Do you love to draw animals but are tired from working from photo references? 

Then join us in this unique opportunity to draw wild animals from direct observation with Claytor Nature Center’s taxidermy collection. 

Drawing from photos is great, even essential but drawing from life is like hitting a virtual refresh button. Your artwork will loosen up and you’ll be able to see the “big picture.” When you go back to your photo references, you’ll be energized and less likely to get bogged down in the details. 

Course description:  Each class will begin with warm up exercises, such as blind contour drawings, quick sketches, or gesture drawings. In drawing from direct observation, you’ll use a variety of techniques including contour lines, positive and negative space, perspective, sighting of angles and measurements.  The instructor will demonstrate each activity and discuss the concepts as you practice them. Class critiques will create a community and allow students to verbalize skills learned.

Registration and cost: $20. 

Materials: Materials will not be provided but that should not keep you from participating! The basic materials are a sketch pad (plain white paper is fine; there will be printer paper available) and a pencil. Optional materials include: 18x24 Newsprint pad, pencils ranging from B to 6B, kneaded eraser, sharpener, white eraser, a drawing board large enough to accommodate the pad, clips or a large rubber band for holding the sketch pad. Students may wish to use better paper and a variety of pencils for longer drawings.

Experience: Experience not necessary! This is for beginners as well as more experienced artists.

Registration required. Ages 13 and up. (We originally said 18 and up but we've had several requests for teens to participate that we are opening this up to 13+. A parent or guardian must sign a waiver on behalf of the teen and stay on the premises during the class. We have miles of trails so if the adult doesn't want to draw, they can hike the property to pass the time :) 

Instructor bio

Cheryl Meehan 

Education: BFA Fine Arts Suny Purchase, MAT Manhattanville College

Workshops: Lois Wooley, Karen O’Neil, Jerry Weiss, Rob Liberace, Charles Miano, Mary Minnifie

Artists Residency: Star residency at the Hermitage 2019

Shows: Manatee Art Center, Sarasota Art Center, Rockland Center for the Arts, Broome Street Gallery, Daily Paintworks Gallery

Experience: 25 years teaching