Thinking about an in-person or online workshop next year? Maybe a bit of travel? Contact me or follow the links for information and registration. And check the workshop tabs at Drawing Perspectives for updates. Thank you!
LIVE ONLINE on Zoom: Understanding Perspective + Lots More! | Three, 4-hour classes that finally demystify perspective and watercolor sketching. These classes are packed with information, you’ll learn tons. More classes will be added in the Spring.
January 5, 12, 19, 2025 at 9am PST | Only 2 spots left! Email me for info at stephaniebower.workshops@gmail.com
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LIVE ONLINE: Terracotta Explorer: Perspective in Spain, Towers are Like Wedding Cakes | This is part of an ongoing series of classes through Terracotta, whose cadre of artists are among the best in the world. A few can join specifically for my one class on sketching towers.
LIVE ONLINE: Terracotta Symposium: The Foundations of Architectural Art | This event is not to be missed! Join four instructors who specialize in sketching and painting architecture–the rockstar Thomas Schaller, Alex Hillkurtz, Pablo Questa, and me (Stephanie Bower! ) — and immerse yourself for a weekend in the world of architectural beauty as each artist leads an in-depth session with live demonstrations and an interactive Q&A. Lifetime access to recordings. My workshop will be on sketching this view of Turl Street in Oxford.
Use code BOWER50 to get a whopping $50 off the early bird price!
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LIVE IN-PERSON | Urban Sketching in Quebec City, Canada | You’ll think you are in old world Europe, but it’s Canada! Join me and Studio 56 for 6 nights, 5 days of instruction as you learn how to sketch streets, fountains, elegant towers, and more…lessons in the morning, cultural visits and sketching in the afternoons. Register now for early bird pricing.
LIVE IN-PERSON: Northern California Coast at Pacific Grove | Imagine 5 days of sketching this beautiful coast, old churches and missions, and more for a combination of in studio and outdoor urban sketching. Sponsored by MISA in their beautiful new workshop location.
I’m squeezing in a workshop before the end of the year!
UNDERSTANDING PERSPECTIVE | LIVE online Urban Sketching Course in Perspective & Watercolor, made easy with instructor Stephanie Bower USA
Do you fear or fake perspective sketching? Can’t figure out how to start a sketch of a building? And where is that darn vanishing point anyway? Do you know how to paint shade and shadow differently? They are not the same!
Understanding Perspective is a LIVE online course that makes perspective sketching easy! I’m Urban Sketcher, workshop instructor (I’ve taught at 7 USk international symposiums!), architectural illustrator, and author of three books Stephanie Bower, and I’m excited to offer this course to anyone wanting to finally understand how perspective works. Perspective is easy when you know what to look for!
This course is a 100% live, interactive 3-part online class taught via Zoom in which you’ll learn by drawing along with me in real time. In each class, we’ll take notes and sketch together as I present perspective concepts in a crafted PowerPoint presentation, then we will apply those concepts in a step-by-step sketching demo that we will draw and paint together.
What makes this course different from others? Two things: We diagram the perspective views, explaining why the views look the way they do, SHOWING how perspective works. Most instructors skip this part! And second: it’s really two workshops in one. You’ll learn perspective AND watercolor technique! You’ll see me work up close (even better than an in-person workshop), and I’ll answer your questions LIVE.
Understanding Perspective, December Session 1
Dates:Sundays, December 8, 15, and 22, 2024 | 9am-1pm PST (Seattle) | 12noon-4pm (NYC) | 5pm-9pm (London) | 6pm-10pm (Paris)
Class 1, Sunday, December 8: The essentials of one-point perspective. Intro to Watercolor.
Class 2, Sunday, December 15: Two-point Perspective, it’s all about how you view your subject!
Class 3, Sunday, December 22: Multiple vanishing points in streets, roofs, and stairs.
Each class will start with an interactive PowerPoint on the topic of that day (you’ll be encouraged to take notes, ask questions, etc.), followed by a demo that we draw and paint together step-by-step. Classes run about 3.5-4 hours (it goes quickly!) Classes will be recorded, and you’ll have access to the recordings through the end of January.
Optional Homework: Along with notes and scans of the demo, I’ll send out 2-3 images after each class for optional homework. If you draw and paint them, you can send them to me for a critique.
Workshop Fee:US$300.00. Classes will be limited in size to max. 20 so you can all get live feedback. Once your registration has been confirmed, information on how to pay, a materials list and more will be emailed to all participants.
How to Sign Up: Registration is open NOW! Send an email to st.bower@icloud.com. First come, first served!
After this workshop, you’ll never fear or fake perspective again! If you have any questions, or need more info, send an email my way. THANKS!
It seems I often travel when it’s hot outside, so just when I think I’m about to drop from heat, I find a cool, dark church and slide into a pew to draw. I love the challenge of these perspective views, they really make my brain work hard! Plus I get a chance to cool down, maybe listen to some lovely music or a mass in progress. This week, I’ve been posting a collection of these drawings to IG and FB, most are images as I snapped a quick photo before they were painted on location. Usually it’s very dark in side, so it is both difficult to see what I’m drawing and painting, and even more problematic when I try to take a photo of the sketch!
The first of these was in Paris, a whopping 11 years ago –I almost refuse to believe it’s been that long– and I was in France with a 3-month architecture fellowship, The Gabriel Prize. It was a life-changing experience for me, and it’s also where I started to sketch in earnest and post my sketches online. One day, I decided to head off toward the Pantheon. It started to rain just as I was passing in front of Nôtre Dame Cathedral, so I made a quick left and headed in. Mass was in progress so the lights were turned up, and in true Urban Sketchers style, I decided to draw what was right in front of me. And my gosh, with the fire in April 2019, I’m so glad that I did. I’ve captured that space both on paper, and more important, in my mind and memory, it’s now a part of my DNA.
For me, sketching these spaces is like solving a puzzle. There is a grid to the structure that usually consists of columns and arches, so that is what I typically draw in first, very lightly. I will also start with what I call the “Shape of the Space”, the two columns and an arch in the middle of the space that gives me information about heights/widths, and proportions. Once that is blocked in on my paper, it’s just a matter of filling the details.
All but one were painted on location, but I love the web and intricacy of the line drawings almost more than the finished piece. Once the line drawing is done, I usually throw it down on the ground and snap a photo. This sketch below of San Giuseppe in Rome did not get color, as I ran out of time before the building closed. The caretaker was kind enough to give me a few extra minutes to finish the linework.
Below is my second church interior ever, also done back in 2013 in Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy, where I now teach a workshop most years. This was the first time I exaggerated the angle of the columns to either side to give the feeling of a 3-point perspective looking up.
Below is a church in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, teaching there last year with Studio 56.
This sketch below was in Toulouse, Saint Sernin. A Medieval basilica, it was deceptively difficult, mostly because the space is so narrow (being that it’s an older church, they hadn’t completely worked out wider structural spans yet!)
In progress at Sant’Andrea in Rome. You can see my arch and columns in the center where I start the sketch, the vanishing point and the eye level line all clearly drawn in. Arches on the right are blocked in, and because I’m right-handed, I start the final linework in another layer working left to right.
I’m figuring out that LOTS of sketchers post images that were in fact done in the studio (look closely!), so I always try to show a photo of the sketch on the spot so that you can tell it was truly done on location! An Urban Sketcher to the core!
Many more church interiors where these came from, but I hope that you like this sampling! Let me know if you want to see more of these kinds of sketches!
This past weekend was the opening day of boating season in Seattle and the Windermere Cup races at the University of Washington. Lots of people and boats, gray drizzle, but for me, the highlight was getting to sketch the interior of the actual UW Shell House made famous in both the popular book and the recent film, The Boys in the Boat.
That story–a true story–is about a ragtag group of University of Washington rowers who beat the national favorites and traveled to Germany to race in the 1936 Olympics. In front of Hitler, they WON the gold medal! A proud moment for our country and a legacy that is still celebrated here in Seattle and especially at the UW. Drawing this space was an emotional experience, I felt like I was connecting with that legacy and the young men who lived and worked in this very same spot.
This drawing was challenging! It’s an enormous, fairly complicated space that was initially used as an airplane hangar, and the backlighting from the windows made it very difficult to see. Scaffolding was in the way too, but I kept calm, measured with my pencil, and drew in each bay of structure. Then working left to right, I started to draw in the details…some I couldn’t see well enough to figure out, but I think I got close enough!
The ASUW Shell House is soon to be renovated, and full disclosure, the project was awarded to my husband and his architecture firm, MITHUN. I’m sure they’ll do a wonderful job that will honor the history of this iconic building that holds a big spot in our hearts.
Want to jump-start your summer sketching? I’m squeezing in another perspective sketching workshop before summer officially hits. Three classes, three Sundays, three kinds of perspective views…and lots of watercolor technique too! Where else will someone diagram for you how perspective works and WHY it works the way it does?! Like I always say, perspective is easy when you know what to look for.
What are these workshops like? This course is a 100% live, interactive 3-part online class taught via Zoom in which you’ll learn by drawing along with me in real time in a small group. Rather like a college class, we’ll take notes and sketch together as I present perspective concepts in a crafted PowerPoint presentation, then we will apply those concepts in a step-by-step sketching demo that we will draw and paint together. Yes, you’ll learn lots about watercolor technique too–it’s really two workshops in one…perspective AND watercolor!! You’ll see me work up close (even better than an in-person workshop), and I’ll answer your questions LIVE. They are geared for any artist or sketcher at any level. OK, some people actually tell me that they are the best classes they have ever taken!!!
Sunday, May 19: Class 1: The Essentials of One-Point Perspective: Creating a Sketching Road Map to Follow Concepts of Perspective, developing the “good bones” of a perspective sketch in 3 simple steps AND Intro to Watercolor using a limited palette
Sunday, May 26: Class 2: Two-Point Perspective: It’s All About How You Sit! View Angles and View Eye Levels, One & two-point perspectives—what’s the difference?
Sunday, June 2: Class 3: Multiple Vanishing Points Streets that twist and turn, stairs and roofs
+ DATES AND TIME Classes are 3 Sundays, May 19, 26, and June 2, 2024 at 9am PDT Seattle time (12noon New York, 6pm London) for 3 weeks. Each class is expected to run about 4 hours long (it goes by very quickly and is PACKED with info.)
+ Total WORKSHOP FEE is US$300.00 Included are 3 jam-packed classes on perspective and watercolor urban sketching with live crits of your work during the classes. Classes will be limited in size to a small group maximum of around 20 so that I can provide individual feedback on your work.
I’ll send scans of the completed demo and sketched diagrams for your reference after each class. You’ll have access to view recordings (not download) on Zoom for one month after the course ends. Information about how to pay, list of supplies, etc. will be emailed to registered participants.
+ HOW TO REGISTER Registration is open now. Please email me at stephaniebower.workshops@gmail.com to sign up or for more information. Thanks so much!
Understanding this above, allows you to accurately sketch this below!
Yes, back by popular demand (for real!) UNDERSTANDING PERSPECTIVE is a 3-class urban sketching workshop on perspective and watercolor that’s LIVE on Zoom in February. If you have ever feared or faked perspective, or just want to know more about how to paint, this workshop is for you! Info is here.
Yes, it’s been terribly long since I posted to this blog! Sincere apologies for the absence. I am fine, my family is fine. So where have I been? The answer is WRITING A BOOK! Yes, it will be my third book, and it is HUGE. I can’t go into details yet, but just know that I stopped my day job and teaching back in April to get it up and running. More on this in the future, and on to the business at hand…
Yes, tragically, the center of our creative and arts community, the Daniel Smith Store and mothership is closing. It has been closed throughout the pandemic, although I’m happy to report that they retained ALL their full-time staff by moving them from sales to paint production, which is BOOMING. They are now the top seller of paint in the world! But I have many memories from this place and the wonderful staff who became friends…book signing opportunities, workshops from amazing people from around the globe, not to mention the beautiful, tall, sunlit space with aisles to explore and tools that you could actually hold in your hand and even test before you bought them. Gone are those days. But here are two ways to say THANK YOU for all they have done for us over the years.
If you are from this area, consider this is an invitation to say THANKS to phenomenal Daniel Smith store staff: Join Seattle Urban Sketchers this Sunday, September 5 from 10am-1pm for an opportunity to sketch the store!!! Yes, inside or out, wearing masks.
2. Post your sketch on Instagram, or any sketch or photo you have–maybe of a workshop you took–and story you’d like to tell, or even just say “Thank you” and then tag #thankyoudanielsmithstoreseattle so that the staff can read all the stories and know how much they are appreciated.
And as for my sketches, I’ve done a few and will go back in time and post a few…like the day it was 108 degrees out and I was sleeping on the basement floor…? Hope everyone is well.
Me in teal, then the fabulous Patrice, Lin, Thom the store manager, and Janice…all creative people and artists who helped us for so many years. You are appreciated and will be missed!
PS, I’ll be personally signing copies of my 101 Sketching Tips book there on Sunday!
Yes, I think I was probably born to teach. As I prepare for the next round of online workshops, I realize that teaching these classes is getting me through the isolation of this pandemic. I’m so grateful to the many folks from around the world who have joined me to learn about perspective and watercolor from the comfort (and safety) of our own homes. I hope that these classes are helping you too.
At AsiaLink Sketchwalk in Taiwan 2019. A GREAT USk symposium!!!! Shocking now to see us all so close together, isn’t it? Photo by Rob Sketcherman 🙂
I also think back to how I started teaching. You may be surprised to learn that for most of my 5 years of architecture school, I was not particularly good at drawing. Before entering our 4th year in the program, our portfolios were reviewed by 3 professors, and you had to pass this review in order to move on. In my review, two professors literally wrote “weak graphic skills”. I was so discouraged, especially after already investing 3 years in college, but I turned it around and took it as a challenge to do better. And wow, look what happened! I clearly remember struggling with learning how to draw, and it’s that struggle that helps me be a better teacher today.
But this isn’t how I actually started teaching…after graduating with my 5 year architecture degree from UT Austin (as Valedictorian, no less–HA, that will teach the architect who discouraged me from going saying women shouldn’t be in architecture!!!!), I moved to NYC to attend graduate school in Interior Design at Pratt in Brooklyn. I arrived without ever seeing the place and knowing no one. Coming from an architecture degree, I placed out of the required drawing courses, which helped me to find time to work (I had an entry level job at HOK in Rockefeller Center–every time I see the Christmas tree on TV, I remember seeing it out the window from work!)
My fellow classmates, however, had to take the drawing classes which were unfortunately taught by a teacher who didn’t actually teach. He would take them outside and simply let them loose and say, “Draw.” Now this method could work if you have a lot of time, but the trial and error involved is too quickly discouraging. So… they came to me and asked me if I could teach them!!!! I went to the department chair, who said that due to union rules, I couldn’t “teach”, so we started a “Sketching Club”. Twice a week, they would meet me for lunch and I’d project slides and teach them to draw the way that I was taught in architecture school. I loved it.
The year after finishing grad school, I started teaching at Parsons in the Environmental Design/Architecture program, then I was asked by Tim Gunn (yes, that Tim Gunn) to be the first hire for the new Interior Design program they were putting together. I ended up teaching at Parsons for 10 years. We moved to Seattle, where I taught briefly with Frank Ching at the University of Washington, then a number of years at Cornish College of the Arts, the Parsons of the Northwest. Once my dad got sick, I left teaching university and started the travel workshop life, thanks in large part to Urban Sketchers (I just sent in my annual donation, nudge nudge.) I’ve been so incredibly fortunate to have parallel careers in teaching and architecture/illustration my entire adult life.
Sydney, Australia 2017. Photo by RooiPing Lim.
As this terrible year comes to a close, I find myself grateful for so many things in life, including the ability to teach during a global pandemic. Who knew? Teaching fills some inner need to share and pass on what I have learned, to see the light bulb of understanding illuminate in someone’s eyes. It’s why I always ask, “What was your ah-ha moment?” Mine is that teaching teaches the teacher so much. Thank you to every single student over the many years for what you’ve taught me.
I get quite emotional looking at these photos. I love teaching so much, and I love the friends I see in these photos, friends made along the way. I miss you all. Let’s hope for some in-person 3-D learning and travel in a better 2021!
Here’s the info for the next round of UNDERSTANDING PERSPECTIVE workshops! There are two live sessions, Sunday mornings and Tuesday afternoons. One class a week for 6 weeks, starting mid-November. Registration starts on October 28 promptly at 10am Seattle time.
UNDERSTANDING PERSPECTIVE | LIVE online masterclasses in perspective sketching made easy with Stephanie Bower
Do you fear or fake perspective sketching?
Can’t figure out how to start a perspective sketch?
And where is that darn vanishing point anyway?
Understanding Perspective is a LIVE online course that makes perspective sketching easy! I’m Urban Sketcher, workshop instructor, architectural illustrator, and author Stephanie Bower, and I’m excited to offer this course to anyone wanting to finally understand how perspective works. Perspective is easy when you know what to look for!
This course is a live, interactive 6-part online class taught via Zoom in which you’ll learn by drawing along with me in real time. In each class, we’ll take notes and sketch together as I present perspective concepts in a crafted PowerPoint presentation, then we will apply those concepts in a step-by-step sketching demo that we will draw and paint together. And like an in-person workshop, you’ll see me work and I’ll answer your questions LIVE.
With my background as an architect and architectural illustrator, I’ve taught perspective sketching in architecture and interior design programs at colleges and universities for decades. I’ve drawn on that experience to create a course that starts with easy concepts and progresses through many aspects of sketching buildings and spaces in perspective. You’ll see and learn things that you could not get in an in-person workshop! Concepts are explained with simple diagrams, together with loads of photos and sketching examples — information that you can incorporate into your sketching now, regardless of your preferred sketching or painting style or media. It’s about getting the “good bones” right!
Understanding Perspective
Class 1: Creating a Road Map to Follow
The foundations of a perspective sketch in 3 simple steps using BIG SHAPES
Demo
Class 2: Perspective Fundamentals
One and two point perspectives—what’s the difference?
View Angles and View Eye Levels
Demo
Class 3: The Importance of Foreshortening
Foreshortening
Easy, wide-angle perspectives
Demo
Class 4: Multiple Vanishing Points
Streets, Roofs, Stairs
Demo
Class 5: Circles in Perspective
Ellipses
Arches (they are not like horseshoes!)
Demo
Class 6: Looking UP
Towers are like wedding cakes
Domes are round
Demo
++++++++++ WORKSHOP FEE
Workshop fee for the entire 6 classes is US$325.00
Workshop fees are payable by check or Zelle for US participants or by PayPal for US and international participants.
++++++++++ DATES AND TIMES
Session 1: Sundays at 9am Seattle time (12noon New York, 6pm Paris) Starting November 15 for 6 weeks (November 15, 22, 29*, December 6, 13, 18, 20.) Note: this class is particularly targeted to beginning sketchers. * November 29 is Thanksgiving weekend.
Session 2: Tuesdays at 4pm Seattle time (7pm New York; 9am Tuesdays in Sydney, Australia) Starting November 17 for 6 weeks (November 17, 24, December 1, 8, 15, 22.)
Each class is expected to run about 3 – 3.5 hours.
++++++++++ HOW TO REGISTER
REGISTRATION OPENS October 28, 2020 at 10am Seattle time:
When registration opens on October 28, send an email to StephanieBower.Workshops@gmail.com indicating which workshop session (session one or two) you’d like to take.
I’ll sign up participants in the order your email was received.
Payment instructions will be emailed to those who have a spot.
Additional information and a list of materials will be emailed to registered participants.
++++++++++ QUESTIONS?
During this class, will you be sitting outside on location or are we working from photos?
Sadly due to the pandemic, we cannot sketch together live on location just yet. This will be the next best thing as you join me in my tiny studio and we work from carefully selected photos with the understanding that ultimately, the course is about location sketching. In some ways, you’ll see the demos BETTER than when done in person, as Zoom will allow you to look at my sketches up close.
What do you mean by an “interactive PowerPoint”?
I’ve created these classes to mirror a real college course. Most of the information is delivered through detailed PowerPoint presentations that I’ve developed. I’ll pause throughout the presentation so that you can draw and take notes, and I will sketch along with you as well. At the end of each class, we’ll apply the concepts learned to an actual live demo. I’ll draw and paint a scene step-by-step so that you can also draw and paint with me at the same time. And before each class, I’ll email participants a worksheet that they can print out and use for notetaking or simply to help them follow along.
I’m new to sketching, is this class OK for me?
YES, I love teaching beginners! If you are new to perspective, or simply want to improve your knowledge and skills, this class is for you. The Sunday morning session is particularly targeted to brand new sketchers.
I’m new to sketching and am worried I’ll be overwhelmed. Can I only take the first three classes?
I break up perspective concepts into easy to understand segments, so it shouldn’t be a problem for most people. You’ll also be able to view recordings of the class later.
I’m already a pretty good sketcher, will I learn anything new from this class?
YES! Even seasoned sketchers will benefit from seeing this approach and for the deep dives into architectural elements like multiple vanishing points, ellipses, and domes. I’ll also show lots of shortcuts to sketching complex subjects in simple ways.
Will there be homework?
Homework is optional, but I’ll provide a few images at the end of each class that you can work on at home and at your own pace. You can email one of the homework images you’ve done and I’ll provide feedback.
I don’t have a computer or tablet, can I still take this class from my phone?
Because this course is very visual and the information is quite detailed, you’ll need a large screen like a computer or laptop to do this course. A phone, tablet, or iPad will not work.
What art supplies will I need for this class?
You’ll need your basic sketching equipment, including watercolors. I’ll email participants a list of supplies.
What equipment do I need for this class?
Use the largest screen and best wifi connection available to you!
You will need to have ZOOM downloaded onto your computer (ideal), laptop, or large tablet.** It is a free online download that is easy to use and perfect for this course. Instructions on how to join the live class will be emailed to all registered participants.
**Note: We will be using the side-by-side feature for viewing on Zoom. That way, you can see both the PowerPoint and my sketches at the same time. That’s why you will need as large a screen as possible.
I’ll set up a short Zoom meeting for everyone before classes start to make sure everyone understands how to use Zoom and the side-by-side viewing mode.
How does this course compare with your Craftsy classes and books?
The biggest difference between this class and Craftsy and my books is that this is LIVE instruction! You can ask questions and I’ll answer in the moment. Most of this content is brand new, and doing the live demo together at the end of each class will cement the concepts you are learning.
Will this class be recorded ?
Yes, recordings of the classes will be available to you via Zoom for viewing (not downloads) during the 6 weeks of the course. This is really helpful for those who work slowly and for reviewing what you learned in the live classes.
Will you be offering more classes in the future?
Definitely! I intend to keep offering Understanding Perspective. If you’ve got suggestions for other days and times, please let me know. The plan is to also add more courses, such as sketching interiors. So stay tuned!
Thanks so much for your interest in this course! And thanks so much to everyone who has participated in the inaugural sessions of the UNDERSTANDING PERSPECTIVE workshops! In fact, the classes have gone so well that by request, I am adding 3 more classes for those participants! See you all soon!
UNDERSTANDING PERSPECTIVE | LIVE online masterclasses in perspective sketching made easy with Stephanie Bower
Do you fear or fake perspective sketching?
Can’t figure out how to start a perspective sketch?
And where is that darn vanishing point anyway?
Understanding Perspective is a LIVE online course that makes perspective sketching easy! I’m Urban Sketcher, workshop instructor, architectural illustrator, and author Stephanie Bower, and I’m excited to offer this course to anyone wanting to finally understand how perspective works. Perspective is easy when you know what to look for!
This course is a live, interactive 6-part online class taught via Zoom in which you’ll learn by drawing along with me in real time. In each class, we’ll take notes and sketch together as I present perspective concepts in a crafted PowerPoint presentation, then we will apply those concepts in a step-by-step sketching demo that we will draw and paint together. And like an in-person workshop, you’ll see me work and I’ll answer your questions LIVE.
With my background as an architect, I’ve taught perspective sketching in architecture and interior design programs at colleges and universities for decades. I’ve drawn on that experience to create a course that starts with easy concepts and progresses through many aspects of sketching buildings and spaces in perspective. You’ll see and learn things that you could not get in an in-person workshop! Concepts are explained with simple diagrams, together with loads of photos and sketching examples — information that you can incorporate into your sketching now, regardless of your preferred sketching or painting style or media. It’s about getting the “good bones” right!
The course is broken into two sections, with 3 classes in each section. You can take the first 3 basic perspective classes, and if you want to continue with more complex topics, you can sign up for all 6 classes. Here’s a breakdown of the content:
Understanding Perspective
Class 1: Creating a Road Map to Follow
The foundations of a perspective sketch in 3 simple steps
Demo
Class 2: Perspective Fundamentals
One and two point perspectives—what’s the difference?
View Angles and View Eye Levels
Demo
Class 3: The Importance of Foreshortening
Foreshortening
Easy, wide-angle perspectives
Demo
Understanding Perspective | Advanced
Class 4: Multiple Vanishing Points
Streets, Roofs, Stairs
Demo
Class 5: Circles in Perspective
Ellipses
Arches (they are not like horseshoes!)
Demo
Class 6: Looking UP
Towers are like wedding cakes
Domes are round
Demo
++++++++++ WORKSHOP FEE
Understanding Perspective: Classes 1-3 only, Workshop fee is US$135.00
Understanding Perspective + Advanced:Classes 1-6, Workshop fee is US$260.00
Workshop fees are payable by check for US participants (preferred) or by PayPal for US and international participants.
++++++++++ DATES AND TIMES
Session 1: Sundays at 9am Seattle time (12noon New York, 6pm Paris) Starting September 20 for 6 weeks (September 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25.) Note: this class is particularly targeted to beginning sketchers.
Session 2: Mondays at 4pm Seattle time (7pm New York; 9am Tuesdays in Sydney, Australia) Starting September 21 for 6 weeks (September 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26.)
Each class is expected to run about 2.5 hours.
Classes will be limited to approximately 15 participants
Additional sessions will be added at future dates and times!
++++++++++ HOW TO REGISTER
REGISTRATION OPENS SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 at 10am Seattle time:
When registration opens on September 7, send an email to StephanieBower.Workshops@gmail.com indicating which workshop session (session one or two) you’d like to take, and if you plan to take classes 1-3 or 1-6.
I’ll sign up participants in the order your email was received.
Payment instructions will be emailed to those who have a spot.
Additional information and a list of materials will be emailed to registered participants.
++++++++++ QUESTIONS?
During this class, will you be sitting outside on location or are we working from photos?
Sadly due to the pandemic, we cannot sketch together live on location just yet. This will be the next best thing as you join me in my tiny studio and we work from carefully selected photos with the understanding that ultimately, the course is about location sketching. In some ways, you’ll see the demos BETTER than when done in person, as Zoom will allow you to look at my sketches up close.
What do you mean by an “interactive PowerPoint”?
I’ve created these classes to mirror a real college course. Most of the information is delivered through detailed PowerPoint presentations that I’ve developed. I’ll pause throughout the presentation so that you can draw and take notes, and I will sketch along with you as well. At the end of each class, we’ll apply the concepts learned to an actual live demo. I’ll draw and paint a scene step-by-step so that you can also draw and paint with me at the same time. And before each class, I’ll email participants a worksheet that they can print out and use for notetaking or simply to help them follow along.
I’m new to sketching, is this class OK for me?
YES, I love teaching beginners! If you are new to perspective, or simply want to improve your knowledge and skills, this class is for you. The Sunday morning session is particularly targeted to brand new sketchers.
I’m new to sketching and am worried I’ll be overwhelmed. Can I only take the first three classes?
I break up perspective concepts into easy to understand segments, so it shouldn’t be a problem for most people to take the entire course. But if you want to pace yourself, you can indeed take the first three classes, then at a future time (provided space is available), you can take the second set of three classes. The course is structured to allow participants to do that!
I’m already a pretty good sketcher, will I learn anything new from this class?
YES! Even seasoned sketchers will benefit from seeing this approach and for the deep dives into architectural elements like multiple vanishing points, ellipses, and domes. I’ll also show lots of shortcuts to sketching complex subjects in simple ways.
Will there be homework?
Homework is optional, but I’ll provide a few images at the end of each class that you can work on at home and at your own pace.
I don’t have a computer or tablet, can I still take this class from my phone?
Because this course is very visual and the information is quite detailed, you’ll need a large screen like a computer, laptop, or large tablet to do this course. A phone or small tablet will not work.
What art supplies will I need for this class?
You’ll need your basic sketching equipment, including watercolors. I’ll email participants a list of supplies.
What equipment do I need for this class?
Use the largest screen and best wifi connection available to you!
You will need to have ZOOM downloaded onto your computer (ideal), laptop, or large tablet.** It is a free online download that is easy to use and perfect for this course. Instructions on how to join the live class will be emailed to all registered participants.
**Note: We will be using the side-by-side feature for viewing on Zoom. That way, you can see both the PowerPoint and my sketches at the same time. That’s why you will need as large a screen as possible!
How does this course compare with your Craftsy classes and books?
The biggest difference between this class and Craftsy and my books is that this is LIVE instruction! You can ask questions and I’ll answer in the moment. Most of this content is brand new, and doing the live demo together at the end of each class will cement the concepts you are learning.
Will this class be recorded to show again at a later date in case we cannot participate in the live classes?
At this time, there are plans to only do the live classes–no recordings. One, I don’t have a camera that would work, and two, the Zoom recordings are apparently not very good quality. So only live for now!
Will you be offering more classes in the future?
Definitely! I intend to keep offering Understanding Perspective. If you’ve got suggestions for other days and times, please let me know. The plan is to also add more courses, such as sketching interiors. So stay tuned!
Thanks so much for your interest in this course! I hope to see you on Zoom!
Drawing Perspectives 