Developing a Sketchbook Practice + Open Art Lab

Develop your ability to see, interpret, and draw from observation in this welcoming class for artists at any experience level.

Through guided instruction and hands-on exercises, participants will explore observation, proportion, shape, negative space, perspective, and mark-making while experimenting with a range of drawing materials and approaches. Emphasis will be placed on developing a sketchbook practice - using drawing as a way to slow down, notice details, explore ideas, and become more comfortable drawing what you see.

The class provides structure for building foundational skills while leaving room for curiosity, experimentation, and individual expression. After the introductory instructor-led session, participants are invited to continue practicing and refining their skills during four optional open (unguided) art lab sessions on the UW-Stout Polytechnic campus, with access to still life setups and dedicated studio space, for a total of 10 hours of learning and practice. Whether you’re exploring a creative new hobby or building confidence in your artistic abilities, this class provides the tools and support to help you grow.

All supplies are provided. Youth (age 12 and up) are welcome to attend but must be registered and accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Instructor-Led Session: Thurs., Oct. 29, 2026 – 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Open Art Labs: Sat., Oct. 31, Nov. 7, 14, 21 – 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Micheels Hall - Room 295

Find more information and register HERE.

What will you gain?

• Develop foundational observational drawing skills through proportion, shape, perspective, and negative space

• Practice a variety of approaches to drawing, including blind contour, grid drawing, fixed-point observation, and experimental mark-making

• Explore how line weight, line variety, texture, and drawing materials can communicate dimension, movement, and visual interest

• Develop greater confidence in using a sketchbook as a place for observation, experimentation, and repeated practice

• Apply observational drawing skills independently during the optional open art lab sessions

Who should enroll?

Community members, including youth (12+) accompanied by a registered parent/guardian; UW-Stout students, faculty, staff and alumni; Retirees

Who is your instructor?

Hannah Phelps is an academic staff member at UW-Stout Polytechnic and an artist whose practice spans many mediums. She earned her B.F.A. in Studio Art and minor in Art History from UW-Stout Polytechnic in 2021. In her current role, she supports exhibitions and programming in the Furlong Gallery, supervises a team of student employees, oversees student gallery spaces, and contributes to the university’s art collection and art-loan program. Her studio practice explores patterns, familiarity, and connection, while her broader engagement with art is rooted in a belief that creative work in all its forms is an important structure for how we understand and experience life. As a student, Hannah also worked as a drawing tutor, making this opportunity to engage the community through drawing especially meaningful to her.

Important Notes:

• EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Register at least 7 days before the course start date with coupon code EARLYBIRD104 to receive 20% off.

• STOUT PROUD DISCOUNT: UW-Stout Polytechnic faculty, staff, students and alumni, reach out to continuinged@uwstout.edu to receive a 20% discount code BEFORE completing the registration form.

• SUPPLIES: All initial supplies will be provided at the instructor-led session; additional supplies, if needed, may be purchased by the participant and brought to the open art lab sessions. Supplies that are not allowed in the art lab (e.g., oil paint) will be addressed in the instructor-led session and participant materials. We recommend purchasing any additional supplies from Mike's Art & Design in downtown Menomonie.

• FAQs: For information on Payment and Cancellation Policy, Disability Accommodations, and other issues, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.

From the UW-Stout Outreach website.