ART CLASSES

Drawing and painting is a wonderful way to relieve stress and improve well-being. It can be enjoyable and relaxing to learn new skills that you can build upon. Jen Lee is now offering in-person, art classes in Bargue drawing instruction, oil painting, and watercolors. Classes will be taught in the Art by the Sea classroom in Bandon.

Bargue Atelier Drawing Course

To be a good painter, you have to start with drawing skills.

Bargue drawing classes will teach you line control, how to observe detail, learn values, and learn accuracy even when drawing upside down. This is done by copying detailed plates from the classical drawing master of Charles Bargue. Students cultivate patience, perseverance, and a keen eye for detail, ultimately improving their drawing ability. Anyone who wants to be a serious high-quality artist SHOULD do the Bargue Course. Having an instructor is invaluable in this process. I personally took this course in 2021 with an instructor even though I had been drawing detailed portraits since I was 14. It improved my skills and ability to have someone critiquing my homework! I could not have done that on my own.

Core Principles: •Sight-Size Method: The Bargue method emphasizes copying the plates at the same size as the originals, which helps develop an understanding of proportions and spatial relationships. •General to Specific: Drawing progresses from broad shapes and overall proportions to finer details, ensuring a strong foundation before adding intricate elements. •Line and Value: The method focuses on accurately rendering lines, shapes, and the interplay of light and shadow to create a convincing representation of form. •Abstraction and Simplification: Bargue plates are designed to help artists abstract complex forms into simpler, more manageable shapes, making it easier to understand and replicate. Course Structure: •Plate Studies: The course typically begins with copying Bargue's plates, which are a series of lithographs based on classical sculptures and master drawings. There are 25-50 plates, depending on how the student progresses. each new plate builds on the skills learned in the previous ones. •This class is for serious students, 12 and up. It requires dedication and attention to detail. 1 to 4 students per class to maximize individual attention. •Much of the work will be done doing homework. In class, a critique of your homework will be given and a demonstration of drawing skills and materials during class. •Students can draw using graphite pencils or charcoal. •Class is 1 hour long. Students may request more plates between classes if they have time. •Classes may be once a week in the beginning and then extend to every two weeks as the drawings take more time. The final drawings may take longer. •Class is $40 per person and paid at Art by the Sea Gallery. The student must have the required materials. The fee does not include materials and helps pay for the rental of the classroom. The longer you stick to the classes, the more you will improve and your skills will grow. Class will be taught at the Art by the Sea Gallery in Bandon.

See Class Materials

Beginner

Advanced

Bargue Course

Oil Painting Classes

Oil painting can be an intimidating and varied process. There are only a few rules....but so many questions that need answers. I've had them and learned them along the way.

I've been painting in oil for over 15 years and have tried different mediums and techniques from Ala Prima to Grisaille, Scumbling, underpainting, and glazing. I adore oil painting and love to teach it.

I love the smell of the oil and the way it blends and moves around on the canvas. It is so workable. You can add specific mediums and let it dry in a day or two, or add certain oils to extend the working time for many days. It's just so awesome to work with. I'm excited to be offering classes to understand the medium or enhance the skills you already started with. Once I learned I didn't have to use toxic materials, and how to easily clean my brushes with soap and water it became my favorite medium to work with.

This class is every one or two weeks (depending on the student's schedule) and can be done in person, either as an individual or small group of no more than 4 persons. Classes are purchased by the hour. They can be taught at the Art by the Sea Gallery in Bandon, or I can come to your home for an additional fee. You will need to purchase your own materials and I can guide you through what you will need. A drawing foundation, such as the Bargue class is recommended, but not required. You will work next to me on your own canvas. I will be painting right along side you and guiding you through the process and answer any questions you WILL have. A painting doesn't have to be finished that week, but can be brought to the next class together. Once class is requested, a list of materials will be given. You must have required materials to take class.

Oil Painting Course

Watercolor Classes

Watercolor can be daunting to people starting out with this medium. People have told me they are afraid of making a mistake. But once you learn how the medium works, it will give you confidence to continue to try more. Watercolors are a loose and free medium to work with, or they can be as precise and as detailed as you want them to be. I like working in both styles. I prefer to start by going over techniques and what different brushes do. I like to teach techniques and work alongside students so that they enjoy the process.

The most important thing to remember is that no one's work looks like someone else. We are like fingerprints. We all have different skills and styles.

This class is every one or two weeks (depending on the student's schedule) and can be done in person or on Zoom, either as an individual or small group of no more than 4 persons. It entails a 45 minute tutorial and detailed critiquing of student's homework. Yes, there is homework. Classes are about 25 different plates. They begin with simple drawings, and each new plate builds on the skills learned in the previous ones. Students can draw using pencils or charcoal. The longer you stick to the classes, the more you will improve. Once class is requested, a list of materials will be given. You must have required materials to take class.