This course is both a reintroduction to the medium for artists already familiar with graphite, and an expansion on the lesser known capabilities of the material for more advanced artists who are eager to experiment. In the early sessions we will review all of graphite’s potential, its attributes and the various techniques to achieve desired results. We’ll cover shading, blending, textures, and the best tools for each. In later sessions, we will learn how to ‘paint’ with graphite powder, where and how to use subtractive ‘drawing’ for highlights, and which when combined properly, produce delicate yet dramatic works of art. (Please note that graphite art in its full spectrum is not a vegan artform.) Materials to start: 9×12 (or larger) pad of Canson XL Mixed Media white paper, full set of graphite pencils (4H, 2H, H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B); white eraser and kneaded eraser; handheld sharpener (preferably metal); pocket folder or manila envelope to store reference hand-out sheets. For those who prefer to purchase a kit, the Castle Arts 26-piece Graphite Pencil Art Set is recommended. Class partiipants will be limited to 8. Class will not meet April 9 nor April 16.