This studio drawing class is designed to help students understand the components of the art school application portfolio, with a focus on observational drawing. Open to ages 15 to 18. Course descriptionThe portfolio is an important component of an art school application. Most colleges require that portfolios include observational drawings, or drawings made from what we see, rather than from our imagination or a photograph.Work with still life and figurative subject matter and the fundamentals of a drawing: composition, line, structure, value, and expression. Instruction in drawing techniques will be supplemented by art history discussions, feedback, short writing exercises, an MCAD Admissions staff presentation, requirements for art and design school portfolios, and regular homework assignments. Assignments and feedback encourage and enable students to create individual work that aligns with requirements for portfolio submissions within their own interests and experience. Students may choose to work digitally for some assignments and must provide their own device and knowledge of software. / Professional nude models may be used in this class. / The Afternoon and Evening sessions of this course are the same curriculum, choose the session that best fits your schedule. / Materials fee of $9 included in course tuition for live models. / This class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays for two weeks, a total of 4 sessions.Open to students ages 15 to 18. Students must meet the age requirement by August 1, 2026. Please review our complete Teen Policies as well as our General Policies prior to completing your registration. Class meeting detailsThis class meets in person on MCAD's Campus.PrerequisitesPrevious drawing experience is helpful, but not required.Required materialsSupplies for the first class18 x 24” newsprint, drawing pad18 x 24" drawing paper pad (good quality 80 lb. or heavier)3 drawing pencils (HB 2B 2H)3-4 sticks soft vine charcoal (not willow)2 square blocks of soft compressed charcoalerasers: kneaded and Staedtlerwhite artists or masking tapeportfolio to transport work (portfolio can be made out of 2 pieces of foam board secured with binder clips)Students should expect to spend up to approximately $75 on supplies in addition to tuition.What to wearClothes appropriate for messy creativity. Comfortable shoes for standing.Questions?Contact MCAD Continuing Education at continuing_education@mcad.edu or call 612.874.3765. Register Title Non-credit Tuition $201.00 Not Yet Open for Registration Registration opens February 2. Date: Tue, Jun 23, 2026 - Thu, Jul 2, 2026 Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m. Day(s) of the week: Tuesday Thursday Ages: Open to ages 15 to 18. Term: Summer 2026 Instructor: Susan Shields Location: In Person SKU: CST 9579 01 SU26 Prerequisites: Previous drawing experience is helpful, but not required.