Shawn Vales

Drawing Basics: Sketch, Study, or Render

Saturday Afternoon 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
East Studio

$140 per month or $40 per session
(Rolling Admission)

Contact Shawn directly at:
shawnvales@gmail.com or at
973-680-2955 (cell)

We encourage you to stop by and view a class in progress.

Supply List

Shawn Vales

This class is for true beginners, hobbyists and/or serious learners who want to learn drawing in a clear, low-pressure way. You can start any week. Each class focuses on one simple skill (like proportions, line control, light and shadow, or shading). Everyone practices the same skill, but you can choose your own pace and goal.

Each week, choose one approach:

  • Sketch: quick, simple drawings for confidence and fun

  • Study: focused practice to improve faster

  • Render: a more finished drawing with shading and detail

Materials: Complimentary supplies provided on your first day. Supplies recommended for purchase if you wish to continue.

About Shawn: 

Shawn Vales is a classically trained artist working in the Boston School tradition. His teaching emphasizes perceptual development, foundational technique, and the cultivation of visual clarity. With a deep respect for both the physical craft and the inner discipline of drawing, he guides students to build meaningful, repeatable practices that support long-term artistic growth.

WHAT TO EXPECT EACH WEEK (3 HOURS)

  1. Quick warm-up (10–15 minutes)
    We start with simple exercises to loosen up your hand and mind. No pressure.

  2. Skill of the week (10–15 minutes)
    I’ll teach one clear skill with a short demo. Everyone practices the same skill, even if we draw different things.

  3. Drawing time (most of class)
    You draw at your own pace. I walk around and help each person individually with one or two clear steps to improve.

  4. Short wrap-up (5–10 minutes)
    We end with a quick win and simple next steps.

ROLLING ADMISSION (START ANY WEEK)
New students and returning students can take the class together. You can join anytime.

ROTATING SKILLS WE PRACTICE (WE CYCLE THROUGH THESE)
We focus on one skill per week, then rotate so you build progress over time:

  • How to start a drawing (big shapes)

  • Simple measuring (getting proportions right)

  • Drawing angles (efficient shape making)

  • Contours and line control

  • Negative space (seeing shapes better)

  • Simple perspective and ellipses (cups, bowls, boxes)

  • Light and shadow (shadow shapes)

  • Value groups (2 values, then 4 values)

  • Turning form (making things look round)

  • Edge control (hard vs soft edges)

  • Texture (how to suggest detail)

  • Focus and accents (where to sharpen and darken)

3 APPROACHES YOU CAN CHOOSE 
You can pick one approach based on what you feel like doing that day:

  1. SKETCH (easy and quick)
    You make a simple drawing fast, making many drawings per class. For those wanting a relaxed class and quick results.

  2. STUDY (focused practice)
    You work on one skill more carefully. Choose this for steady improvement.

  3. RENDER (more finished)
    You take one drawing further with shading and detail. Great if you want a finished look.

You can change your approach from week to week.

WHAT YOU CAN DRAW
You can draw simple objects in class or you can bring a small object from home. 

If you’d like to join again, just reply to this email and I’ll share the current schedule and next steps. I am capping the class at 8 students until I adapt to the new class structure.  If you are not one fo the first 8 to sign up then you will be added to a list and will contact when space opens and you are next in line.

Cast Drawing by Shawn Vales

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