Let's Get Serious about the Basics of Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting at the Palette & Chisel

I spent time with Dale in his studio the other day. Yes, I'm his wife coming on 28 years. We meet in college at the American Academy of Art. I wanted to be a graphic design trail blazer while Dale had his compass focused on fine art. Not long after he graduated Dale started teaching part-time at our alma mater. Part-time turned into full time after six months.

We talked about his current role as an instructor at the Palette & Chisel, co-teaching Fundamentals of Drawing & Painting with Bob Krajecki.

How long have you been teaching? I've been teaching for 33 years. The reason I have such a passion for teaching is watching students grow and archive success and satisfaction in their artwork.

Who should take your class? If you need to improve your art skills this class has been designed for you. It's been tried and true, for over 30+ years. Students have become successful artist
after taking our course.

What level is this class? Why is it broken into 101, 102 and 103?  This class is broken into three levels or should I say three steps like building blocks of learning. A student needs a natural order in learning starting at the beginning with the basics. We help you see and interpret, not just look and copy.

I understand this is a co-taught class. How does this work? Mr. Krajecki and I have been working together on this class and additional assignments for 33 years. We compliment each others teachings. We have the same philosophy on art with only a few minor differences. We believe it is always good to get two views points with the same training.

How was the course developed? This course was developed as a whole not in parts and pieces. Most colleges teach color, perspective, composition and techniques as separate courses. We believe you can't learn this way -- we help the student understand how all aspects tie together. It has to be taught as a whole -- instructing this way gives our students tools to problem solve which makes for a fulfilling experience.

What should I expect to learn in class? First we will give you the skills to see not just look. The students will be taught first the principles of drawing then values or tone. As you grow we will focus on composition, color and and last technique.
 
How will I know how much I've grown? At the end of each 10-week session we hold a class critique. The students bring all of their work in for review. We encourage the 102 and 103 students to bring in the 101 work. This is one of my favorite parts of the class. I enjoy see how everyone has improved, how satisfied the students are and how excited the new students are to see the advancement of the 102 and 103s.