Drawing with Pastel and Charcoal:

This DVD drawing workshop is great for anyone interested in drawing, whether you want to improve your painting skills or just enjoy knocking out a quick sketch. Part of what you learn is how to block in preliminary shapes, achieve proper placement and proportion, and how to pick out and render elements for a convincing three-dimensional scene. You learn how to sequence your drawing for the best chance of success, where to look for the brightest lights, anticipate soft and hard edges, and how to take advantage of reflected light and bounced color. As head of the Fine Art Painting Department of the Academy of Art College in San Francisco, Craig Nelson helps you hone your observation skills and bring what you see back to your drawing (or painting). Craig’s drawings come to life in a matter of minutes. (Craig works from photographs) Craig Nelson, CAC, discusses and demonstrates lighting, preparing the painting surface, developing a ghost drawing to a final drawing, color selections, blocking in skin tones and hair, subtle adjustments to achieve life-like flesh, when not to refine your strokes, delicate brush work for successful hair plus much more. Craig talks about all his decisions as he paints. You will learn where to look for details, touches of strong color and value that add energy to your portrait. Craig’s Quick Study approach helps you gain confidence to paint larger, more refined portraits after many of the basic issues are resolved in the quick studies format.