A mission to support, encourage, and showcase the work of local artists
COST
$250.00 for Four Classes in January and February
$312.50 for Five Classes in March
Each instructional unit is on a monthly basis, but students can sign up for multiple units in advance to reserve spots.
Within certain logistical boundaries flexible sign up may be available on a case by case basis.
Payable by check or credit card to Key West Art Center & Gallery, phone (305) 294-1241.
The Key West Art Center is happy to have Lothar Speer return as our figure drawing instructor, via Zoom as a virtual art instructor. Lothar studied at The National Academy of The Fine Arts, Vienna, where he received The Johannes Fueger Medal, a European distinction in the field of figure drawing. He received his BFA from Chicago's Loyola University and his MFA from Philadelphia's Pennsylvania Academy of The Fine Arts. His work was shown internationally as well as in the Rotunda of the Capitol Building in Washington and the Governors' Offices of Illinois and Pennsylvania.
His teaching is based on the classical drawing curriculum of The French Academy in Paris from the 19th century which aims at visual acuity and a methodical drawing process that delivers results. It promotes a simple and powerful way of constructing a drawing by measuring, applying angles, negative and positive shapes, and the proportionality of shapes, while expressing the rhythm, weight and flow of form. Although this is not an anatomy course per se, as a former instructor of Anatomy for Artists, Lothar will be glad to share his anatomical knowledge of the human figure when the occasion arises.
This workshop is an introduction to this powerful tradition for artists of all levels. Lothar has been teaching the figure for over three decades and delights in adjusting his feedback to each student's level and needs. He considers figure drawing the royal road to learning how to draw anything. The principles learned here are universal and can be applied to any subject matter and develop skill which is the prerequisite for powerful personal artistic expression.
About this class, students have said:
"Your workshop was great and great feedback from it. The demo drawing was wonderful." - Noranne D.
"Lothar's depth of knowledge, clear explanations, expert demonstrations and constructive critiques pushed my drawing skills to another level. By annotating each student's drawings, he showed exactly what areas needed correcting. His liveliness and sense of humor made the class fun. I didn't want the workshop to end!" - Maureen L.
"The workshop was challenging, educational and fun! Thank you!" - E. B.
ZOOM ORIENTATION SESSION
You will receive your Zoom access email and further instructions 48 hours prior to class start date. By clicking the "Buy Now" button, you are agreeing to our Video Conferencing Guidelines. (1) Remember that any audio/video communication may involve two-way camera and audio usage. This means that the instructor will need to see students' work and speak with them about it and may also be able to see and hear what is occurring in the student's home. (2) Do not make audio recordings of lesson without the permission of the instructor; this may be illegal. (3) Do not provide access to the lesson to anyone other than the registered participant. (4) Maintain the confidentiality of other students if you or your child are participating in a group lesson. All individuals participating may be able to see and hear what is occurring in your home, including what everyone is wearing, just as you may see and hear what is occurring in their home. (5) If that makes you uncomfortable, you are encouraged to set the video conference up so that only the student is visible, sitting in front of a wall. (6) Key West Art Center & Gallery reserves the right to make audio and video recordings of all lessons. Any such recordings will be the sole property of Key West Art Center & Gallery and may be retained, used or disposed of in its discretion, subject to applicable laws. Registration for a class is for one participant. If you have more than one person participating from your household, please register them individually.
Workshop participants are requested to join a 30 minute orientation session the day before the first class to familiarize themselves with the Zoom platform. Rita Walter is the KWAC technical consultant for this workshop and will guide this information session along with the artist. Everyone is encouraged to ask questions and learn about Zoom at this time. During the actual workshop, students are asked to make technical inquiries in the chat room that Mrs. Walter will host for this purpose so that teaching will not be interrupted.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Day 1
9:45 AM Participants congregate
10:00 AM Demo; Block-In 30'
10:30 AM Student Work, Block-In 30'
11:00 AM Instructor Feedback 15'
(Participants hold up their work to their lens...instructor comments verbally)
11:15 AM Five minute break
11:20 AM Demo-Refinement of Block-In Contour 30'
11:50 AM Student Work-Refinement of Block-In 30'
12:20 PM Instructor Feedback 15-20'
Participants email or text their drawings to Rita Walter at rmwalter@gmail.com, who in turn will import them to Zoom for in-depth annotated digital instructor feedback.
12:40 PM Class Ends
In order to ensure a comfortable learning experience time blocks are flexible upon student feedback.
Day 2
9:45 AM Participants congregate
10:00 AM Demo: Quick Sketches 15'
10:15 AM Student Work: Quick Sketches 15'
10:30 AM Break: Students email their quick sketches to Rita Walter at rmwalter@gmail.com, 10'. Participants hold up their drawing to their lens to share with the class. Instructor does not critique quick sketches as they are warm up exercises.
10:40 AM Demo: Shading 30'
11:10 AM Break Five Minutes
11:15 AM Student Work: Shading 35'
11:50 AM Student Work: Instructor Feedback 20'. Participants will email or text their drawings to Rita Walter at rmwalter@gmail.com, who will import them to Zoom for in-depth annotated digital instructor feedback.)
12:10 PM Students try to incorporate instructor feedback
12:25 PM Students lift their drawings to the lens to share with everyone the results of their journey.
In order to ensure a comfortable learning experience time blocks are flexible upon student feedback.
Day 3
9:45 AM Participants congregate
10:00 AM Demo: Quick Sketches 15'
10:15 AM Student Work: Quick Sketches 15'
10:30 AM Break: Students email their quick sketches to Rita Walter at rmwalter@gmail.com, 10'. Participants hold up their drawing to their lens to share with the class. Instructor does not critique quick sketches as they are just private warm up exercises.
10:40 AM Demo: contour Block-In 30'
11:10 AM Break Five Minutes
11:15 AM Student Work: Contour Block-In 35'
11:50 AM Student Work: Instructor Feedback 20'. Participants will email or text their drawings to Rita Walter at rmwalter@gmail.com who will import them to Zoom for in-depth annotated digital instructor feedback.
12:10 PM Students try to incorporate instructor feedback
12:25 PM Students lift their drawings to the lens to share with everyone the results of their journey.
In order to ensure a comfortable learning experience time blocks are flexible upon student feedback.
Day 4
9:45 AM Participants congregate
10:00 AM Demo: Quick Sketches 15'
10:15 AM Student Work: Quick Sketches 15'
10:30 AM Break: Students will email their quick sketches to Rita Walter at rmwalter@gmail.com ,10'. Participants hold up their drawing to their lens to share with the class. Instructor does not critique quick sketches as they are just private warm up exercises.
10:40 AM Demo: Shading 30'
11:10 AM Break Five Minutes
11:15 AM Student Work: Shading 35'
11:50 AM Student Work: Instructor Feedback 20' . Participants will email or text their drawings to Rita Walter at rmwalter@gmail.com who will import them to Zoom for in-depth annotated digital instructor feedback.
12:10 PM Students try to incorporate instructor feedback
12:25 PM Students lift their drawings to the lens to share with everyone the results of their journey.
In order to ensure a comfortable learning experience time blocks are flexible upon student feedback.
Supply List
-Vine Charcoal, preferably Nitram-Fusain, but any brand will do
- Paper:
(a) hot pressed (smooth) white or off-white heavy museum stock, preferably 100 lbs. and above, watercolor or printing stock
(b) same paper type, just toned, mid-tone gray or cool or warm earth tones
- Easel (Optional)
- Kneaded Eraser
- An assortment of small and midsize rounds and flats (#2, 4, 6 brushes)
- A few rags
- HB/2B/6B Pencil
- Charcoal Sandpaper Pad
- Exacto or Carpet Knife
- White Charcoal or White Conte Crayons
- Off-White Warm and Cool White Chalks
- Odorless Spray Fix