remove.

Color Sharpener:

You cant do much with stub, so these little tools come in handy. These not only can be used for sharpening the wood cased pencils and pencil erasers, but you can also use the graphite residue that collects to use with the tortillon.

Kneaded Eraser
A tool that gave me the opportunity to give much more life to my drawings. It might look like just a piece of playdoh, but its a great tool for any pencil artist. It works just like an eraser, but it just pulls out almost any mark that has been made with a pencil. When molded to a fine line, it can pull graphite off the paper leaving a nice clean line. Great for creating hair and highlights, its a tool that must be included with all your others.

Pens:

For fine-detailing and permanence when writing in micro-spaces or on unusual and challenging surfaces. Used to make precise long-lasting marks on test tubes, circuit boards, diamonds, cellophane, wood, glass, plastic, CDs, photographic film and metal. Chemically stable and waterproof. The durable fine line nib will not split. Non-toxic. Black only.

Available in 3 point sizes:

01 = 0.25 mm

03 = 0.35 mm

05 = 0.45 mm

Sharpies -

Sharpie minis are great for rough work. These minis come in four colors and just the right size for field work.

Thoroughly enjoyed exploring art

2008-12-01T09:01:00.000-08:00

I have thoroughly enjoyed exploring art sketching during our time together. I came with no preconceived ideas of what it would be like but have found that it has given me a much deeper appreciation for all of God's creation. I am much more aware of looking and seeing into things and the complexity of their composition. That, I have truly loved and continue to be enchanted by all that nature and my surroundings have to offer.I never realized that there could be so many different shades to pencils and the impact they would have on developing my drawing. A new way of seeing things and trying to capture them on paper has brought about a new way of embracing my own spirituality.

I found the time was all too short and I must confess that I have not had much time for drawing within the last few weeks. I would really love to begin to be introduced to the complexity of perspective and more on ink work as we really didn't get the time to explore these before the class was over.

Carolyn

Looking forward to Fall's classes

2008-12-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Your drawing class met all of my expectations and more. I thought that by attending a class it might enable me to get back into my work after so many years of not drawing. I wasn`t sure what the class was going to be like. My initial reaction was " Great. This feels like being transported back to 1967 at NSCAD in drawing class again."

I found your class to be :
- challenging;especially the" glass still-life"
- basic techniques were built upon in succeeding classes
- a variety of techniques & medium were used
- constructive critiques enabled me to see beyond where I was at & to be able to move ahead
- a chance to work with others
- interesting discussions
- an encouraging insightful approach on your part

I`m looking forward to this Fall`s classes.
Phyllis

Tons of patience

2008-12-01T05:40:00.000-08:00

Cam has tons of patience and he has no problem answering the same questions and going over the same procedures without complaining or making the student feel like she's wasting his time. This course has opened my eyes to my passion for sketching and with Cam's guidance it has allowed me to participate in something that is awesome.

Kathy

Early fall art class '08

2008-09-09T15:54:00.000-07:00

This fall, shortly after school resumes I will be re-starting the art classes. This year I want to offer four different types of class;

1. Beginner drawing - Quick sketch
2. Advanced drawing
3. Oil painting
4. Drop-in - Drawing classes

Quick Sketch - SRHS Community use class (Shelburne Regional High School)

Starts: Oct.6th, '08
Day and Time: Mondays 6:30p - 8:00p
Fee: $100.00
Contact: Adam Dedrick
more...

Oil Painting - part of Sobeys Celebrates the Art - Shelburne

Start: Oct 1st, '08
Day and Time: Wednesday 6:30p - 8:30p
Fee: $145.00
Contact: Cameron Keith
more...

The oil painting class is new for '08. I will help the artist develop their work with techniques I've developed for my work. This class will probably get quite involved and will challenge the ability and patients of the artist. It is not tricky stuff and takes a long time to develop the finished work. There will be lots of work generated during this class. Drawing perspective and ink work will also be covered to help develop the works.
Space is limited - act soon if you want to take this in!

Drop-In Drawing class - part of Sobeys Celebrates the Art - Shelburne

Start: Will be held at the same time as the Oil Painting class (if there is a small group)
Day and Time: Wednesday 6:30p - 8:30p
Fee: $60.00 to register and $20.00 per drop-in class
Contact: Cameron Keith

The intent of this class is to offer an opportunity to anyone wanting a few classes because they can't get all of them in or for the participant to get help every now and then with a project they are working on. This course will also serve as a chance for the artist to mingle with other like minded individuals with similar interests. Come in, coffee and Tea is on!
Space is limited - act soon if you want to take this in!

This class is extended

2008-04-01T06:16:00.000-07:00

This art class will be extended another 8 weeks for all currently enrolled participants. Please contact Adam to renew your dues. I'm looking forward to exploring new and exciting ideas. I would like to work on 2 or 3 major works for completion at the end of May. Contact information is posted online at www.keithstudios.com

In addition to that continued class we are working on starting another class Tuesdays for new participants. Watch for details in the Spring Brochure.

Spring Break - 08

2008-03-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

Mar 7 to Mar 19 - Extra Work
Mar 20 - Regular class starts

Here is the schedule:
Over the course of the next two weeks we still have work to do. To maintain our schedule please produce two works of art;
1. Scribble technique (with or without Line work) and
2. Pen cross-hatching (with or without Line work)

The subject for this work is up to the individual. However, please incorporate as may of the topics we have already covered;

1. Depth of field
- Foreshortening
- Perspective
- Overlapping
- Degeneration of detail (abstraction)

2. Composition matters;
- Apply basic shapes
- Design layout
- Apply Purpose of work

Field Sketch (for future reference)

Finished work of art

Developmental work for other medium

Hand/eye co-origination exercise.

Please indicate what you have incorporated in your art on the back of the art work.

I hope you take advantage of this time and produce as many works as you can. I will review and critique this work and any extra work that you have done on the 20th. As we are mid-point through the class, this point in time is critical for develop.

Have fun and see you on March 20!

Spring Break Schedule

2008-03-01T08:24:00.000-08:00

Schedule through Spring Break
Mar 6 - Regular class
Mar 13 - Spring Break
Mar 20 - Regular class

Over the course of the next two weeks we have one class and then Spring Break hits. I don't want to lose the momentum we have in the class. So I want to span the break with enough home work that all can continue right through it into the week of the 20th.

Here is the schedule:

1. Produce two works of art (minimum). One of the drawing you will use pencil and the other pen.

2. Apply all the techniques we have learned so far (in class) to the drawings. The drawing using the pencil will not use the scribble technique. You may find it easier to produce a third drawing just for scribbling.

3. Use the subject matter of your choice. If you start working on this at the next class, then you will need to use what is available at that time. Or you may want or bring something from home so that you have it as reference during this period.

4. You will have one week to produce each drawing. I hope you take advantage of this time and produce many works. For those that would like me to critique their extra work, I will review that work on the 20th.

This point in time is critical as we are mid-point through the class and need to work and develop our techniques.

A note on materials:
I see that everyone has taken up the challenge of selecting pencils, paper and the like. All seem to have a good selection and all learning how to use the tools. Congrats!

Please forward any question you may have to me at cam_keith@keithstudios.com. I will answer them ASAP. Thanks again

Incredible 10ft 'photographs' drawn with a ballpoint pen

2008-02-16T13:59:00.000-08:00

Simply birolliant - the incredible 10ft 'photographs' drawn with a ballpoint pen.

Take a look this this guys art, most incredible!!
They may look like pin-sharp photographs - but these amazing pictures are actually drawings created with the humble ballpoint pen. more...

Needs list for class

2008-02-15T09:13:00.000-08:00

Last nights class was great! I think we will have a good class.

Although the class is small it will allow for plenty of individual instruction time, which is great for the participants. I will develop the needs list as we go, and hopefully it will be complete prior to the next class. For now, please ensure the following items are picked up prior to our next class. (Minimum list).
1. Sharpie pens from Staples. Please note pens can be purchased any place I've selected these here so that you had the description.
2. Drawing paper. All of you seem to have your individual choice and that's fine.
3. Pencils; 2H, HB, 3B, kneaded eraser, vinyl or Hi-Polymer eraser, pens (Gel/Micros) black fine medium points.
4. Brown paper (Sobeys now offers paper as an alternative) great for some projects. Each bag will yield two pieces of paper.

We will be producing lots of sketches and hence will need lots of papers. Generally speaking, the equipment that was brought last night seemed to be all good.

The painting I am planning to use as the reference piece can be seen online at keithstudios.com
it appears at the bottom of the index (first) page.

Hope this helpes. That's all the items I can think of at the present time. Leave comments if you like or email me directly.

Valentine's Art Class

2008-02-14T08:45:00.000-08:00

Well, it looks like we are a go for your first art class tonight. After that wierd weather another rain strom to get rid of all that snow. Just bring some paper, pencils and pens if you have them. We will give you a needs list at class tonight. As it is a sketch class it's probably obvious as to what is needed, but maybe there will be a twist or two.

I am very excited to get this class underway. I'm poised ready to pull creative right out of your brain and help you get that art on paper. We will be producing lots of work during this course. Most will happen very fast.

Brown paper bags - Save and bring your shopping bags to class. Take a pair of scissors to the bag and get two large pieces of great paper out of one bag. Also you will need Crimson Red, or Exam pencil markers to go with these projects.

See you there!

My Art Class - Instruction by Cameron Keith

2008-02-12T10:14:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day Class!

Welcome all students! Thursday's class is still a go!. Hopefully the weather holds and we can get under way. I've set this blog up for all participants of my art classes both past and new. I hope you find it helpful and fun.

I will post class specific messages on this Blog from time to time and as the need arises. All students of mine are welcome to post images of your artwork here as well. I only ask that the posted art of relevant to the class.

Here Goes, have fun!