Workshop | Chiaroscuro - Drawing Mood and Depth with Catherine O'Donnell
This course has no current classes. Please the waiting list.
Learn how artists have used chiaroscuro—the interplay of light and dark—to evoke mood and atmosphere. Focusing on found objects as your subject, you will explore how to use charcoal to convey mood and depth in your drawings. Applying traditional drawing techniques such as proportion, perspective, line, tone, and composition to craft dynamic and compelling compositions. Through charcoal's nuances, you'll experiment with mark-making, shading, and contrast to amplify drama, gaining the confidence to transform a three-dimensional scene into a convincing two-dimensional work. Starting with small studies to refresh your observational drawing skills you will then progress to larger, more sustained drawings, mastering tonal organization and depth to infuse your work with atmosphere and impact.
What to expect
The class structure will guide participants in using charcoal alongside key observational drawing skills—such as proportion, perspective, line, tone, and composition—to create dynamic and engaging compositions.
Some things you can expect to cover in this drawing workshop are:
- Understanding of light and shadow
- Traditional drawing techniques
- Variety in mark-making
- Composition
What will you achieve
Understanding and practical skills required to master the tonal organisation of charcoal to create a drawing with atmosphere and drama. Students will do some studies on cartridge paper, and then work on a sustained drawing on your 300gsm paper.
Materials List
- A range of pencils, hb, 2b, 4b
- Compressed charcoal (soft, not Mont Marte brand)
- Willow charcoal (not Mont Marte brand)
- Kneadable eraser
- Plastic eraser
- Craft knife
- Masking tape
- A2 cartridge paper for preliminary studies.
- 1 sheet of 300gm hot pressed paper Stonehenge or equivalent for final drawing (optional)
Square Image: Catherine O'Donnell May God Protect You 2009 (detail)
Main Image: Catherine O'Donnell - Preservation 2008 (large work), May God Protect You (insert image) 2009
About studio classes
Our class sizes are small, ensuring you receive the individual tuition you need. We have a maximum of 12 students per class.
Unless otherwise noted, prices *exclude* art materials. Click here to see a list of local art supply retailers.
To learn about our studios, amenites and how to get there, click here.