Observational Drawing | Annual Course | Beginners

Sundays, 18:00–20:30 | Starting October 11, 2026 – the course will end on July 25, 2027.

Weekly observational drawing sessions, with an emphasis on creating drawings that convey light and three-dimensionality. We will learn and practice observing and interpreting light and shadow, techniques and forms of expression in pencil, charcoal, and white chalk, measuring proportions, and organizing composition.

We will work from observation of still lifes (arrangements of natural and man-made objects). We will begin with drawings of simple geometric shapes and gradually progress to complex arrangements of objects, paying attention to accurate proportions, tonality (light and shadow), and developing skill and sensitivity when working in pencil, charcoal, and white chalk. We will gradually advance to portrait drawing, becoming familiar with the structure of the head and observing works by great painters.

Course participants will develop an understanding of the fundamentals of drawing, practice a variety of techniques and subjects, and acquire skills that will accompany them in every type of drawing they create in the future.

The course includes basic drawing materials.
A list of recommended materials for purchasing professional personal equipment will be sent.

No prior experience is required. The course is intended both for beginners with no drawing background and for anyone interested in returning to practice the fundamentals and building a strong foundation in drawing.

Instruction is personal and will be adapted to the level of each participant.

Main topics in the course

• Measuring proportions
• Light and shadow: dividing into tonal categories
• Drawing simple geometric shapes
• Still-life drawing: arrangements of natural and man-made objects
• Working techniques in pencil and charcoal
• Forms of graphic expression: line, patch, simplification/detail, types of edges, contrast, and more
• Organizing composition
• Focus: a hierarchy of detail based on observation and personal interest
• Light on dark: white chalk on black paper; white chalk and charcoal on gray paper
• Portrait: the structure of the head and important points for achieving a sense of three-dimensionality and resemblance to the model
• Portrait: copying a work of art

About the instructor, Shiri Brandes

Shiri Brandes has been working in observational painting for approximately 15 years. She studied observational drawing and color for approximately seven years with the painter Amnon David Ar in Israel and Berlin. She also studied anatomy for artists with Adi Graf and perspective and landscape with Ilya Gefter.

Shiri works in a studio in Tel Aviv, and the subjects of her work are drawn from contemporary everyday life—the worn and the self-evident.

She exhibited at Fresh Paint’s Artists’ Greenhouse in 2021.

You are invited to visit Shiri’s website >> Link

Monthly course fee

• City residents and holders of a “DigiTel My” card: 320 NIS
• Non-city residents: full price, 420 NIS

The course is limited to 12 participants.

Register to reserve your place.

The first charge will be made at the beginning of November 2026 (we charge after the session takes place, meaning the first payment in November is for the October classes, and so on).

Please note: Online registration via the link is for city residents who hold a “DigiTel My” card.

Not a city resident / not a “DigiTel My” cardholder? Contact us via WhatsApp at 052-3055893 or by phone at 03-7242942.

We are on holiday during Sukkot. Send a message to our WhatsApp and we will get back to you: 0523055893.

Important to know

• Registration is for an annual course. You may choose monthly or annual payment.
• No make-up classes are provided for holidays and observances.
• Registration: You may register at any time, and the price will be calculated from the time of joining.
• Subject to a minimum number of registrants. Participation is for ages 18 and up.

Cancellation policy

• Cancellation of participation will take effect one month after written notice of cancellation is submitted.
• Leaving during the activity: with written notice only, 10% will be deducted from the refund amount (the amount paid minus the participation period). Minimum 50 NIS and maximum 100 NIS.
• A refund as described above may be requested up to three months from the end date of the activity. After that date, no refund will be provided.
• No refund will be given for an absence of less than one month.

Hagra Community Center

28 HaGra Street, Neve Sha’anan neighborhood, Tel Aviv–Jaffa
hagra@tel-aviv.gov.il
Phone: 03-7242942

Accessibility: Elevator to the left of the building’s entrance stairs. Accessible restroom.

How to get here and parking

By public transportation: Any line that reaches the corner of HaMasger and HaRakevet Streets: cross to Rosh Pina Street and turn onto HaGra Street.

On foot or by bicycle: It is recommended to come via HaRakevet Street and enter from Rosh Pina Street or Bnei Brak Street, then turn onto HaGra Street.

Nearby parking: Central Park parking lot at 58 HaRakevet Street, for a fee.

Blue-and-white parking: Please pay attention to the sign at the beginning of the street.

The workshop will take place in accordance with Home Front Command guidelines. The community center has a shelter for emergencies.