Observational Drawing at the Bell Museum (In Person) | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Observational Drawing at the Bell Museum (In Person)

Explore the Bell Museum’s iconic dioramas, specimens, and natural history collections in this immersive 4-hour drawing workshop. Open to ages 16 and above.

Course Description

Working on location, develop observational drawing skills while exploring the fundamentals of composition, contrast, and visual storytelling. Emphasis is placed on line, shape, form, value, and texture—drawing not just what you see, but how you think. Perfect for artists and curious learners alike, this session uses drawing as both a creative and conceptual tool in a unique, inspiring setting. / Students may work in their preferred mediums. The supplies list provides guidance in what options students may choose to work in. / Facility fee of $12 is included in tuition.

Open to students ages 16 and above. Review complete policies, including class cancellation policies, before completing your registration.

Class meeting details

This course meets on site at the University of Minnesota's Bell Museum of Natural History, 2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul, MN 55113.

Prerequisites

None

Required materials

Supplies

  • Drawing board (or any hard surface)
  • Portable easels if desired (Sitting stools are provided at the museum)
  • Chamois
  • Masking tape 1” or 1⁄2"
  • Pencil sharpener

Supplies based on student preference

  • Paper options
    • Drawing paper
    • Charcoal paper
  • Drawing Tools options
    • Charcoal pencils (hard, medium, soft)
    • Graphite pencils and sticks (2B, 4B, 6B, 2H)
    • Compressed Charcoal (hard, soft)
    • Soft vine charcoal / Willow (thin and jumbo)
    • Oil Pastels
    • Color Pencils
  • Eraser options
    • Kneaded
    • White plastic
    • Pink pearl
    • Pencil

Optional Supplies

  • Workable fixative

What to wear
Clothing appropriate for messy creativity.

Questions

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

Register

Title
Non-credit Tuition
$74.00
Not Yet Open for Registration

Registration opens July 28.

  • Date:
    -
  • Time:
    10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. CST
  • Day(s) of the week:
    Saturday
  • Ages:
    Open to students ages 16 and above.
  • Term:
    Fall 2025
  • Instructor: Avigail Manneberg
  • Location:
    In Person
  • SKU:
    CSFA 3325 01 FA25

Prerequisites:

None