Getting Our Hands Dirty: Introduction to Expressive Drawing with Charcoal

TOTAL COST: $150
Course Fee: $150
Materials: Student-provided (see Supply Information below)

DATE: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 & SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2024
TIME: 10:00AM - 1:00PM PDT
LEVEL: Beginner to Advanced
AGE GROUP: Adult (ages 18+)
LOCATION: Building 324, Fort Worden, Port Townsend.

DESCRIPTION
Expressive drawing as a method emphasizes the free application of shape, line, mark and emotion to communicate, rather than duplicate, an object, person or idea. Charcoal, a provocative and challenging medium, is unpredictable in nature and often difficult to control. This two-day intensive with teaching artist Seq Rodriguez will merge these rich, versatile disciplines and show you how to render your personal thoughts, feelings and observations dramatically on paper with power and confidence.

The first day will focus on drawing and acquaint you with the material essence of charcoal and the artistic potency of the medium. The second session will concentrate on applying what you’ve learned — while it’s still fresh in your mind — toward drafting a full-sized, abstract Alla Prima self-portrait from start to finish in charcoal!

SUPPLY INFORMATION
Participants need only paper, charcoals, and a mirror to enjoy this workshop. Working with charcoal is a messy endeavor so wearing a smock or apron is recommended. 

Below are the items Seq believes will help students get the most out of this workshop. There are no firm preferences towards manufacturers (with the possible exception of General’s) and participants are encouraged to use what is available to them.

• 18” x 24” drawing pad.
  • The best paper (supports) for charcoal are acid-free, white or cream in color, mid-range in weight, and feature a durable, textured surface (tooth) to handle gestural mark-making, scumbling and abrasion from a kneaded eraser.
  • Heavyweight papers — e.g., Bristol-weight vellum, pastel or watercolor grades — allow for a greater range of techniques and washes with water, rubbing alcohol, vodka or acetone. Thinner paper is less forgiving, doesn’t erase well and cockles easily. Smooth surfaces, (i.e., hot-press or Bristol board) are even less suitable.
  • Regardless of manufacturer, please ensure that your selection is of "archival quality," has a degree of texture to the touch, and is at least 64lb (95 gsm) in weight.
  • Sketch paper and newsprint are not recommended for this particular course.
    
• One to two packages of vine/willow charcoal sticks.
  
• Set of compressed charcoal sticks (hard, medium, and soft).
• Set of three assorted charcoal pencils (soft [B], medium [HB], and hard [H]).
  
• Set of black, white, and sanguine Conté à Paris sticks and/or pastels.
  
• Package of erasers (kneaded, rubber/gum, white plastic).
• Set of blending stumps or tortillons (from large to thin).
  
• Chamois (any leather, denim, or other small, rough cloth will do).
  
• Utility "chip," hog bristle, or synthetic 1" to 1.5" brush (worn-in is great!).
  
• Small to medium sized mirror.
• Utility knife (to sharpen drawing tools and cut paper) or a standard sharpener.
• Roll of masking tape.
• Sheet of fine grit sandpaper and/or a sharpening block.
• Glass/metal container (with lid) to collect shaved pigment/dust.
• Multiple all-purpose rags or a roll of paper towels.
• Can or pump bottle of workable or permanent fixative spray.

Other Optional Materials (not required, but can add to the fun...):

• Mahl stick.
  
• Small spray bottle with adjustable nozzle or atomizer.
  
• Modest supply of rubbing alcohol or acetone (for special effects).
• Assorted graphite drawing pencils (HB, 3B, 6B, etc.).
• Rubber glove(s). To avoid smudging, you may opt to cover your drawing hand.

After registration, course details are available via the Northwind Art School learning portal, including course syllabus and supply information. Learn more

ABOUT SEQ
Seq Rodriguez (he/him) is a figurative draughtsman and painter specializing in charcoals and water-based media both in studio and en plein air. He has studied painting at Pratt Institute, sculpture with the Clarence Muse School, commercial illustration and advertising at the HS of Art and Design and anatomy with Kingsborough Community College in New York City. A longtime resident of Port Townsend, he brings more than forty years of experience to this workshop and enjoys passing on his signature charcoal drawing techniques to others interested in the medium. See his work at Saatchi Art  and Port Townsend Creative District.

Artist Website: Seq Rodriguez

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DISCOUNTS
This course is eligible for a 10% member discount at the Supporter level and beyond. Get a membership today!

Don's Pharmacy and Art Toolkit in Port Townsend offer Northwind Art School students a 10% discount on art supplies.

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CANCELLATION POLICY
If Northwind Art has to cancel a course for any reason, all enrolled students will receive a 100% refund (including any materials fee).

Students who withdraw from a course at least seven days prior to its first meeting will receive a 90% refund (less any materials fee). 

Students withdrawing fewer than seven days from the first day of class are not eligible for a refund except in the case of illness or injury, in which case they are eligible to receive a 40% refund (less any materials fee).

Please note that 10% of every course’s registration fee is considered to be a non-refundable deposit in cases of withdrawal to cover administrative overhead. All refunds will be applied to the same credit card that was used for enrollment. No credits or transfers will be granted. 

Please email registrar@northwindart.org if you wish to withdraw or for more information.