DRAWING CENTER STUDIO

Observational Drawing II
8-Week Course

Instructed by Manifest Artist in Residence, Ryan Kerr

Tuesdays 6 - 9 PM
November 25, 2025 - January 27, 2026
(No Classes December 23, 30)

[ REGISTER HERE ]

Description

Building on the foundation of Observational Drawing I, this course deepens your perceptual drawing skills through more complex subjects and expanded methodologies. You’ll explore both traditional approaches—such as comparative measurement, perspective refinement, and tonal rendering—and non-traditional strategies that introduce a broader range of mark-making, gesture, and interpretation. Subjects include dynamic still life, interior space, and natural forms, with an emphasis on developing sensitivity to structure, light, and spatial relationships. This course encourages a more personal and expressive response to observational work while reinforcing precision and discipline. Ideal for students who want to strengthen their visual logic, broaden their toolbox, and begin bridging the gap between observation and interpretation.

This class will cover the following topics:

• Expand your perceptual drawing skills using both traditional and alternative methods.

• Tackle more complex still-life and interior spaces with an emphasis on spatial relationships and light.

• Deepen your understanding of perspective, structure, and design.

• Push your observational skills to support more expressive and confident drawings.

Materials List:  (link to printable PDF)

Tuition: $370


Class Size
Minimum: 5
Maximum: 12

You’ve got the basics down, and now you’re ready to sharpen your skills, take on more challenges, and push your work further. Intermediate-level art courses are intended for students who have some foundational experience and are ready to refine their skills and deepen their understanding of technique, composition, and creative expression.

Suggested Prerequisites: Observational Drawing I

LOCATION: Unless otherwise specified, all courses are hosted at Manifest's new facility at 'M1' in Clifton at 3464 Central Parkway (see map and directions below). Manifest's new facility provides multiple studio classrooms, private lesson space, a darkroom, a film processing room, and a multi-purpose lecture and class meeting space as well as on-site parking, grounds, and exterior spaces in which to relax, discuss, and make art. The studios are outfitted with professional equipment, furniture, and study aids.

Map to Manifest's M1 Studios   |   Studio Calendar   |   Darkroom Calendar

Ryan Kerr is an experimental painter and dedicated art educator originally from Cleveland, Ohio. He earned his BFA from the University of Cincinnati in 2019, and during his undergraduate career, Ryan also served as an art editorial writer and received a scholarship for his figure drawing work at Manifest Drawing Center. Ryan’s creative journey has taken him across disciplines and the country, from teaching in Cincinnati’s public high schools to working as a professional screen printer, art handler, and art restorer in Dallas, Texas. His commitment to artistic growth led him to attend the highly regarded Mount Gretna School of Art in both 2018 and 2023.

His artwork has been exhibited in New York City at The Bowery Gallery and Susan Eley Fine Art, and his passion for challenge and endurance culminated in a 2022 thru-hike of the entire Appalachian Trail. Now based in Cincinnati, Ryan continues to work as an art restorer and recently completed his Master of Fine Arts in painting from Miami University, further deepening his studio practice and expanding his impact as a creative professional.