The focus of Atelier Sonorense is very basic and is geared towards the beginner.

Students are lead through a series of three exercises.

The first exercise students do is a sight-size cast drawing in charcoal. Cast drawing offers an introduction to form and tone, and is a very good way to begin training the eye. More often than not, students must do several cast drawings before they are ready to proceed to the next exercise.

When students have completed a charcoal cast drawing that meets the instructors approval, they are ready to do a grisaille (black and white) cast painting in oil. The exercise offers an introduction to the handling of oil paint without the added difficulty of color, and builds upon the understanding of light, shadow, tone and shape that grew out of the cast drawing exercises.

The final exercise is a full color still life in oil. The exercise introduces color.

After the students complete the above three exercises, many choose to enter a phase of experimentation under the instructor's guidance.

Many students have chosen to do master copies. Atelier Sonorense allows one master copy per student in the atelier. Further copies may be done outside of the atelier if the student choses.

We plan to expand into figure drawing and figure painting  within a year or two.

Critiques are given twice per week for full-time students, in English or Spanish.

Our current program is ideal for students who wish to improve their portfolios prior to applying for admission in more established ateliers.

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