Week 1 – Introduction to Course & Materials
Review syllabus, course expectations, and required materials. Begin warm-up drawing exercises and sketchbook setup.
Week 2 – Observational Drawing: Line & Contour
Learn how to capture shapes and proportions through contour and gesture drawing exercises.
Week 3 – Observational Drawing: Gesture & Form
Practice rapid sketching to convey movement and form, focusing on building confidence with line work.
Week 4 – Value & Shading: Light & Shadow
Explore light direction, highlights, mid-tones, and shadows to create depth in drawings.
Week 5 – Tonal Rendering & Composition
Develop shading techniques for texture and form, and begin applying them to simple scene compositions.
Week 6 – Perspective Drawing: One-Point
Learn the basics of one-point perspective and apply them to interior and exterior scene sketches.
Week 7 – Perspective Drawing: Two-Point
Advance to two-point perspective to render more dynamic environments and objects.
Week 8 – Midterm Project
Apply observational drawing, value, and perspective skills in a fully rendered midterm project for critique.
Week 9 – Color Theory & Application
Study the color wheel, mixing techniques, and harmonies, then practice with small color rendering exercises.
Week 10 – Painting Techniques for Theatre Design
Learn brush handling, layering, and blending for scenic and costume applications.
Week 11 – Rendering for Scenic Design
Apply drawing, perspective, and color techniques to create detailed scenic design renderings.
Week 12 – Texture & Material Representation
Practice rendering wood, metal, fabric, and other materials relevant to set and costume design.
Week 13 – Rendering for Costume Design
Focus on drawing the human figure, fabric folds, and color application for costume plates.
Week 14 – Final Project Work & Critique
Studio work, feedback sessions, and completion of final project for presentation during finals week.