Drawing: A Visual Language

The natural world is filled with much beauty. All of us have the ability to discern, and be affected by this beauty. Looking at a sunset, we naturally feel an emotional response. Is it possible that our Creator built us to be moved by his handiwork, that we might know and enjoy him? (see Romans 1:19, 20)

It seems that this is what the great artists of the past believed. Therefore these artists studied nature to find principles that revealed elements of beauty, meaning and truth in the universe. These symbols and characters became part of a language that these artists used to help understand the Creator, as well as to create artworks of their own.

In this class we will study elements of the natural world, and the art works of the great masters, with the intention of recognizing a visual language. Then we will apply this language to communicate artistically, through our own drawings.

Course Objectives:

1. Practice Conceptual Thinking
2. Heighten Observational Skills
3. Cultivate Mindfulness / Increase Attention Span
4. Appreciation for Subtlety
5. Refined Sense of Beauty
6. Learn to ‘Read’ and Appreciate Works of Art
7. Deepening Appreciation of Creation and the Creator

Texts:

• Beginning Drawing Atelier by Juliette Aristides (Monacelli Press)