Drawing with Light and Color w/Barbara Zanelli

Discover the quiet joy of drawing as we explore the expressive potential of graphite and colored pencil. This class offers a relaxed pace and supportive environment to build skills and confidence. We’ll start with the beauty of black and white, learning to see light and shadow through shading and simple techniques. Then, we’ll gently introduce color, focusing on basic color blending and layering to bring warmth and life to your drawings. Whether you're picking up a pencil for the first time or returning to art after a break, this class is a chance to slow down, observe closely, and enjoy the process of drawing.

Supplies List

Please bring the following to class:

A small drawing pad, 9x12" or similar and/or

Strathmore 400 Series Colored Pencil Pad: 6" x 8", 100 lb, 30 sheets – Blick link

Graphite pencils: 2H, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B

Colored pencils (Prismacolor suggested, or any set with a good color range)

Kneaded eraser

White plastic eraser or electric eraser

Pencil sharpener: Staedtler Metal Double Hole Sharpener – Amazon link

Optional: blending stumps or tortillons

Instructor Bio – Barbara Zanelli

Barbara Zanelli is a Philadelphia-based artist and instructor with a passion for helping others connect to their creativity through drawing and observation. She earned her BFA from Syracuse University in 1999 and completed a classical drawing and painting program at Studio Incamminati in 2015. Barbara’s teaching blends strong foundational skills with a focus on presence, personal expression, and the quiet joy of making art. Her work spans a variety of media, and she especially enjoys sharing the beauty of pencil and color with students of all levels.

barbarazanelli.com

https://www.instagram.com/barbara.zanelli/

https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraZanelliFineArt/