Beginning Observational Drawing (In Person) | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Beginning Observational Drawing (In Person)

Learn the basic elements of drawing, such as line, value, texture, and shape. Study perspective and build skills for the successful transference of three-dimensional observation to a two-dimensional picture plane.

Course description

Emphasis is on observational drawing of large still lifes, live models, and small organic specimens and objects. Engage in multiple experimental drawing techniques using a variety of drawing media. / Professional nude models are used in this class. / Materials fee of $33 is included in course tuition.

Open to students ages 18 and above. Review complete policies, including class cancellation policies, before completing your registration.

Please note that one of the classrooms is only accessible via stairs. If you need accommodations (i.e. are unable to navigate stairs) please contact our office.

Class meeting details

This class meets in person on MCAD’s campus.

Prerequisites

None

Required Materials

Supplies for first class

  • 18 x 24" newsprint drawing pad
  • 18 x 24” drawing paper pad
  • drawing pencils (HB, 3B, 6B)
  • soft charcoal pencil
  • white charcoal pencil
  • 2 boxes of extra soft vine charcoal (not willow)
  • pen eraser
  • kneaded eraser

Optional supplies

  • 18 x 24” drawing boar

Students should expect to spend approximately $50 on supplies in addition to tuition.

What to wear
Clothing appropriate for messy creativity.

Class savings

Register on or before May 11 and save $25.
Register for more than one class at a time and receive $25 off each additional class (same-day registrations only).
Additional savings. Are you eligible?

Questions?

Contact MCAD Continuing Education at continuing_education@mcad.edu or call 612.874.3765.

Register

Title
Non-credit Tuition
$528.00
Not Yet Open for Registration

Registration opens April 27.

  • Date:
    -
  • Time:
    6:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. CT
  • Day(s) of the week:
    Tuesday
  • Ages:
    Open to students ages 18 and above.
  • Term:
    Summer 2026
  • Instructor: Susan Shields
  • Location:
    In Person
  • SKU:
    CSFA 1002 01 SU26

Prerequisites:

None

Address

2501 Stevens Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404

Contact Us

612.874.3700
800.874.MCAD (6223)
Fax: 612.874.3701

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Land Acknowledgement

The Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) acknowledges it is located on traditional, ancestral, and contemporary lands of Indigenous people. This is the ancestral homeland of the Dakota and Ojibwe people, who were forcibly exiled from the land because of aggressive and persistent settler colonialism. We recognize that this place has a complex and layered history. As a community dedicated to creativity, MCAD is committed to ongoing efforts to support and advocate for American Indian Nations and peoples.


Nondiscrimination Policy

MCAD admits students of any race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or marital status to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, or marital status in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.