Join professional artist Francisco Palomares for an intensive 4-week life drawing series at his studio in the historic Bendix Building.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
- Hand-eye coordination and observational drawing
- Understanding light, shadow, and form
- Accurate proportions and measurements
- Gesture drawing and capturing movement
- Shading techniques and tonal values
CLASS STRUCTURE
Each 3-hour session begins with warm-up exercises using 2-minute gesture poses to train your eye and loosen up. We then progress to sustained 30-minute poses where you'll develop more finished drawings. Francisco provides demonstrations, individual feedback throughout the session, and group critique to help you grow as an artist.
All skill levels welcome! Whether you're returning to drawing or building on existing skills, this supportive environment encourages artistic growth and experimentation.
SCHEDULE
Four consecutive Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30 PM
January 6, 13, 20, 27, 2026
LOCATION
Francisco Palomares Studio
Bendix Building, Unit 200 (2nd Floor)
1206 Maple Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90013
INVESTMENT
$280 for complete 4-week series
Maximum 6 students for personalized attention
Includes professional model fees
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Francisco Palomares is a professional Chicano artist and educator with a BFA from Cal State Long Beach and advanced studies at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts (China) and Academia di Belle Arti (Florence, Italy).
His work has been exhibited at prestigious institutions including the Cheech Marin Center, Mingei International Museum, Armory Center for the Arts, and California Heritage Museum. Francisco has received recognition through the Los Angeles Lakers' Racial Equity Action Plan grant and Quinn Emanuel's artist-in-residence program, with features in The Los Angeles Times, LA Weekly, and Telemundo.
Currently, Francisco teaches life drawing at Barnsdall Art Center through the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and maintains his studio practice at the Bendix Building in Downtown LA. His international training in classical techniques informs his teaching approach, which emphasizes strong observational skills while encouraging individual artistic development.
Whether you're a beginner or experienced artist, Francisco provides personalized instruction tailored to your goals and skill level.
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Age Requirement?
18+
Q: I'm a complete beginner. Is this class for me?
A: Yes! All skill levels welcome. Francisco provides individual feedback tailored to your experience level.
Q: What if I can't make one of the sessions?
A: Unfortunately, no make-ups or credits available. Please ensure you can commit to all 4 weeks before registering.
Q: Can I use different materials than what's listed?
A: All material listed are necessary to complete workshop.
Q: Where can I purchase materials?
A: All materials are available at Dick Blick Art Materials (online or retail). Links provided after registration.
Q: What's the refund policy?
A: Full refund minus $25 processing fee if cancelled before December 30, 2025. No refunds after series begins.
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STUDIO ACCESS
Enter the Bendix Building and take the elevator to the 2nd floor. Studio 200 is immediately to the right of the elevator.
PARKING
Free street parking after 6:00 PM on Maple Ave and 12th Street
NEAREST METRO
7th Street/Metro Center Station (0.5 miles)
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REGISTRATION
- Deadline: January 2, 2026, 11:59 PM
- Minimum enrollment: 4 students required for class to run
- Full payment ($280) required at registration
CANCELLATION POLICY
- Cancel before December 30, 2025: Full refund minus $25 processing fee
- Cancel after December 30, 2025: No refund
- No refunds after series begins on January 6, 2026
ATTENDANCE
- This is a 4-week commitment - please ensure you can attend all sessions
- No make-up sessions for missed classes
- No credits or refunds for individual missed sessions
- Late arrivals welcome but will miss warm-up exercises
INSTRUCTOR CANCELLATION
- If instructor must cancel a session, a make-up will be scheduled
- If make-up cannot be scheduled, pro-rated refund of $70 will be issued
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MATERIALS (BYOM - Bring Your Own Materials)
Students must bring their own drawing supplies. A detailed materials list with product recommendations and links will be sent after registration.
Essential supplies include:
- 18" x 18" drawing board (easels provided in studio)
- Drawing paper (14" x 17" recommended)
- Graphite pencils
- Charcoal (vine and compressed)
- White charcoal pencil
- Erasers (kneaded and black)
- Blending tools (chamois, stumps)
- Sandpaper block and X-Acto knife
- Water bottle
- Comfortable clothes that can get dusty!
COMPLETE MATERIALS LIST
1. Drawing Board
Richeson Drawing Clipboard - 18" x 18"
https://www.dickblick.com/items/richeson-drawing-clip-board-18-x-18/
2. Drawing Paper
Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Paper Pad - 14" x 17", 24 Sheets
https://www.dickblick.com/items/strathmore-400-series-drawing-paper-pad-14-x-17-24-sheets/
3. Graphite Pencils
Staedtler Mars Lumograph Pencils - Set of 12
https://www.dickblick.com/items/staedtler-lumograph-pencil-set-of-12/
4. Charcoal Pencils
General's Peel and Sketch Charcoal Pencils - Set of 3
https://www.dickblick.com/products/generals-peel-and-sketch-charcoal-pencils/
5. White Charcoal Pencil
General's White 558 Charcoal Pencil
https://www.dickblick.com/products/generals-white-charcoal-pencil/
6. Compressed Charcoal
General's Compressed Charcoal Packs - Set of 4, Variety
https://www.dickblick.com/items/generals-compressed-charcoal-assorted-pack-of-4/
7. Vine Charcoal
Winsor & Newton Vine Charcoal - Soft, Box of 3
https://www.dickblick.com/items/winsor-newton-vine-charcoal-soft-box-of-3/
8. Sandpaper Block (for sharpening)
https://www.dickblick.com/products/sandpaper-block/
9. X-Acto Knife #1 With Cap
https://www.dickblick.com/products/x-acto-z-series-1-knife/
10. Erasers
• General's Factis Magic Black Eraser
https://www.dickblick.com/products/generals-factis-magic-black-eraser/
• Faber-Castell Kneaded Eraser - Extra Large
https://www.dickblick.com/items/faber-castell-kneaded-eraser-extra-large/
11. Blending Tools
• Natural Blending Chamois
https://www.dickblick.com/products/natural-artist-chamois/
• Art Alternatives Blending Stumps - 3/8", Pkg of 2
https://www.dickblick.com/items/art-alternatives-blending-stumps-38-pkg-of-2/
WHAT'S PROVIDED
- Easels
- Professional nude/semi-nude models
- Studio space and lighting
SHOPPING TIPS
All materials are available at Dick Blick Art Materials (online or in retail stores). Please have all materials before the first class on January 6, 2026.
Estimated total cost: $75-$120
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AGE REQUIREMENT
All participants must be 18 years or older
WORKING WITH MODELS
- Professional nude and semi-nude models
- Respectful, professional creative environment required
- NO photography, recording, or reproduction of model's likeness without explicit written permission
STUDIO RULES
- No food in studio (water bottles welcome)
- Maintain respectful and professional atmosphere
- Disruptive behavior may result in removal without refund