Introduction to Charcoal Drawing

Instructor: Mary Beth Sasso

Dates: Saturday & Sunday, July 11 & 12, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Ages: 18+

Members: $108

Non-Members: $120

(Registration deadline: July 7)

Description:

Have you ever felt intimidated by a blank page or wanted to draw but didn’t know where to start? This beginner-friendly workshop is designed to help understand the basics of drawing, build essential skills, and grow your confidence. We will simplify the art of drawing with charcoal and practice techniques through easy-to-follow exercises.

This workshop focuses on the fundamental building blocks of art, including observing and accurately translating what you see onto paper, creating dynamic lines, constructing three-dimensional shapes, mastering light and shadow, and understanding the principles of perspective. Learning these essentials will help to add depth and realism to your drawings, bringing ideas to life. This workshop will guide you through strengthening skills, helping you continue to improve and fostering a more enjoyable creative practice.

Open Studio Time:

Upon approval from the instructor, workshop participants will be granted access to the lab throughout the duration of the workshop. Aside from scheduled workshop hours, the lab is available for independent use Tuesday – Sunday from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm.

Materials:

Provided by participants:

• Charcoal pencils: HB, 2B, 4B, 6B (instructor recommends General's brand)

• White charcoal pencil or white chalk pastel pencil (instructor recommends General's brand)

• Sanding paper block pads

• Ruler

• Artist chamois (not car chamois)

• Faber-Castell Kneaded eraser

• Blue painters tape

• Utility knife

• Sketch Pad, TONED TAN or TONED GRAY, 9x12", 50 sheets (instructor recommends Strathmore 400 Series)

• Pastel pad - GRAY TONES, 9x12" (instructor recommends Mi-Teintes Pastel Pad)

Instructor Bio:

With over half a century of artistic expertise, Mary Beth specializes in teaching foundational skills in drawing, watercolor, and pastel painting. As an associate faculty member at Santa Rosa Junior College and a Kennedy Center Certified Teaching Artist, she has developed a curriculum that serves everyone from kindergarteners to adult learners. Having exhibited her fine art in both California and Connecticut, she brings a bicoastal perspective and deep professional experience to her students. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in her dual background as a veteran Graphic Designer and a certified yoga teacher. This allows her to guide students through both the technical “rules” of composition and the meditative “flow” of creation.

Instructor's website: http://marybethsasso.com

All workshops are held at the Five Points Arts Center, 855 University Drive

Workshops may be cancelled due to low enrollment if a minimum number of participants are not met. Registrants will be notified in advance and a refund or credit will be arranged (see workshop polices below for details).

Workshop Policies: Please review the terms of our workshop policies here