Drawing

With a Masters of Fine Arts degree in historic drawing techniques for realism, and a graphic design degree in illustration that provides a thorough understanding of drawing from a commercial perspective, Frances Smokowski’ extensive knowledge of drawing is historically-based, timely and personal. She effectively nurtures drawing abilities in "gifted" individuals as well as in those who evidence inexperience, disabilities or special needs. Additionally, Frances excels in supporting all of her students in developing original concepts on graphic as well as thematic levels. By learning to integrate both the lessons of history and the pulse of contemporary practice, students emerge from their technical studies with the ability to cultivate an artistic presence and vision that is uniquely their own.
Core concepts and methods covered include:
●    additive and subtractive drawing
●    dry pigment applications in graphite, charcoal, chalk, crayon, and pastels
●    wet pigment applications in ink or other aqueous media
●    mixed media
●    tonal drawing, shadow mapping, blending
●    line drawing, contours and cross hatching
●    sight sizing, visual measuring, proportioning, etc.
●    technical drafting with mechanical drawing tools
●    linear perspective
●    field sketching
●    drawing in color
●    expressive abstraction

For further information and to book a lesson, contact  frances.smokowski@icloud.com or (301) 768-2284
Principles in Practice
Here are a few actual students creating original works within their customized lessons
Rendering Abstract Illusions
Tone & Temperature
Best Practices for Realism
Observation, Translation & Control
Drawing Figures in Motion
Structural Analysis & Schematics
Figure Drawing Readiness
From Still Life to Real Life
Geometry, Composition & Design
Patterning, Elaboration & more
Shadow Massing, Simplified
Controlled Lighting
Advanced Figure Drawing
Planning, Proportions & more
Linear Perspective
Concepts & Tools
Process Thinking, Start to Finish
Sequencing for Success
College Level Foundations
Vocabulary & Vision
Nurturing Naturalism
Relative Spatial Indicators
Drawing Dialogs & Leadership
Sharing Techniques with Friends
Visual Story Telling
Character Development
Animation Readiness
Flip Books & Key Frames
Stop Motion Basics
Articulated Paper Puppets
Drawing from Imagination
Creativity, Style & Voice
Expressive Expansion
The Shift from Drawing to Painting
Integrative Experience
Drawing on Our Cultural Treasures