The main impetus for these incursions is to provide a specialised service to boost the quality of drawing in schools. School years, I believe, are the perfect time for individuals to cultivate their capacity to draw (not to mention drawings great role as a foundation to future learning- "the mother of the arts"). The courses below can also be adapted to suit any faculty programs.

COURSE 1: The Eye and the Hand.

One of the great anxieties at the centre of all drawing is the elusive gap between what we see and what we create, between the eye and the hand. This course attempts to suspend a bridge between this gap by reducing visual elements down to broad and simple relationships (such as basic geometric shapes, general tonal divisions and essential gestures), promoting a more constructive and inventive approach to drawing. 

COURSE 2: The Visual Language. 

Introduce students to the basic words of the visual language. Exploring the idea of Cezanne that the world can be reduced to five basic shapes, students learn to identify with these visual symbols and explore the potential for greater narrative making and meaning in their work.

COURSE 3: The Mechanical Eye. 

Learn the mechanics of how to bring an idea into being as a tangible design on paper, drawing together the principles of composition- repetition, contrast, variety, dominance, balance, harmony and unity.

COURSE 4: The Eternal Tension of Tone. 

When people think of drawing they usually overlook tone? This course looks at the essential values and relationships that make up this all important tension that sits at the heart of drawing. Students learn to develop a sense of pitch and gradation, explore the passage of light and shade across basic forms and develop the mastery to invent one's own light sources. 

COURSE 5: Breadth and the conception of mass

"The fault is not in drawing what can be seen, but what cannot be seen- not in seeing enough, but in seeing too much". (Samuel Prout 1848)

This course looks at the eternal problem of forgoing the details for the bigger picture. So often we fall into the habit of becoming transfixed with the distracting details. Students explore the possibilities of working toward the general before the specific, conceiving form in larger masses, tone in broader distinctions...etc.  

COURSE 6: Breaking free from the tight end of the spiral.

Ever been caught in a holding pattern- round and round the merry-go-round, the only way out ending in a jam? Open to a new direction of drawing with the impetus to break free and soar to higher heights. This course explores the unique function drawing provides to achieve creative breakthroughs: throwing ideas together, developing creative confidence and capturing fleeting moments of inspiration. Let drawing transform the "Oh dear" to the "Ah ha!"  

COURSE 7: Geometry Drawing. 

This course looks at the great tradition and foundation to all drawing, geometry. Developing from simple ornamental patterns to complex architectural and industrial structures, students are introduce to this essential visual language of composition and design. A great cross curricular course for Visual Arts, Mathematics, Industrial Design and even Science! 

COURSE 8: Ornamental Drawing: the Misshapen Pearl. 

This course resurrects the ancient art of ornamentation. Invaluable to the development of rhythm and design in drawing, this course focuses on geometry, organic forms and the great ornamental styles that have emerged from the past.

COURSE 9: The Figure. 

Drawing together all the elements to create the ultimate symbol, the human figure: utilising the structure of artistic anatomy, the guidance of the great masters and the inspiration of the live model. Develop the skills of observational method while also expanding on opportunities for narrative and metaphor in drawing. 

COURSE 10: The philosophical path of drawing. 

Drawing in its most simple form opens a philosophical quandary about an individual's relationship to reality, of absolute values of beauty and truth, of metaphysics, semiotics...etc. This course chronicals the rocky path of drawing and its philosophical implications as it has moved through the Medievil, Modern and Postmodern periods. A valuable insight for understanding the bones of Art History and contemporary art making.