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 $460

Slots are now open for the youth course, please contact me at meiling.ellerman@gmail.com for further details.

PLANNED COURSES

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 course, 1.5 hours per class.

Thursdays.

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 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.