1-Year Accredited Drawing Diploma (Hybrid).

Earn a 1 Year Drawing Diploma (Hybrid) with a blend of Online and On-Campus classes in Los Angeles!

Our accredited Drawing Diploma is a well-rounded program aimed at fostering creativity and sharpening your ability to draw. The program’s inspiration stems from the esteemed academic traditions of France, Italy, and Russia. This international perspective gives you a rich and diverse learning experience. Rooted in traditional drawing techniques, the program gives special focus on accurately drawing the human form. This approach allows students to depict their subjects in a realistic and truthful way.

The Drawing Diploma Hybrid curriculum dives deep into the art of sketching and technical abilities, which are key to classical academic and figurative construction. These skills are necessary to create drawings that are both beautiful to look at and technically accurate. The program explores various aspects of drawing including line, form, structure, shadow, tone, light, edges, and even human anatomy.

Grasping these elements can noticeably boost the quality of a student’s artwork. After completing the program, students will have a solid foundation of drawing skills. The Drawing Diploma Hybrid program is perfect for those who wish to prepare for a career in art.

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Drawing Diploma (Hybrid)

Embark on a journey into the realm of drawing from life and reference, immersing students in the age-old practice of depicting the human form. The curriculum instills a firm grasp of traditional representation in drawing, while also laying a solid foundation in draftsmanship and technical skills. As a result, students emerge with a deep understanding of the nuances of line, form, structure, shadow, tone, light, edges, and human anatomy, empowering them to express their artistic visions with authenticity and precision.

The required credits are comprised of the following:

Studio Core Classes – 50.5
Art History – 3

YEAR 1 QUARTER 1 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

DW1010 Drawing 1A: Beginning Form and Light

2.50 credits

This course is an introduction to drawing. Students will learn how to depict the illusion of three-dimensional objects through the language of linear and tonal drawing. The subjects of the sphere, cube, cone, cylinder, egg and cylindrical ring are possible subjects that will serve as foundational elements for the later study of casts and the human figure in subsequent courses in the curriculum. This course will introduce the student to ideas of linear construction using complex cross-contour analysis of form. Students will also be introduced to the properties of light and shadow necessary in the depiction of form. In the second half of the term, the course will proceed to linear and tonal investigation of more complex, hybrid geometric forms.

DW2010 Drawing 1B: Beginning Comparative-Observational Drawing

2.50 credits

The course will begin with learning how to make an accurate silhouette (block –in) of inanimate objects, and will then proceed to complete linear drawings of the Cast, in which both primary and secondary forms are represented in block-in language. Proportions, line quality, and the abstraction of 3-dimensional objects as 2 dimensional shapes will be applied to each drawing in order to create a block-in that is accurate enough to continue to a finish. Students will resolve themselves to the study of drawing in the Sight-Size method with the understanding that comparative measuring/observational drawing will be the focus of Drawing 2B in the following quarter.

DW1020 Figure Construction 1: The Gesture

3.00 credits

Figure Construction 1 will primarily focus on the Gesture of human form and introduce students to the abstraction of human forms into simple geometric shapes, volumes and solids. Through the repetition of many quick studies, the student will understand the idea of rhythm, flow, fluidity as well as the basic proportions and forms of the human figure. This course will emphasize the ability to use gesture drawing as a foundation for proportion, posture, balance and weight distribution. Students will also learn to see gesture drawing as a planning stage for more elaborate drawings made later in the curriculum.

DS1080 Perspective 1 (Online)

2.00 credits

In an introductory drawing course with an emphasis on linear perspective, students will learn how to draw three-dimensional objects in one, two, and three-point perspective, gaining a thorough understanding of the principles, theories and applications of perspective techniques.

SC1310 Anatomy/Ecorché 1 (Online)

2.00 credits

Anatomy/Ecorché 1 is the first of two classes that are intended to give students a thorough understanding of the superficial anatomy of the human form. Students will sculpt both the bones and muscles of the entire figure. Through a series of rigorous weekly lectures the student will be able to understand the movements, proportions, and form of individual muscles and bones as well as the human figure in its entirety. The knowledge gained in this class will be applicable to any media or style.

DS3010 Composition 1: Structure/Visual Dynamics/Aesthetic-Psychological Division (Online)

2.00 credits

Composition 1 will begin to teach the student the difference between simply drawing what they see and organizing the elements of design within a picture plane. Principles of contrast, balance and imbalance, tension and release, harmony, placement and division of the frame for aesthetics, dynamism, reading order, and innate psychological effects of design are the main emphases. Students will be introduced to the primary and secondary elements of design and begin to understand how to use them to fluently move their

YEAR 1 QUARTER 2 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

DW3010 Drawing 2A: Intermediate Form and Light

2.50 credits

This course will provide a continued examination of Light and Shade Theory, as well as the process/technique of rendering form. More complex ideas about Light and Shade Theory will be discussed. Using challenging subject matter such as plaster casts and other still life objects, students will begin to hone their ability to control edges, compose values of light and shadow, and create a value hierarchy. Studies may also include drawing from photography to understand subtle transitions in value.

DW4010 Drawing 2B: Comparative-Observational Drawing

2.50 credits

This course is a continued examination of the processes used to create a drawing from direct observation, and the measuring techniques used to do so. This course will apply the sensibilities learned from drawing 1B and apply it to challenging subject matter. While drawing 1B focused on the Site-Size method of drawing, Drawing 2B will emphasize comparative measuring/observational drawing techniques. Study will begin with carefully measured linear drawings of Greek and Roman casts and will proceed to complex linear drawings of the live model, with an emphasis on observational measuring. Students will also begin to learn how to abstract the human form into geometric shape in the French Academic block-in technique. While the emphasis of this course is on accurate linear drawing, some inclusion of Light and Shade Theory may occur in the latter half of the term.

DW2020 Figure Construction 2: The Figure as Simple Geometric Forms

3.00 credits

Figure Construction 2 will solidify students’ understanding of the geometric conception of the human figure. Students will understand the human form as a series of interlocking cylinders, cones, spheres, cubes, rectilinear solids, ovoid masses, as well as complex, hybrid geometric volumes. This course will also introduce the student to anatomical construction of muscle and bone groups, including discussions of Bony Landmarks. There will also be strong emphasis on the usage of an established proportion system, selected by the instructor, to be utilized throughout the term. Emphasis of this course will fall on natural linear drawing of the form as opposed to tonal development of the form. Line quality/variation will also play an integral role in this course, as well as the continued use of Gesture drawing as a building block form the previous course, Figure Construction 1.

SC1320 Anatomy/Ecorché 2 (Online)

2.00 credits

Anatomy/Écorché 2 is the second of two classes that are intended to give students a thorough understanding of the superficial anatomy of the human form. Students will sculpt both the bones and muscles of the entire figure. Through a series of rigorous weekly lectures, the student will be able to understand the movements, proportions, and form of individual muscles and bones as well as the human figure in its entirety. The knowledge gained in this class will be applicable to any media or style.

DS3020 Composition 2: Tones, Shapes, Viewpoints and Mood (Online)

2.00 credits

Composition 2 will teach the students how to key values and use alternative points of view to create emotive states and conceptual settings within a piece. This class will also teach the student the various degrees of the illusion of depth and how they contribute to mood and meaning.

DW4010 Short Pose Analytical Life Drawing  (Online)

2.00 credits

This course will develop the student’s ability to create convincing, volumetric drawings of the figure within a small-time frame. By analyzing the construction and mechanics of the body, students will gain a solid grounding that will allow them to begin drawing figures from imagination. Students will also be encouraged to develop their own unique style of drawing, an invaluable trait in the Entertainment Art field. Individual critiques will address strengths and weaknesses of drawing technique.

YEAR 1 QUARTER 3 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

DW5010 Drawing 3A: Advanced Form and Light

2.50 credits

This course will require the completion of a mid-sized/large rendering of the full human figure demonstrating an advanced understanding of Form and Light. Emphasis will be on moving from planning stages of the drawing, through studies of the pose, and into the final execution of a finished piece. Final presentation must demonstrate fine craftsmanship in the drawing practice and may also include matting and framing. Emphasis of this course is on the rendering the human form itself, and not of background elements or the figure as a spatial element, which will occur in Drawing 4.

DW6010 Drawing 3B: Precision Portrait Drawing

2.50 credits

Focusing on the complexity of the human head, students will engage in the act of portrait drawing with an emphasis on precision and capturing the idiosyncratic proportions, features, and likeness of an individual’s face. Lectures will focus on the structure of the features as derived from classical Greco/Roman aesthetics as well as the
Italian Renaissance, and how to utilize their structures in decoding/understanding more naturalized forms as observed on the life model. Discussions will include in-depth form concepts applicable to painting and sculpture.
Students will experience the possibilities of drawing the head from different vantage points, angles and perspectives, and will consider the varying art historical periods associated with these differences. Study will also include the incorporation of the hand as part of the portrait. This course will require a synthesis of the student’s capacity for linear drawing as well an application of their knowledge of light and shade theory and rendering
techniques. This course will develop block-in abilities for shape recognition. Discussions will include in-depth form concepts applicable to painting and sculpture.

DW3020 Figure Construction 3: Anatomy Construction

3.00 credits

Figure Construction 3 will solidify understanding of anatomical construction and will synthesize students’ experience of drawing the figure from life with their studies in anatomy. Students will learn the construction of all bone and muscle groups and how these relate to one other and the human form in its entirety. This course is intended as a continued study in anatomy, and provides the opportunity to apply and deepen knowledge of the Musculoskeletal System through a series of lectures. Study will also provide the student with an opportunity to draw the figure from life with an emphasis on anatomical drawing, form and construction.

DS3030 Composition 3: Color (Online)

2.0 credits

Intended to expand on the ideas presented in Color and Light Theory, Composition 3 will use the lessons learned from the previous Composition classes and explore their interaction with the realm of Color. Students will learn ways to harmonize color and control saturation, utilize it to influence the hierarchy of focal points, affect the sense of depth, and begin to employ color to affect mood and meaning.

DS2080 Perspective 2  (Online)

2.00 credits

Perspective 2 will teach students the ability to sketch and draw in free-hand perspective, and to conceptualize ideas using simplified, rapid perspective drawing techniques. Importance is placed on the ability to conceptualize and sketch spatial environments in dimensional language.

YEAR 1 QUARTER 4 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

DW7010 Drawing 4: The Figure in a Spatial Environment

3.50 credits

Using the knowledge learned from all previous drawing courses as well studies in perspective, composition, figure construction, and anatomy, students will learn how to convincingly place a figure within a spatial environment, and will be expected to complete an ambitious drawing of such. Emphasis of this course is on the figure as a harmonious element within a believable space; a figure which both creates a dynamic element to the composition in the Figure-Ground relationship, yet which is also a cohesive part of the whole space. This course will emphasize
the theory of Atmospheric Perspective, which will stress changes in value, edge quality, contrast, line quality, detail and texture to achieve the illusion of space.

DW4020 Figure Construction 4: Constructional & Anatomical Drawing

3.00 credits

Figure Construction 4 will synthesize the act of drawing the figure from life with the study of anatomy. Using the model as reference, students will utilize knowledge gained from previous Figure Construction and Anatomy classes to demonstrate understanding of the human figure in 3 stages:

The structure of the skeleton; students will draw the bones of the model in a natural pose with accuracy and precision.
The muscular system; students will carefully draw the muscular system, while remaining faithful to the depiction of the model’s pose.
The Form; students will create a finished drawing of the figure that portrays how light reveals the deeper layers of form.Anatomical and proportional accuracy will take priority over direct observation

DS3040 Composition 4: Visual Communication (Online)

2.00 credits

Using the knowledge gained from the three previous composition classes, students will create their own compositions using more than one figure. Composition 4 will encourage the student to clarify a concept and design a composition that represents it best. Students will be challenged to analyze the action between multiple actors/elements and create images in a finished form that consider all the tools of the previous composition classes. Composition 4 aims to teach students how to communicate visually with clarity or suggest poetically.

DW2190 Heads, Hands, Costume Drawing

2.00 credits

The aim of this class is to facilitate a student’s ability to accurately sketch heads, hands, and drapery without the use of direct observation. Rather than focusing on the rendering of form, this class will give students a thorough understanding of construction, proportions, and anatomy of the human head and hands, as well as fold characteristics of certain fabrics.

AH1900 Art History Survey (Online)

3.00 credits

This art history survey will cover much of the history of western art, focusing on the major art historical movements from Ancient Greece to the present. It is being presented chronologically in a 10-week session. Each class consists of a three-hour class meeting of lecture and discussion. Course work will include readings, a test, a five-page paper, and additional assignments. The goal is to understand works of art in their historical and cultural contexts, to compare styles and to recognize and understand them and their development.

YOU MUST HAVE YOUR PORTFOLIO FINISHED AND READY TO UPLOAD PRIOR TO FILLING OUT THE APPLICATION.

IMPORTANT: You must name your images in this format Last Name_First Name_ Number 1 through 8.

1. One required finished drawing of a glass and egg (actual scale) that attempts to show technical abilities of shadow, light, tone within any type of composition.
2. Several short observational sketches FROM LIFE or MASTER COPY. A short sketch should take about 5-15 minutes, conveying gesture and form. A single page may have multiple images.
3. One longer more studied piece FROM LIFE OR MASTER COPY either taken to a finish or demonstrating an attempt at finish. Finished means an image that you would consider a complete, toned and shaded study of the subject.
4. One sketchbook page that shows multiple images of your best work.
5. One Master Copy piece.
6. One Cast Drawing Piece.
7. One Self-Portrait.
8. One piece that you are most proud of.

In building your portfolio, embody realism and personal relevance in your choices. Prioritize selectivity, kicking off and ending with your strongest pieces, while showcasing your passion and commitment. Align your work with your professional aspirations, be it traditional or animation. Include realistic representations of observed objects/scenes, using any drawing medium to display your skills, diversity, and willingness to learn. Composition matters, ensure your elements are well-planned and your overall image well-arranged. Demonstrate your ability to capture shape, proportion, tone, perspective, surface qualities, detail, space and form.

Tuition & Fees

Program Description	Quarterly Tuition Cost	Program Tuition Cost
1-Calendar Year Drawing Diploma (Hybrid)	$4250.00	$17,000.00

Tuition rates are at the same cost to Domestic and International students.

Fees	Cost	Description & Notes
Application Fee	$25.00	One-time fee when applying to any program of instruction.
Registration Fee	$250.00	One-time deposit to be applied towards the 2nd quarter payment and is non-refundable. This deposit is required to secure your spot.
Administrative Fee	$100.00	Recurring, quarterly fee.
STRF Fee	$0.00	Recurring, quarterly fee. Non-refundable $0.00 per thousand dollars of tuition paid by student (not paid by a third-party/lender). See Page 97 for STRF explanation.
Late Payment Fee	$50.00	Two maximum fees per quarter for outstanding tuition balances.
Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) Check Fee	$35.00	If your check is returned for non-sufficient funds (NSF), you must pay this fee plus the original amount of the check in the form of a cashier’s check or money order before your next class meets again.
Supplies and Equipment Cost	$300.00-$1500.00	Costs vary by quarter and by program. Covers additional books, supplies and material needed for the program. Students are responsible for the purchase of all class material and supplies. Students will not be required to purchase any supplies directly from LAAFA.
Transcript Fee (The first 2 transcripts in any given calendar year are free.)	$5.00-$20.00	A $5 fee is charged for each additional copy. Transcripts will be processed within seven (7) to ten (10) working days. Rush transcripts are charged at an additional $5.00 fee per transcript. Rush transcripts are processed within 24 hours of the request. Transcripts sent to an address outside the U.S. and Canada is $15.00 each. Express service is available for an additional charge per address.

Total Program Cost

Program

Application Fee

(non-refundable)

Registration Fee

(non-refundable deposit)

Administrative Fee

(non-refundable)

STRF Fee (maximum, non-refundable)

Estimated Tuition Cost

(Effective Fall 2024)

Estimated Total Program Cost

1-Calendar Year Drawing Diploma (Hybrid)

$25.00

(one-time fee)

$250.00

(one-time fee, applied to 2^nd quarter)

$400.00

$0.00

$16,600.00

(includes Registration Fee)

$17,025.00

(includes Application Fee)

Want to sharpen your skills before you apply? Check out our streaming art lessons on ArtSchoolVideos.com or have a look at our schedule of online and on-campus Extension Classes.

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1-Year Accredited Drawing Diploma (Hybrid).

Tuition & Fees

Total Program Cost

Information

Campus Address

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