Tween Learn to Draw Camp

Service Description

Half-day camp runs from 9:00am-12:00noon from Monday July 20 -Friday July 24, 2026 For Ages 8-11 $225 + GST, all materials included. Maximum 10 participants. Learn the fundamentals of drawing in one week! Perfect for children who have keen drawing interest and focus, and loads of creativity. No previous experience necessary. Each day includes 2 drawing sessions with a mid-morning break where we will walk to Millenium Park. On rainy days during our break we may go for a short walk in town and play some drawing games in the studio. The perfect mix of real learning and skill building with creative play! This camp focuses on observational drawing. We start with drawings lead step-by-step and then learn methods to draw independently from a reference. Throughout the week we investigate line drawing, shading methods in pencil, charcoal, and ink, and adding colour with pastel, watercolour, and coloured pencil. Students learn techniques and vocabulary from an educated teaching artist (me! Jaye!) doing live demos and giving one-on-one suggestions, instruction, problem solving, and cheerleading. We learn about right-brain drawing methods, negative space, value blocking, hard and soft edges, colour mixing and blending, and more in a bright, clean, and creative space. Please note that this is not a camp for "free draw," though children are welcome to add their own unique creativity to each project. The intent of this camp is meant to build skills and strategies as well as a proficiency with material so older children are able to grow creatively as they become more confident drawers. The camps also focus on how to honestly look at and evaluate art, the importance of "imperfections" and differences in art, and how everyone's unique voice comes through in their work (great practice for small perfectionists!) We hang our work up on the wall after each project and look at many historical and contemporary artist references to encourage artistic confidence. I give honest feedback on how to make drawings better, and, even though we are all working from the same reference, the drawings all turn out very individual. Students are welcome to add their own special touches, colours, and details. Introverted or "shy" children are never forced to participate in group discussions. If you have any further questions please contact Jaye at jaye@yellowbirdschool.ca or call or text 403-836-3733.