Testimonials from the Adult Drawing Course

I started my first ever drawing class with Mei-Ling about 8 weeks ago and when I started I could barely draw a decent stick figure. I expected to learn how to draw basic shapes, but my expectations were far exceeded. At the beginning of each class I was certain that I’d never be able to draw what we were assigned, but thanks to the excellent coaching of Mei-Ling I was able to get a good start. Then as I continued to work on the piece, I’d send it to Mei-Ling for feedback a couple of times and based on that I was able to draw some things I was really proud of. I’m surprised, delighted and completely hooked thanks to Mei-Ling. - Peg

Mei-Ling's drawing class is a complete joy. The lessons cover a broad base of approaches and techniques, all of which are approachable from any level. The small class size keeps the setting intimate and unintimidating. Mei-Ling's guidance is patient and kind. I highly recommend this class for someone looking for a gentle way to bring more creative space into their week. - Christine

In the fall of 2021, I took a painting class at The W Gallery and loved it, but realized that my next step should be a drawing class, so I signed up for Mei-Ling Ellerman's 8-week "Learning to Draw for Life Level I" class on Zoom through The W Gallery. As a complete beginner, I was amazed at how much I learned and accomplished in just a few classes. Mei-Ling is a truly gifted teacher who taught us how to truly see our subjects in terms of light and dark and transfer those values onto paper. Mei-Ling continually shared her expertise on types of drawing paper, pencils, tools, and styles. She expertly guided us though short exercises and longer projects each week. I loved the class so much that I immediately took her next 8-week class (Level II) on Zoom focusing on figure drawing and portraiture. Again, I learned so much and look forward to taking more of her classes. - Sarah

I initially signed up for Mei-Ling’s drawing class with some trepidation. Although I really wanted to learn to draw, I wasn’t completely convinced that I could learn. I’ve been a painter for about ten years but I paint abstractly because I had never developed the art of drawing. Fortunately, Mei-Ling is a wonderful teacher – she is very supportive and encouraging. She broke down each assignment into manageable parts and gave very helpful feedback at each step in the process. After a few weeks, I realized that with some guidance and practice, I really could learn to draw!! I loved the class and am now taking her follow-up class which focuses on figure drawing and portraiture. - Judi Stein

Learn the skills to accurately observe and draw anything.

Adult and Youth Beginner “Learning to Draw for Life” classes are enjoyable, interactive, and help students improve their ability to accurately draw subjects ranging from self-portraits to animals, botanical portraits, and still lifes. Students learn to hone their observation skills while learning new techniques and new mediums from graphite pencil, to colored pencils, and conte crayons. Mei-Ling’s specialized approach supports students in developing the skills of an artist. She keeps each class quite small, so she can give individualized feedback to each student as they work on their drawings. The students learn from the comments on each others’ drawings, and start to develop a more sophisticated understanding about how to draw and improve their own work. Mei-Ling will organize courses based on age and experience, and may create new classes depending on the students’ interests and needs.

8 week courses are priced at $400 ($50 for each 1.5 hour class).

Slots are now open for adult and youth courses, please contact me at meiling.ellerman@gmail.com for further details.

PLANNED COURSES

NEW! Teen Artists Learning to Draw for Life Beginner Course (8 weeks) ONLINE

Starting January 5th, taught Thursdays from 6:30-8pm

Ages 14-18

This 8 week online course will be taught on Thursdays from 6:30-8pm. Class size is limited to 6 students, so please register with me early if you would like a spot. This course will teach teens the skills, techniques, and drawing principles they need to learn to set them on the path to becoming an artist (as a hobby or profession). I will help each student develop her/his abilities through feedback on their work, and by supporting them to improve their work further. They will start to develop more of an “artist’s eye,” meaning they will learn how to assess a subject, draw a more accurate outline, observe the range in tonal values and colors that make up the details, and transfer this visual knowledge to the paper.

If you have questions or want to sign up, please contact me at meiling.ellerman@gmail.com.

Young Artists Learning to Draw for Life Course (Classes 1-8) IN PERSON at Wayland’s First Parish

This is an 8 week beginner drawing online course, 1.5 hours per class.

Thursdays from 4-5:30pm, starting January 5th. Taught through ArtsWayland. They will have the registration link up this week. https://artswayland.com/pages/art-classes

I believe that if children this age are interested in and serious about drawing, they would really benefit from professional training and lessons. This course has been adapted from the Adult course, so it is well structured to start teaching children the knowledge, techniques, skills, and confidence they need to draw for life. The children’s course is taught at a slower pace, with more explanation and examples, and more child-friendly drawing subjects. My approach focuses on meeting each child where they are. The exercises and my individualized feedback will train their ability to see/observe the subject more accurately and help them develop the ability to see how they need to improve their own work. Both of these abilities will improve the accuracy, detail, and sophistication of their drawings. These observation and drawing skills will help them in many other disciplines and areas of art and work. Students will draw subjects ranging from animals, to figures, and still lifes, using graphite pencils, colored pencils, and conte crayons. They will learn about contour drawing, negative space, proportions, perspective, and shading techniques.

Adult Portraiture and Figure Drawing Course ONLINE

This course will be taught Friday evenings, please contact me for details. This is an 8 week online course.

Students should have some prior experience drawing, or have taken my Beginner Drawing course classes 1-8. This course will concentrate on facial features, portraits, and figure drawing. We will study how to draw accurate eyes, ears, nose, and mouth first, then will draw a full frontal self-portrait, a 3/4 portrait, side portrait, and a portrait of your choice. I will also instruct on drawing portraits of children and babies, as well as older people. You will learn tricks to drawing proportional figures and portraits, and will use graphite pencils and conte crayons on white and toned paper. The final two classes, you will work on a portrait of your own choice.

This course will be taught through ArtsWayland. You can pre-register with me, write to me at meiling.ellerman@gmail.com

COURSES TO BE TAUGHT

I may be able to offer the courses below, depending on my schedule and on demand.

Young Artists Learning to Draw for Life Course (Classes 9-16) ONLINE

This course will be a continuation for students who have taken Lessons 1-8 or who have prior experience drawing. Just as with music classes, students should continue having instruction, students greatly benefit from having more than 8 drawing classes. I teach other aspects of drawing and continue to provide the individual feedback that will help each student. The students see each other’s work and see me point out the wonderful details as well as the areas that need tweaking, so are able to train their eye that much more quickly.

To sign up, please fill out the form or contact me at meiling.ellerman@gmail.com. This class is taught directly through Mei-Ling Ellerman Studio.

Adult Learning to Draw for Life Course (Classes 1-8) ONLINE

This is an 8 week beginner drawing course, held online. Each class lasts 1.5 hours. Students become so involved, that it passes before you know it! I may be able to offer an evening course as well, based on demand.

If you have always wanted to learn how to draw, “Learning to Draw for Life” offers the perfect environment for you to pursue your goals. In this enjoyable 8-week online course, local artist Mei-Ling Ellerman teaches a curriculum that will both support and challenge you to hone your drawing skills. Carefully designed exercises and individualized feedback will strengthen your skills of observation, which will in turn rapidly improve your ability to draw accurately. In Level I, we will study aspects of contour drawing, negative space, shading, proportions, perspective, and color. You will learn the fundamentals of drawing by drawing subjects ranging from the human figure to animals and botanical drawings. You will also learn to draw with different mediums including graphite pencils, conte crayon pencils, and colored pencils. Please contact me directly if you are interested in joining a new Adult Beginner course.

To sign up, please fill out the form or contact me at meiling.ellerman@gmail.com. This class is taught directly through Mei-Ling Ellerman Studio.

Adult Learning to Draw for Life Course (Classes 9-16) ONLINE This course will be a continuation for students who have taken Lessons 1-8, but will also be open to students who have some prior experience drawing. We will draw a large range of subjects from trees to clouds, portraits, fruit, and still life, using pencil or colored pencil. Each class is designed to improve observation and drawing skills, and will include feedback on each student’s exercises.

To sign up, please fill out the form or contact me at meiling.ellerman@gmail.com. This class is taught directly through Mei-Ling Ellerman Studio.

Landscape and Architectural Drawing and Painting Course ONLINE

This exciting 10 week course will be taught during the Winter through ArtsWayland. Students will learn ink (pen and fountain pen) and watercolor techniques, and we will create drawings of quaint scenes like French cafes, Tuscan streets, landscapes, and the final two classes you will work on a house portrait of your choice. Prior coursework is recommended, such as one or two of my beginner level courses, or other drawing courses.

To reserve a spot, please start by filling out the form or contacting me at meiling.ellerman@gmail.com.