Observational Drawing and Sketching | Continuing

Mondays, 17:30–20:00 | Starting 12 October 2026 – the course will end on 26 July 2027.

The course is intended for people with basic experience in observational drawing: measuring proportions, linear construction, and identifying and organizing light–shadow relationships.

(For beginners with no prior experience, see the course: Observational Drawing – Beginners.)

In the course, we will work with drawing and watercolors, focusing on expanding and deepening our knowledge and understanding of the components of painting, as well as on the independent personal development of each participant.

In drawing, we will deepen our understanding of basic concepts, skills, and technical control, enabling us to harness them to create a sense, atmosphere, and meaning. We will work from observation of still life—groups of natural and man-made objects. We will practice designing compositions and examine how to create balance between different pictorial elements. Emphasis will be placed on creating a variety of edge types—from soft to hard edges—and focal points that guide the viewer’s gaze. We will examine ways to create the illusion of space and explore how different tonal ranges affect the representation of the subject, atmosphere, and feeling. Participants may choose to work in pencil, charcoal, white chalk on black paper, or white chalk and charcoal on gray paper.

In color, we will work with watercolors. We will become familiar with the color wheel and basic color concepts. We will learn how the interaction between colors affects our perception of color. We will learn basic watercolor techniques and experiment with different color palettes. We will study from reproductions of masterpieces and progress to painting still lifes from observation.

In addition, students may choose to delve deeper into a project or technique of their choice.

Instruction is individual and will be adapted to each participant’s level.

A list of recommended materials for purchase will be sent.

Main course topics

Drawing

• Composition: balancing relative sizes and tones
• Edges: from soft to hard
• Focus and movement
• The illusion of space
• Tonal ranges

Watercolors

• The color wheel and basic color concepts
• Wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry, tonal control, working in layers, characterization of brushstrokes
• Copies of masterpieces
• Still life from observation

About the instructor, Shiri Brandes

Shiri Brandes has been practicing 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 drawing with Adi Graf and perspective and landscape with Ilya Gefter.

Shiri creates work in her studio in Tel Aviv. Her subjects are drawn from contemporary everyday life, the worn and the self-evident. She exhibited at the Fresh Paint 2021 Artists’ Greenhouse.

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

Monthly course fee

• City residents and holders of My DigiTel: NIS 320
• Non-residents: full price NIS 420

The course is limited to 12 participants.

Register to secure your place.

The first payment will be charged at the beginning of November 2026. (We charge after the class has taken place; that is, 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 DigiTel.

Not a resident / DigiTel holder? Contact us via WhatsApp at 052-305-5893, or by phone at 03-724-2942.

We are on holiday during Sukkot. Send us a message on WhatsApp and we will get back to you – 052-305-5893.

Important information

• 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 period: with written notice only, 10% of the refundable amount will be deducted (the amount paid minus the participation period). The deduction will be at least NIS 50 and no more than NIS 100.
• A refund as described above may be requested up to three months from the activity’s end date. After that date, no refund will be issued.
• 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–Yafo
hagra@tel-aviv.gov.il
Phone: 03-724-2942

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

How to get here and parking

By public transportation: Take 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, 58 HaRakevet Street, paid parking.

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

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