Mondays, 5 - 8 p.m. (Primarily Zoom, with supplemental Canvas content) 
Instructor: Roberto Osti 
Six-Week Short Course (18-Hour Equivalent) 
No class on May 25 

Practice a variety of fundamental figure drawing approaches while working from photographic references. Media and techniques include graphite on white paper, charcoal on white paper, charcoal and chalk on toned paper, reduction methods, and the trois crayons technique. Proportions and methods of measuring will be emphasized. Students will gain confidence in their representation of the human form and handling of materials as they draw alongside the instructor during live Zoom sessions. The online structure allows for an optimal overhead view of the instructor’s demonstration drawings and a focused but conversational community environment as students engage with the instructor and complete in-class work together.

Image: Roberto Osti

Register by: May 11 
Materials List  
Please review CE's Summer 2026 Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies, prior to registering. 
Information for PAFA CE Online Courses

Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
Instructor: Jill A. Rupinski 
Six-Week Condensed Course (36 Hours)  
*Note: This course has been updated with adjusted information and dates.  

Develop a solid background in drawing the human head and features. Learn first the structure of the head – planar structure, axial relationships, proportions and foreshortening – and progress to anatomy and the features. Work with a variety of materials including graphite, charcoal, and chalk (conté crayon and pencil).  Extended poses will promote strengthening of observational abilities and drawing techniques toward achieving both a likeness and aesthetic effect.  Historical and contemporary examples of master portrait drawings will provide inspiration and insight.  All levels are welcome.  Note: Course tuition includes a $75 models fee.

Image: Jill A. Rupinski, David (detail), pastel on toned paper. 

Register by: May 14  
Materials List  
Please review CE's Summer 2026 Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies, prior to registering.

Thursdays, 6 - 9 p.m.  
Instructor: RA Friedman 
Six-Week Short Course 

Whether you are a fine artist, illustrator, comic book creator, or simply enjoy drawing people, this fascinating course will prompt you to expand how you envision the human head and face. Learn methods of working that lead to accuracy and animated likeness. Starting with geometric solids in space, instruction will focus largely on structure and form as you understand volumes and ways of defining the foundation of the head. The course also examines the construction of facial features and how to handle light and shade. Students will work from a variety of references including three sessions with a live model. Tuition includes a $20 models fee.

Image: RA Friedman

Register by: May 14  
Materials List
Please review CE's Summer 2026 Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies, prior to registering.

Tuesdays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
Instructor: Morgan Dummitt 
Six-Week Condensed Course (36 Hours) 

Modeling the portrait in clay is a foundational skill of traditional sculpture. Working from a model, learn to create a portrait from composition to completed sculpture. Focus will include simple structural forms, proportion, anatomy, and technical best practices for clay sculpture. Work will be fired at the end of class. All levels welcome. Tuition includes a $75 models fee. 

Student Learning Outcomes

• Gain a basic understanding of the osteology, myology, and morphology of the head
• Analyze and organize the various forms of the head and neck into simplified sculptural forms
• Understand various techniques for creating a “likeness” of the sitter
• Carry out best practices for modeling and maintaining water-based clay sculpture. 

Image: Morgan Dummitt

Register by: May 19 
Materials List 
Please review CE's Summer 2026 Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies, prior to registering.

Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
Instructor: Al Gury
Five-Week Condensed Course (30 Hours) 
No class on July 16

*Instructor and information for this course have been updated. 

Explore the art of portrait painting through an in-depth approach from Al Gury, noted PAFA instructor and author of Alla Prima: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Direct Painting and Color for Painters: A Guide to Traditions and Practice. Investigate the structure and basic anatomy of the human head through drawings and painted studies. Progress to finished paintings and address issues of likeness, composition, space and texture. Instruction will focus on alla prima (direct) painting techniques, practical use of materials, and color palettes for effective portrait painting.  Learn to better see and understand color to mix it more successfully – a useful skill for painting any subject matter.  All levels welcome.  Note: Course tuition includes a $65 model fee.

Image: Al Gury

Register by: July 2 
Materials List  
Please review CE's Summer 2026 Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies, prior to registering.

Thursdays, 6 - 9 p.m.  
Instructor: RA Friedman 
Six-Week Short Course 

The portrait can extend beyond the head and shoulders as a depiction of the likeness, mood, or character of the individual subject. Learn to capture the fascinating possibilities of the half-length portrait, examining not only the functional and expressive anatomy of the human head but also the gesture and structure of the torso, arms, and hands. Experiment with creative questions such as handling light and composition. Content includes study from anatomy references, drawing clothed models, and working in a range of media. Instruction will lay the groundwork for creative explorations that lead to professional quality work. Tuition includes a $20 models fee.

Image: RA Friedman

Register by: July 2 
Materials List
Please review CE's Summer 2026 Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies, prior to registering.