karlgnasseminars/DRAWINGINTENSIVES

Most seminars are on the 3rd Saturday of each month. If you haven't had notice of the upcoming seminar or it isn't posted here, please email me for an update.

2010 SEMINAR Line Up!!

"The right stuff / The right price"

American Animation Institute

1105 N Hollwood Way, Burbank, CA 91505

If you want to see the 3-fold flyer spread on the seminars for 2010 click:

Outside spread of flyer | Inside spread of flyer

LANDSCAPE SKETCH COMPOSITION

at CHANTRY FLATS

March 27, 9am-3:30pm

*It's a new location, beautiful and tree covered, a stream, rock walls and a waterfall. (Just missed by the Station Fire last year.)

We'll do some field sketching and small comps while discussing the elements of good composition.

*Suggestions for this outting:There is nothing challenging about this path but, nonetheless, be safe and bring good walking shoes for some of the more difficult areas. Bring a wet and dry sketchbook, several dry drawing tools, perhaps some ink and ink wash tools as well. A backpack or over the shoulder bag will be useful, possibly a light weight folding chair. And be prepared; have a jacket or sweatshirt.

We will meet at location between 8:45 and 9am.

! If there is rain, we will rain check to the following Saturday. !

*Directions will be sent to participants.

STORY BEATS: Drawing Character Moments That Show Story Sequence

April 17, 10am – 3:30pm

*This seminar focuses on the visual development of the narrative story.

There will be exercises designed to help strenghen ones visual short story telling: beginning, middle, and end. We will be working with life drawing and character model Karin Cherkirda for inspiration.

EXPRESSION, CHARACTER & STORY

May 15, 10am-3:30pm

*This seminar clarifies the rolls of character and expression as tools for storytelling.

Expression, what it is and isn't, how it really works, how character acts as a booster for expression and not as a replacement for it. We will have two character models helping us throughout the day working independently as well as with each other.

STRUCTURE AND THE DYNAMIC FIGURE

June 19, 10:am-3:30pm

*This seminar focuses on the elements of successful figure drawing:

STRUCTURE - How to build a functional body.

MECHANICS - Drawing the body in motion with muscles that express authentic action.

TWO FIGURE COMPOSITION

July 17, 10am-3:30pm

*This seminar is based on questions about design, spacial composition and direction raised in the classroom.  

Working with two figures gives us a chance to explore the values of composition. We will not just copy what we see but will learn to visually express an idea or a story inspired by the poses. We will discuss how we can apply these same discoveries to one figure composition, multiple figures and even to abstract composition.

STREET CLOTHS & COSTUME

August 21, 10am-3:30pm

*This seminar is in answer to all those who have asked for a mid-year class on the fundamentals of folds and costume.    

We'll take the confusion out of drawing drapery by covering the important basic patterns and folds and how they relate to non-active folds and wrinkles. We'll also explore the expressive qualities of drapery, drapery as costume, and costume a character.

LANDSCAPE SKETCH COMPOSITION

September 18, 10am-3:30pm

*On location: always beautiful spots with trees, streams, rock walls, waterfall, etc.

We'll do some field sketching and small comps while discussing the elements of good composition.

*Suggestions for this outting:There is nothing challenging about this path but, nonetheless, be safe and bring good walking shoes for some of the more difficult areas. Bring a wet and dry sketchbook, several dry drawing tools, perhaps some ink and ink wash tools as well. A backpack or over the shoulder bag will be useful, possibly a light weight folding chair. And be prepared; have a jacket or sweatshirt.

We will meet at location between 9:45 and 10am.

! If there is rain, we will rain check to the following Saturday. !

*Directions will be sent to participants.

FORSHORTENING & PERSPECTIVE

October 16, 10:am-3:30pm

*This seminar focuses on the things we try to avoid:

Easy procedures and concepts that help simplify confusing forms in perspective. Finding grace and rhythm and movement in difficult poses.

THE ESSENCE OF STORY

For Storyboard Artists

November 20, 10am-4pm

*This seminar focuses on the elements of successful stories:

FOR STORY ARTISTS THAT DEAL WITH STORY: We will discuss the internal structure of character, story and plot, emotion in story and elements of story as they relate to storyboarding. We will also cover how the elements of boarding are unified by story. DVD clips and examples will be reviewed.

TWO FIGURE GLADIATOR COMP

December 18, 10am-3:30pm

A two figure composition class concentrating on action hero and combat action poses.

Please call

Karl Gnass at 323-913-7064

or email: karlgnass@pacbell.net

for reservations.

*FULL DETAILS

Make checks payable to Karl Gnass

One day seminars are $65

*Discount for advance payment, $60

**Prepayment for any 3 seminars is only $160

Check specific TIME at Seminar Description

Location:

(unless otherwise specified)*

The American Animation Institute

1105 N. Hollywood Way

Burbank, California 91505

*AAI has relocated to a permanent home about a mile or two from the Lankershim location.

1105 N. Hollywood Way in Burbank.

The cross street is Magnolia and Hollywood Way. There will be parking on the premises.

Lunch is 12:30 to 1:00 (ok to bring lunch)

Enrollment is limited so pay in person or

mail asap to:

KARL GNASS

2714 LAKEWOOD AVE.

LOS ANGELES, CA 90039

These seminars are not American Animation Institute classes so please call Karl Gnass if you have questions:

323-913-7064

or email:

karl@gnassstudios.com

**Discounts, registration and location repeated under full details at bottom of page!**

In 2OO8 we did:

ANGELES CREST LANDSCAPE SKETCH

We'll do some field sketching and small comps while discussing the elements of good composition.

*Suggestions for this outting:There is nothing challenging about this path but, nonetheless, be safe and bring good walking shoes for some of the more difficult areas. Bring a wet and dry sketchbook, several dry drawing tools, perhaps some ink and ink wash tools as well. A backpack or over the shoulder bag will be useful, possibly a light weight folding chair. And be prepared; have a jacket or sweatshirt.

We will meet at location between 9:30 and 10am.

! If there is rain, we will rain check to the following Saturday. !

Directions will be sent to participants.

The Essence of STORY FOR STORYBOARD Artists

FOR STORY ARTISTS THAT DEAL WITH STORY: We will discuss the internal structure of character, story and plot, emotion in story and elements of story as they relate to storyboarding. We will also cover how the elements of boarding are unified by story. DVD clips and examples will be reviewed.

USING THE FORCE: DYNAMICS OF THE FIGURE

This seminar focuses on three key elements of successful figure drawing:

STRUCTURE - How to build it and hold it all together.

MECHANICS - How the mechanism that produces motion works - muscles that express authentic action.

DYNAMICS - Using it to express story.

TWO FIGURE COMPOSITION

Working with two figures gives us a chance to explore the values of composition. We will not just copy what we see but will learn to visually express an idea or a story inspired by the poses. We will discuss how we can apply these same discoveries to one figure composition, multiple figures and even to abstract composition.

!!EXPRESSION, THE SOURCE OF EXPRESSION,AND CHARACTER!!

Expression, what it is and isn't, how it really works, how character acts as a booster for expression and not as a replacement for it. We will have two character models helping us in the morning and two different ones in the afternoon, working independently and with each other.

FORESHORTENING and other difficult poses

Easy procedures and concepts that help simplify confusing forms in perspective. Finding grace and rhythm in otherwise impossible to draw poses.

MALIBU CREEK STATE PARK

LANDSCAPE SKETCH COMPOSITION

We'll do some field sketching and small comps while discussing the elements of good composition.

*Suggestions for this outting:There is nothing challenging about this path but, nonetheless, be safe and bring good walking shoes for some of the more difficult areas. Bring a wet and dry sketchbook, several dry drawing tools, perhaps some ink and ink wash tools as well. A backpack or over the shoulder bag will be useful, possibly a light weight folding chair. And be prepared; have a jacket or sweatshirt.

We will meet at location between 9:30 and 10am.

! If there is rain, we will rain check to the following Saturday. !

Directions will be sent to participants.

The Essence of STORY FOR STORYBOARD Artists

FOR STORY ARTISTS THAT DEAL WITH STORY: We will discuss the internal structure of character, story and plot, emotion in story and elements of story as they relate to storyboarding. We will also cover how the elements of boarding are unified by story. DVD clips and examples will be reviewed.

TWO FIGURE GLADIATOR COMP

A two figure composition class concentrating on action hero and combat action poses.

*Look below for a sample of past seminars

some of which will be repeated in subsequent schedules on the third Saturdays of each month.

STRUCTURE AND THE DYNAMIC FIGURE

This seminar focuses on the key elements of figure in action:

STRUCTURE - How to build it and hold it all together.

MECHANICS - How the mechanism that produces motion works - muscles that express authentic action.

DYNAMICS - Using it to express story.

DRAWING FIGURES THAT EXPRESS STORY

Imagine three monkeys all in the same pose. One is asleep, one is in a stupor and one is in a meditative state. What communicates the difference? We'll be discussing and drawing the figure poses that in the broad sense appear to be the same but are essentially different in that they clearly express a different intent.

*This seminar covers different material then the Expression, The Source of Expression and Character seminar class covers.

A CLASSICAL APPROACH TO

MODELING FORM/LIGHT AND TONE

In this figure drawing class we will explore light/tone in terms of its abstract value as well as its contribution as a tool for creating mood and 3D form. Included will be an examination of different concepts of modeling form developed by Renaissance masters. Drawing time will be from 45 min. to 1 hour per pose.

*Suggested materials: White and toned papers (grey, not too dark), black charcoal pencils, white chalk, kneaded eraser, Mars Stadler Eraser, utility knife or single-edged razor blade + sandpaper (for sharpening shaping your tools), a chamois and/or a piece of cotton cloth (to lay in/lift out tone.)

BATTLE OF THE SEXES!

(2 Figure Gladiator Comp. II)

Male/female two figure action hero combat poses.

STRUCTURE, MECHANICS AND DYNAMICS OF THE FIGURE

In this seminar, a study of the dynamic figure, there are three things worth understanding.

STRUCTURE - How to build it and hold it all together.

MECHANICS - How the mechanism that produces motion works - muscles that express authentic action.

DYNAMICS - Using it to express story.

PORTRAIT: form meets character

An exploration of the challanges and possibilities of this demanding art form. Issuses of composition, light and tone, structure, as well as rendering will be fortified with a discussion of the elements of character and expression. There will be two models. Particants will complete a variety of sketches and two finished portraits over the course of the day.

*Soft charcoal pencils, bond, newsprint or white charcoal paper for the sketches, and grey or medium toned charcoal paper, white pastel sticks or pencils for the finished portraits. Also a utility knife for sharpening pencils, a kneaded eraser and 100-grit sand paper, a chamois and a piece of cotton t-shirt cloth.

DRAWING CHILDREN

In this figure drawing class we will explore the various proportions and physical attitudes of children at different ages and their relationship to adult proportions. Our children, on hand, will range from 9 mo. to 14 yrs. of age and will be accompanied by their appropreate critter wranglers, (their moms).

DRAWING BIRDS

2 1/2 Day Seminar at various locations

Chicken. Goose. Duck. Guinea Fowl. Foghorn. Cornish Hen. Chicadee. Woody. Dodo. What do these names have in common. Why, they are all bird names! Birds! Birds! Birds! I could tell you that the emphasis of this class will be on bird structure, volume, shape, and action with consideration given to comparative animal anatomy but the title says it all.... and it's cheep!

*Suggestions for this class: Bring a sketchbook, and several dry drawing tools. A backpack or over the shoulder bag will be useful,possibly a light weight folding chair. There will be two or three locations (to be announced).

TOPANGA CANYON SKETCH

As an alternative to spending the day at the mall or hanging out with the remote - backpack and sketch with us in Topanga Canyon State Park. We'll do some field sketching and small comps while discussing the elements of good composition.

*Suggestions for this outing: Bring a wet and dry sketchbook, several dry drawing tools, perhaps some ink and ink wash tools as well. A backpack or over the shoulder bag will be useful, possibly a light weight folding chair. And be prepared; have a jacket or sweatshirt.

We will meet at location between 9:30 and 10am.

! If there is rain, we will rain check to the following Saturday. !

Directions: will add when becomes active.

MALIBU II and III SKETCH COMP (LANDSCAPE)

at Malibu Creek State Park

This is for those of you who missed the first outing or those who wish to have another go at it. Backpack and sketch with us in Malibu Creek State Park. We'll do some field sketching and small comps while discussing more elements of good composition.

*Suggestions for this outing: Bring a wet and dry sketchbook, several dry drawing tools, perhaps some ink and ink wash tools as well. A backpack or over the shoulder bag will be useful, possibly a light weight folding chair. And be prepared; have a jacket or sweatshirt.

We will meet at location between 9:30 and 10am.

! If there is rain, we will rain check to the following Saturday. !

Directions: will add when becomes active.

*FULL DETAILS

Make checks payable to Karl Gnass

One day seminars are $65

*Discount for advance payment, $60

**Prepayment for any 3 seminars is only $160

Check specific TIME at Seminar Discription

Location:

(unless otherwise specified)

The American Animation Institute

1105 N. Hollywood Way

Burbank, California 91505

Lunch is 12:30 to 1:00 (ok to bring lunch)

Enrollment is limited so pay in person or

mail asap to: