Drawing Session with Faculty & Staff at Fairmont State University

I recently had the opportunity to teach a professional development session at Fairmont State University on 3 essential tools of drawing from observation. The session was attended by faculty from a variety of fields like mathematics, engineering, architecture, business and outdoor recreation. There were also attendees from the marketing department as well. 

I spoke about how drawing from observation can strengthen our ability to analyze visual information in our professional and personal lives. I went over what I feel are 3 essential tools for strengthening observational drawing skills - creating a value scale, a blind contour drawing and a line gesture drawing. 

Despite most attendees having little to no drawing experience, they were engaged and attentive. They tried all 3 techniques and surprised me (and themselves) with their results.

I'd like to thank Dr. Valerie Morphew, Director, Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation, for the opportunity to teach this session. The experience was a rewarding one and I hope to have the opportunity to do another session soon.

​My own drawing course is still in development, but please sign up here for updates: ​https://www.derekoverfield.com/teaching-newsletter.html

All photos by Dustin Merrill (@dustonthesensor) and Kaire Umoja (@kaisimages).