In-Person at the Atelier

Open Studio

Open Studio is a small group tuition.  

Each student works on their assignment of choice, at their own pace, and at their own skill level.

This may include assignments in the Certificate Courses, Bargue Drawing, Cast Drawing, Painting, Mastercopies or a self-directed assignment, such as drawing or painting from photos.  

Beginner students may learn Drawing Fundamentals, or Portrait Basics.

Intermediate students may work on Anatomy.

Advanced students may prepare specific assignments for portfolio submissions to higher education institutes, especially for Bio-Medical Illustration programs.

Open Studios are held on three different days a week in the afternoon: Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays 1-4pm

Cost is calculated at $65 per 3-hour class, and is payable monthly in advance, via Interac e-transfer, at the start of each month.

Attendance is pre-arranged, not by drop-in.

To register, please contact Mandy with an expression of interest.  

Please include your full name and phone number, as well your particular sphere of interest, your aims and objectives, your skill level, and information about previous training.  Please also include examples of your current work.

Fall Classes: September 10 – November 28, 2023

Spring Classes: February 4 – April 30, 2024

Summer Classes: July 7 – August 27, 2024 (to be confirmed)

• The Fall 2023 term will run from Sunday, September 10, 2023 to Tuesday, November 28, 2023.
• There are no in-person classes during the months of January, July, August, and December.
• Open Studio classes will be held on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays from 1-4pm
• Fees are $65 per Open Studio class, payable monthly in advance.
• Please advise me of your planned absences, and do not pay for those dates.

Intensive Courses

Learn to Draw

• Monday evening 6:30-9:30pm
• September 25 – October 23 
• 5-week course
• tuition fee $315 
• skill level: beginner
• medium: drawing
• class limit 8
• instructor: Mandy Boursicot
• location: Mandy Boursicot Atelier, Vancouver

Course Description

This foundational course is for beginners and for those who wish to fill in the gaps they might have from previous learning.  

In this sequential method, we will start at the very beginning. Each class focusses on one key building block, while adding to that knowledge with each subsequent lesson.  

You will be introduced to the concepts of line, shape, form, perspective, light and shadow, and value.  Most importantly, you will be shown how to apply these in your drawing.  All of these elements are essential to realistic drawing, where the artist creates an illusion of a three-dimensional form in space.

By the end of this course, you will have learned all the essentials for further learning and good drawing.

This is a skills-based course, and students will be drawing throughout the class.  The instructor will spend time with each student, teaching and correcting hands-on in the classical Academic tradition.

There will be homework assigned for those keen to progress and fully internalize the lessons being covered.

To register your interest in joining Intensive Course, please contact Mandy here.

Portrait Basics 

• Monday evening 6:30-9:30pm
• October 30 – November 27 
• 5-week course
• tuition fee $315
• skill level: beginner & intermediate
• medium: drawing
• class limit 8
• instructor: Mandy Boursicot
• location: Mandy Boursicot Atelier, Vancouver

Course Description

This is the foundational course for those wishing to draw the portrait, whether from real life, from photos or from the imagination.

The course will cover one topic in each of the classes in a cumulative and methodical manner.  

Starting with line drawing and shape, we will cover proportion, structure, facial features and the effect of light and shadow.

By the end of this course you will be able to draw a realistic portrait in three different views: the profile, the frontal and the three-quarter. 

This is a skills-based course, and students will be drawing throughout the class.  The instructor will spend time with each student, teaching and correcting hands-on in the classical Academic tradition.

There will be homework assigned for those keen to progress and fully internalize the lessons being covered.

To register your interest in joining Intensive Course, please contact Mandy here.

Portrait Drawing 2.0

• Monday evening 6:30-9:30pm
• February 12 – March 11, 2024
• 5-week course
• tuition fee $315
• skill level: intermediate
• medium: drawing
• class limit 8
• instructor: Mandy Boursicot
• location: Mandy Boursicot Atelier, Vancouver

Course Description

This is an intermediate course is for those who have previous experience with portrait drawing and/or painting.

Using this sequential method, we will take our skills to the next level. Each class will focus on one view or perspective of a portrait.

We will cover the major and minor planes as well as the structure of the head.  And we will learn how to represent these with line and tone.  Value will be used to define light, shadow and half-tones for a three-dimensional depiction.

This is a hands-on course, with active teacher correction of each student’s work, and teacher demonstration of subsequent steps.

By the end of this course, you will have learned the essentials for realistic and atmospheric portrait drawing.

There will be homework assigned for those keen to progress and to fully internalize the lessons being covered.

To register your interest in joining Intensive Course, please contact Mandy here.

Drawing Hands

• Monday evening 6:30-9:30pm
• April 8 – May 6, 2024
• 5-week course
• tuition fee $315
• skill level: beginner & intermediate
• medium: drawing
• class limit 8
• instructor: Mandy Boursicot
• location: Mandy Boursicot Atelier, Vancouver

Course Description

This is the foundational course for those wanting to draw accurate hands, whether to add to portraiture or to use as stand-alone works of art, or to use as required portfolio submissions.

The course will cover one topic in each of the classes in a cumulative and methodical manner.  

Starting with the planal structure of hands, and representing that in line drawing and shape, we will cover proportion, anatomy, and the narrative gesture of hands. You will also be introduced to hands in art historical paintings and sculptures.

By the end of this course you will be able to draw realistic and convincing hands. 

This is a skills-based course, and students will be drawing throughout the class.  The instructor will spend time with each student, teaching and correcting hands-on in the classical Academic tradition.

There will be homework assigned for those keen to progress and to fully internalize the lessons being covered.

To register your interest in joining Intensive Course, please contact Mandy here.

Testimonials:

“With Mandy Boursicot’s supportive guidance and positive approach in the teaching of figure drawing I have gained outstanding improvements in my drawing skills.”

– Kevin G-E