Class 1002, Section 1: Summer Quarter 2008
Drawing for Absolute Beginners!

Instructor: Nils Osmar 
Sponsored by: ASUW Experimental College
Location: University of Washington campus (Seattle branch)
Summer quarter dates and times:_ Saturdays 9 am-10:45 am, July 19-August 9
Course fee (for General Public): $99

Drawing is fun! Anyone can learn to do it. In this enjoyable four-week class, we'll work our way through a number of exercises designed to train the eye, hand and imagination to work as a unit (or a team). You'll learn about shapes and shading; learn how to look at things as an artist and draw what you see more accurately; and more. This class provides an enjoyable, step-by-step introduction to drawing. For people who have not drawn before or would like a refresher in the basics. Instructor is a professional artist. Nothing to bring or buy; all materials are provided. (Scroll down for registration information)

Frequently asked questions

Is this class really for beginners?
Absolutely! You don't have to have any previous drawing experience, to do well in it. Even if you don't know which end of a pencil to sharpen, you'll have fun and learn a lot.

Do you really think anyone can learn to draw?
Yes. Drawing is a natural skill, and anyone can learn to do it, with a little help.

Is it really possible to learn the basics of drawing in only four weeks?
Absolutely. You'll learn methods that will make a big difference in your artwork, whether you're drawing from imagination or drawing from objects or photographs in front of you. You'll have a chance to try several exercises and learn which ones work best for you, so you'll know what to practice after the course ends, to keep learning and improving.

Isn't drawing really just a matter of practice?
Yes and no. Practice is a good thing, but instruction and information are important too. It's like learning to play the piano; if you start with the scales, you're laying a foundation for improving; if you don't, you could "practice" for years without getting any better. In this class, we start out by learning a traditional method based on simple underlying shapes; learn about form, materials, and light and shade; then move on to using methods developed in more recent years to help people be more accurate in their drawings. Most students see a major improvement in their drawing by the second or third class. Students often say they learn more in this four-week workshop than they did in years of art school, or of trying to learn to draw on their own.

Do I need to bring any materials, or buy any in the class?
No, all materials (paper, pencils, charcoal, erasers, and printed handouts) are provided by the instructor. 

Can you tell me more about the instructor?
Nils Osmar has made his living in the arts for over twenty years, working as a freelance illustrator, writer and independent film producer, and teaching both accredited and non-credit classes. He currently teaches through the ASUW Experimental College and the Wonder School of the Arts, His art classes at the Experimental College include Learn to Draw Faces, Figure Drawing, Cartooning, Exploring Color, Drawing Flowers, and Perspective for Beginners(All of them are open to beginners)

How do I sign up?
See registration information, below.

Student Comments about this class

Nils, Just wanted to let you know that I completed my application to the Game Animation Certificate program, and as of a week ago received notice of my acceptance. One of my portfolio pieces was a charcoal figure based upon one of the exercises from class - and of course, I'd never touched charcoal before meeting you. Thanks again for all the tips and encouragement! Your classes really helped polish my skills and boost my confidence a great deal. -- J.C. (Seattle)

(The class) was well organized and you took us along step-by-step. I will see you in the fall for one of your other classes. - Mary J. (Redmond)

Your teaching style was a pleasure to learn by and I enjoyed your class very much.. - Ruth B. (Seattle)

I was the redhead who drove in every week from Tacoma. It was worth it. You really have something going if you can take someone like me and turn me into an artist, well, a beginning artist anyway! But that's way ahead of where I was. Thanks again Nils! - R.M. (Tacoma)

Loved the right brain stuff, like drawing upside down. I also loved, honestly, that you provided the materials. (Art supplies) can be so expensive, I was happy when you told we wouldn't have to buy any. - M.R. (Bellevue)

Thanks for taking some time before the class to help me figure out which class I should take. You weren't just trying to "sell" me a class, you helped me find the one that would be a good next step for me. - M.J. (Seattle)

The instructor provided hands-on help and was especially well organized. He was very personable and remembered everyone's name. - Marion W., Bellevue

Learning that I was capable of drawing, especially things that were somewhat complex. I also enjoyed Nils Osmar, the teacher, very much. I found him to be a gracious, patient and effective teacher. He is also nice. I plan on taking other art classes that he teaches. - H.D. , Seattle

I liked the exposure to several different drawing methods. - P.L., Seattle

The teacher was fabulous. Addressed every student by name and remembered the reasons why they were in the class and was so pleasant to learn from. I would love to take another class from him and bring more students. I like the pace and the instruction itself. Mr. Nils was very patient in explaining everything and the no pressure atmposhere was great for learning. - Rose B., Seattle

I really enjoyed this class! The instructor was very relaxed and really encouraged all of us in our efforts, and answered questions and gave guidance whenever asked. The class was extremely low key and low stress, so it was kept fun and the pace was kept slow enough where I didn't feel rushed, but fast enough that I didn't get bored.   I'm signing up right now for another of Nils' classes, he's a great instructor! (unsigned; comment submitted online)

I liked the opportunity to learn the basics in a non threatening environment.  (unsigned; comment submitted online)

Registration information: how to sign up

Drawing for Absolute Beginners is sponsored by the ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College, and is held on the U.W. campus in Seattle. It's a non-credit class open to everyone; you do not have to be a U.W. student to attend. The University of Washington is committed to providing equal access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accomodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accomodations, contact the Disability Office at least ten days in advance at: (206)543-6450/V, (206)543-6452/TTY, (206)685-7264 (fax) or email dso@u.washington.edu

To sign up by mail: You can sign up by mail at any time. To do so, click here to download the mail-in registration formThen fill it out and mail it to: ASUW Experimental College Box 352238 SAO 21 University of Washington Seattle WA 98195-2238 (Note: mail-in registrations won't be processed until June 23rd.)

To sign up online: Online registration for summer quarter Experimental College classes will begin on June 9th. (Please do not try signing up online before that time! Or you may end up in the spring quarter class instead.) We'll post a registration link here when summer online registrations begin.

To sign up by phone: Phone registrations for summer quarter Experimental College classeswill begin onJune 23rd We'll post more information here at that time.

Want an email reminder about registrations? To be added to the instructor's email list, email Nilsosmar@gmail.com You'll receive an email reminder when online and phone registrations begin.

Whatever method you use to register, you will only be charged a $10 registration fee for each class you are enrolling in, when you sign up (or $5 if you are a UW student.) The course fee is not due until the first day of class.

Questions? Problems registering? Call 206-420-1309 or emailNilsosmar@gmail.com

Other classes of interest

Sponsored by the ASUW Experimental College:
Drawing for absolute beginners
Learn to Draw Faces
Figure Drawing for beginners 
Cartooning
Perspective for Beginners: Drawing in Depth
Drawing Clothing and Drapery
Exploring Color
Beginning Acting
Acting in a Movie
Filmmaking 101
Writing Fiction and Short Stories
It's Time to Write Your Screenplay
Adobe Photoshop

Sponsored by other schools *
Drawing & painting Flowers
Drawing in Ink
Drawing comic books and graphic novels
Acrylic painting for beginners
Drawing with colored pencils
Documentary filmmaking
Editing tips & tricks for filmmakers
FX Makeup for filmmakers
Improv for beginners: acting without scripts
How to make commercials & infomercials
Free up your writing! (Beyond writer's block)
Writing science fiction & fantasy

* click on the course title for registration information