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 15-18. 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 are 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. / Materials fee of $11 is included in course tuition.Open to students ages 15–18. Please review our complete Youth and Teen Policies as well as our complete policies prior to completing your registration. Class meeting detailsThis course meets in person on MCAD’s campus.PrerequisitesPrevious drawing experience is helpful, but not required.Required materialsSupplies for the first day18 x 24” newsprint, drawing pad18 x 24" drawing paper pad (good quality 80 lb. or heavier)3 drawing pencils (HB 2B 2H)2–4 sticks vine/willow charcoal soft or medium2 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 $75 on supplies in addition to course tuition.What to wearClothes appropriate for messy creativity. Comfortable shoes for standing. Class savingsRegister on or before August 10 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 $197.00 Student's Legal First Name Student's Legal Last Name Student Birthdate Month Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Day Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Year Year 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 I agree to the following registration terms and conditions. Date: Sat, Oct 24, 2026 - Sat, Nov 14, 2026 Time: 1:00–4:00 p.m. CT Day(s) of the week: Saturday Ages: Open to students ages 15–18. Term: Fall 2026 Instructor: Bianca Jarvis Location: In Person SKU: CST 9579 01 FA26 Prerequisites: Previous drawing experience is helpful, but not required.