Sept. 14, 21, & 28

Three Mondays 5pm - 7pm

$90.00 for all 3

w/ Melanie Thongs

1st Class: at UI Arboretum

2nd and 3rd Classes: location to be determined. (OR, all three classes at UI Arboretum)

Back by request, the FALL EDITION of Landscapes in Miniature will run during the last 3 weeks of September. Come join us outside in lovely settings [or, at the UI Arboretum] to turn the dial up on observational and artistic skills while dialing down Monday stress! The artistic practices of this class will prepare you to create your own mini landscapes at home and while traveling!

For the purposes of this class, “sketching” means “to quickly (relatively speaking) capture the essence of the subject on paper, without rendering all of the details or attempting to produce a ‘masterpiece’.” We will typically begin with graphite on paper (drawing, multimedia, or watercolor), then add color pencils, or watercolors, oil pastels, or multiple mediums.

While sketching is used by artists during the process of creating completed artworks, it can also be used by anyone to sharpen observational skills and practice representational drawing. Sketching can also be used to capture memories and experience places in a deeper, more engaged way than simply snapping a photo with a cellphone. This class is a low-stress introduction to composing and creating miniature landscapes (largest dimension approximately 4 inches) at local sites.

We’ll be meeting outside for all three classes this time. We’ll meet on location—starting at the UI Arboretum (or, at the UI Arboretum all three times)—and spend our time creating multiple miniatures per session. In case of inclement weather, we will meet a day or two later during the same week (Tuesday or Wednesday).

Participants will be notified by email if this occurs.

Media: Color Pencil, Watercolors, OIL PASTELS, Mixed Media

Recommended Paper Types: Drawing, Mixed Media, Hot or Cold Pressed Watercolor