Advanced Workshops offer a higher level of instruction in classical drawing and painting to students seeking to improve their skills and understanding. Students will work on more advanced topics as well as longer format, more arduous projects during these courses. It is recomend, though not required, that students have taken the introduction to classical drawing workshop prior to attending these workshops.
What you can expect from ZAFA lessons.
Well organized and structured lesson plans that introduce concepts and then build upon those concepts to more and more challenging subject matter throughout the course.
Live demos. The teacher does all projects alongside students as a running demo to explain techniques and demonstrate each step of the process.
One on one instruction. Whether in private lessons or group workshops, the classes are structured in such a way to allow for lots of one on one instruction and individualized critiques. This allows students of various skill levels to work side by side without anyone feeling they are being left behind or held back by the group.
Students are taught applicable tools and techniques to demystify the art process. These are practical tools in the artist toolbox, that once learned, are guaranteed to improve one’s ability to draw or paint what they see.
Upcoming Workshops
Sight Size Cast Drawing
September 30th to October 30th
Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 5:30–7:30PM
Mastery is built on precision. In this advanced drawing workshop, we return to the classical tradition of cast drawing—not as a beginner’s exercise, but as a focused study in refinement, control, and deep observation.
Working from plaster portrait busts and death masks, students will produce highly resolved charcoal drawings that demand a high level of commitment and discipline. We will explore advanced techniques for measuring, constructing form, and rendering light, using the Sight-Size method alongside other visual tools to develop a heightened sensitivity to proportion, structure, and subtle value shifts.
This course is designed for artists with prior experience who are ready to push their drawing further. Through lectures, live demonstrations, and individual critiques, students will refine their understanding of edge control, value organization, and the visual logic of form—all while producing a portfolio-ready piece rooted in classical excellence.
For artists seeking to elevate the clarity, precision, and expressive potential of their work, this workshop offers a rigorous and rewarding path forward.
Get information about upcoming workshops, events, and ZAFA news