Mondays at LAAFA

Here are some classes we are offering Monday next quarter:

Class: 1529 Portrait Drawing
Time and Day: 3:30pm-6:30pm - Monday
Instructor: Kate Sammons

Course Description - In this class, students will learn to diagnose and solve reccurring issues in drawing the portrait. Portrait drawing can be an end in itself or the most direct path towards excellence in painting the portrait. We will explore the dynamic of working from a live model, experiencing the difference between approaching a short pose session and a long pose session. Students will be introduced to new techniques that will expand their existing skill sets, including methods to take work from class and continue finishing it at home. Photographic reference will be introduced and other common practices that portrait artists use to help them complete their work on the job. My aim is to introduce some practical solutions to creating portraits and explore unique options in drawing that will carry on into painting, giving confidence, inspiring creativity and providing finished results.


Class: 2026 Painting the Human Form
Time and Day: 3:30pm-6:30pm, Monday
Instructor: James Galindo

Course Description – This class will focus on painting the figure accurately using simplified shapes and a limited palette. Students will paint from a live model each week. The first model will pose for 2 weeks, the second model will pose for 3 weeks and the third model will pose for 5 weeks. The class will incrementally transition from monochromatic value studies to full-color figure paintings. We will use a limited palette consisting of Titanium White, Ivory Black, French Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna, Cadmium Yellow Light, Vermilion and Alizarin Crimson. The palette is designed to produce a variety of grays that we will use to paint the light and shadow masses of the figure. We will paint under the natural light only, so this class is great for those who wish to learn to paint the figure using a cool palette. We will address issues of composition, color, texture, light and shadow. The goal of this class is to paint the figure with energy and life-like color, to highlight what is essential in producing a powerful image and to edit what is not.

Class: 1027 Costumed Gesture Drawing
Time and Day: 7:30pm-10:30pm, Monday
Instructor: Mark McDonnell



Course Description - Mark McDonnell’s Costumed Gesture Drawing class will help explain how to design and capture the essence of life through the knowledge of gesture drawing, increase observation skills and use basic design principles that will help to fuel the power of your imagination . . . all of which are important and necessary skills to have in the animation, illustration and the entertainment industry!

Class: 1458 Tonal Figure Drawing
Time and Day: 7:30pm-10:30pm, Monday
Instructor: Aaron Westerberg

Course Description – This class will focus on figure drawing but will start with an introduction portrait drawing. We will go stress anatomy, composition, lighting, value, and proportion. You will learn how to take a basic lay into a finished rendering. Each class will feature a 25 min demonstration as well as one-on- one critiques and demonstrations. The instructor will vary his demonstrations depending on the model and class. Critiques will be based on the student’s skill level and goals.

If you would like to pre-enroll, go to http://laafa.org/sessions/register_policy.php?cmd=pre_application or call 818.708.9232!