Wonder School of the Arts

Hello! I'm Nils Osmar, director of the Wonder School of the Arts.
The Wonder School offers non-credit classes in the Seattle area, just for the fun of learning.

I'll have some new Wonder School classes coming up in the fall and summer of 2009.
Meantime, I'm teaching the following classes through other programs in Seattle:

SEATTLE ART CLASSES
Cartooning
Figure Drawing
Exploring Color
Learn to Draw Faces
How to Draw Clothing
Acrylic Painting for Beginners
Drawing for absolute beginners
Drawing and Painting Flowers
Perspective Drawing
Adobe Photoshop

SEATTLE WRITING CLASSES
It's Time to Write Your Screenplay
Writing Fiction and Short Stories

SEATTLE FILMMAKING CLASSES
Filmmaking for Beginners
Documentary Filmmaking

SEATTLE ACTING CLASSES
Beginning Acting
Let's Make a Movie

Classes starting in APRIL and MAY

Art classes in Seattle
Learn to Draw Faces _______Saturdays, 4/18-5/9 (four meetings) *
Figure Drawing ____________Saturdays, 4/18-5/9 ((four meetings) *
Drawing for absolute beginners _Saturdays, 4/18-5/9 (four meetings) *
Cartooning 101 _______________Sundays, 4/26-5/17 (four meetings) *
Acrylic Painting for Beginners ____Sundays, 4/26-5/17 (four meetings) *
Perspective Drawing _____________Sundays, 4/26-5/17 (four meetings) *
How to Draw Clothing _____________Sunday 5/24 only (one-day workshop) ***
Exploring Color ________________Sunday 4/19 only (one-day workshop) *
Adobe Photoshop ____________________Thursdays, 4/16-4/30 (three meetings) *

Writing classes in Seattle
Writing Fiction and Short Stories______Wednesdays 4/22-5/20 (five meetings) *
It's Time to Write Your Screenplay___ Thurdays, 5/7-6/4, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (five meetings) *

Acting & Filmmaking classes in Seattle
Let's Make a Movie _____________ Tuesdays, 4/21-5/19 (five meetings) *
Beginning Acting _________Mondays, 4/20-5/18, 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. (five meetings)*
It's Time to Write Your Screenplay___ Thurdays, 5/7-6/4, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (five meetings) *
Filmmaking for Beginners _________Fridays, 4/24-5/22, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (four meetings) *
Documentary Filmmaking ___Saturday 5/16 only (one-day workshop) *

* sponsored by the ASUW (Associated students University of Washington) Experimental College
* Held on the U.W. campus in Seattle
*** sponsored by the Wonder School of the Arts


For detailed descriptions, dates and times,
click the class title or scroll down this page.
To sign up, call 206-420-1309 or click the Add to Cart link to pay securely online.
If you'd like to pay by cash or check, email Seattleworkshops@aol.com for details.
Questions? Call 206-420-1309 or email
Seattleworkshops@aol.com


ART CLASSES in SEATTLE

Drawing for absolute beginners
Sponsored by: ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College ~ Nils Osmar, instructor
Spring quarter dates: Saturdays, 4/18-5/9 (four meetings) 9 am-10:45 am
Where: University of Washington campus in Seattle
~ Course fee: $99

Anyone can draw ... this means you!  In this class we'll work our way through a number of exercises designed to train the eye, hand and imagination to work as a unit or a team.  You'll learn about shapes, shading, contour drawing, negative space and more.  This class provides a thorough, enjoyable, step-by-step introduction to drawing.  For people who have not drawn before or would like a refresher in the basics.  Instructor is a professional artist.  Nothing to bring or buy; all materials are provided. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.

Tuition (1002 Drawing for Beginners class)

Learn to Draw Faces
Sponsored by: ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College ~ Nils Osmar, instructor
Spring quarter dates: Saturdays, 4/18-5/9 (four meetings)
11 am-12:45 pm
Where: University of Washington campus in Seattle
~ Course fee: $99

In this class you'll learn to draw faces and portraits using an easy step-by-step method, even if you've never drawn before.  We'll begin by sketching some faces based on simple underlying shapes, then add details.  You'll learn about features, proportions, shading, and expressions, and how to use surprisingly easy "right brain" methods to make your sketch look more like the person you're drawing.  Beginners and experienced welcome.  Nothing to bring or buy; all materials are provided.  To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.
Tuition (1005 faces class winter 2009)

Figure Drawing for beginners
Sponsored by: ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College ~ Nils Osmar, instructor
Spring Quarter Dates: Saturdays, 4/18-5/9 ((four meetings)
1:30 pm-3:15 pm
Where: University of Washington campus in Seattle
~ Course fee: $99

Anyone can learn how to draw people!  In this class you'll learn how to draw the human figure, using an easy step-by-step method.  We'll start by sketching some figures based on simple, underlying shapes, then add in the details.  You'll learn about proportions and foreshortening, motion and action and how to use shading to make the figure look real and three-dimensional.  No need to buy or bring any art materials; they're all provided.  To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.
Tuition (EC FIGURE DRAWING CLASS)

Cartooning 101
Sponsored by: ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College ~ Nils Osmar, instructor
Spring Quarter Dates: Sundays, 4/26-5/17 (four meetings
10 a.m. -11:45 a.m
Where: University of Washington campus in Seattle ~ Course fee: $99

In this workshop, you'll learn how to create your own cartoon characters, working in a humorous "Sunday Funnies" style, even if you've never drawn before.  We'll draw humorous, simplified faces and figures, cartoon animals and more.  Plus: inking, coloring, copyrighting your artwork and getting published.  The instructor's artwork has been published in the U.S. and Europe.  Nothing to bring or buy; all materials are provided. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.
Tuition (1007 Cartooning class winter 2009)

Perspective Drawing for Beginners
Sponsored by: Wonder School of the Arts ~ Nils Osmar, instructor ~ Course fee: $99
Coming up next on: Sunday 4/26-5/17 (noon-1:45 p.m.)
(four meetings) Where: University district in Seattle

Perspective can be fun!  In this enjoyable one-day workshop, you'll learn the basics of perspective, including vanishing points and horizon lines and how to use them to make your drawings look real and three-dimensional.  We'll cover 1, 2 and 3-point perspective, and ten easy ways to add a sense of depth to your artwork when you don't want to use formal perspective. Beginning artists welcome!  All materials are provided. Nils Osmar, instructor. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.


How to Draw Clothing
Sponsored by: Wonder School of the Arts ~ Nils Osmar, instructor ~ Course fee: $99
Coming up next on:
Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 2/14 only (1 meeting) ~ Where: University district in Seattle

Like drawing people, but unsure what to do when it comes time to draw clothing on them? In this class, you'll learn about tension lines, support points, types of folds, and other easy tips and secrets of making clothing in your drawings look real. Great for artists, wanna-be-artists, costume designers, fashion illustrators and doodlers.  Absolute beginners welcome! To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.


Exploring Color
Sponsored by: Wonder School of the Arts ~ Nils Osmar, instructor ~ Course fee: $55
Coming up next on: Sunday
February 15th only, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. (1 meeting) ~ Where: University district in Seattle

Spend the day painting and playing with color, even if you've never painted before.  In this relaxing, enjoyable class, you'll learn about color theory, color wheels, warm and cool colors, tints, shades and color mixing.  It's a fun class based around exercises that will make the information clearer.  All levels are welcome.  Nothing to bring or buy; all materials are provided. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.


Acrylic Painting for Beginners
Sponsored by: Wonder School of the Arts ~ Nils Osmar, instructor ~ Course fee: $99
Coming up next on:
Sundays, 4/26-5/17, 3-5 p.m. (four meetings) ~ Where: University district in Seattle

Acrylics are fun! They're easy to paint with, easy to learn to use, and are a great medium for beginners. Acrylics are rich, vibrant, and expressive..... more forgiving than watercolors .... fast-drying.... and unlike oil paints, they don't fill up the room with toxic fumes. In this enjoyable introductory class, aimed at absolute beginners, you'll learn how to mix and blend colors, use brushes, play with color, paint forms that have depth and dimension, and paint some familiar objects. Even if you don't know an artist's brush from a toothbrush, you'll have fun, learn a lot, and get off to a good start in learning how to paint with acrylics. (Note: there is a $35 optional supply fee for your class, due in the first class meeting. It covers the cost of professional quality paints, as well as brushes and canvas paper. You do not have to pay it if you bring your own materials) To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.


ACTING & FILMMAKING CLASSES IN SEATTLE

Beginning Acting
Sponsored by: ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College ~ Nils Osmar, instructor
Mondays, 4/20-5/18, 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. (five meetings)
Where: University of Washington campus in Seattlle ~ Course fee: $150

Acting is fun!  In this enjoyable class you'll learn how to create characters, memorize dialogue, use your voice, body and emotions as acting tools and perform short scenes onstage in front of other students.  Plus: warm-ups, theater games, improvisational acting, info about the Seattle theater scene, how to audition.  Great for beginners!  Instructor has participated in live theater for over ten years as an actor, playwright, producer and director, and is the creator of an award-winning television series (THE EDGE).  His feature film, XEROS, premiered to sold out audiences in the Seattle True Independence Film Festival. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.


Let's Make a Movie
Sponsored by: ASUW Experimental College ~ Nils Osmar, instructor ~ Course fee: $150
Spring quarter dates:
Tuesdays 7 pm-9 pm ~ April 21-May 19 (5 meetings) ~ Where: University of Washington campus in Seattle

In this class we'll create and film a short independent movie from scratch.  Students are free to act in it, help write or choose a script, help out on crew.  It's a fun way to find out what it feels like to be in front of the camera (or behind it), great for people thinking about producing movies of their own.  (No previous acting or filmmaking experience necessary.)  To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.

Tuition (EC ACTING IN A MOVIE CLASS)


Documentary Filmmaking

Sponsored by: ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College ~ Nils Osmar, instructor
Coming up next on
Saturday 5/16,10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: University District in Seattle,Wa. ~ Course fee: $125 ~ To sign up, click the "Add to Cart" link below or call 206-420-1309

Course Description: You don't need a fancy camera or a lot of money to make a documentary. You just need an idea, a good camcorder, a microphone and some lights, and knowledge of how to go about it.  In this class you'll learn how to plan and organize your documentary; how to set up and film interviews; how to get good audio and lighting under field conditions; how to buy or rent the equipment you need, at the best price; how to record video and audio in the field.  Plus, tips about film festivals and distribution. 

This class is offered every quarter by the Wonder School of the Arts in Seattle, Washington. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below. If you don't see a link, to to http://www.classesandworkshops.com


Filmmaking for Beginners:
How to make a million dollar
movie on a tiny little budget
Sponsored by: ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College ~ Nils Osmar, instructor
Fridays, 4/24-5/22, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (four meetings) Location: UW campus in Seattle
Course fee: $150 ~ To sign up, click the "Add to Cart" link below or call 206-420-1309

Filmmaking is fun! But it helps if you learn a few basics before you get started. In this enjoyable, information-packed class, you'll learn all you need to get started, have fun, and make a high quality movie, regardless of your budget, including:

- how films and movies are made, step by step -- what needs to be done, and in what order;
- all about cameras and camcorders (what to look for when you buy or rent one, and how to find one that works for your needs without spending a lot of money);
- microphones and audio: how to record high quality sound for your film;
- how to light your movie, to create the effects you have in mind;
- all about camera angles, including closeups, medium shots and long shots (what they are, and when to use them);
- how to find actors and work with a crew;
- how to get your movie into film festivals, and get it distributed;
- some tricks for editing the footage you film, into a finished movie;
- and more. 

Whether you're making a comedy or an action movie, or just making a home movie just for fun.... whether you have a high end camcorder, or an inexpensive one... whether you're filming in high def or standard definition... whether you're making a movie as a hobby, or dreaming of a career as a filmmaker... this class, taught by one of Seattle's most prolific indy filmmakers, will answer your questions and get you off to a good start. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.


WRITING CLASSES IN SEATTLE

Writing Fiction and Short Stories
Sponsored by: ASUW Experimental College ~ Nils Osmar, instructor ~ Course fee: $125
Thursdays 7-9 p.m., 4/22-5/20 (5 meetings) ~ Where: University of Washington campus in Seattle

Writing is a natural skill that everyone can develop.  In this class, students will write short stories and other word pieces and get feedback from the instructor and others in the class.  The focus will be on developing our writing skills, finding our genuine voices, learning to let the process happen effortlessly and spontaneously.  Also: information about copyrighting and getting published.  Instructor is the author of a short story collection, The Hungry Time, and has also written stage plays, screenplays and magazine articles.  All levels welcome.  To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.
Tuition (EC WRITING FICTION class)

It's Time to Write Your Screenplay
Sponsored by: ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College ~ Nils Osmar, instructor
Thurdays, 5/7-6/4, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (five meetings) ~ Where: U.W. campus in Seattle

In this class, you'll learn how to write a screenplay that is grounded in the traditional elements of storytelling, yet expresses something personal and unique without relying on simplistic formulas.  We'll focus on plot, genre and character development, identifying and writing for your target audience and more.  Plus, you'll learn how to find an agent and how to pitch your screenplay to buyers and producers.  We'll wrap up with a demonstration of script formatting using Final Draft.  The instructor has written and produced over thirty screenplays and teleplays, including three full-length feature films.  To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.


PHOTOSHOP CLASSES IN SEATTLE

Adobe Photoshop for Beginners
Sponsored by: ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College ~ Nils Osmar, instructor ~ Course fee: $150
When:
Thursdays 7 pm-9:15 pm ~ 4/16-4/30 (3 meetings) ~ (University of Washington campus)

Photoshop is fun!  Whether you're a total beginner, a home user or a graphics professional using Photoshop on the job, this class will help.  You'll learn the key elements of the program, including scanning, layers, channels, filters, color correction and more.  Class includes six hours of group instruction (demonstration, not hands-on), PLUS one FREE hour of hands-on private instruction (a $75 value) for each student, in which the instructor will meet individually with students outside of class to help with problems or individual projects. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below.

PHOTOSHOP class tuition


REGISTRATION INFORMATION
How to sign up!
To sign up online at any time,
scroll down to find your class, then click on the Add to Cart link under the class title.
To sign up by phone, call 206-420-1309. Questions? Email
Seattleworkshops@aol.com or call 206-420-1309

About the instructor

The classes on this web page are taught by Nils Osmar, and are sponsored by the ASUW Experimental College and the Wonder School of the Arts.
(There is no connection between the two schools.) Some are held on the U.W. campus. Others are held at the Center House at the Seattle Center.
(The location for each course is listed in the class information just under the title, on this page)

Nils has made his living in the arts for over ten years, and has taught both accredited and non-accredited classes.
He has worked as a writer (short stories, stageplays & screenplays), illustrator (traditional and modern media), and filmmaker.
His artwork has been published in the United States and Europe, and featured in national magazines.
His stageplays have have been produced at the Seattle Fringe Festival and other venues.
His films and movies have played at local and international film festivals.
He is also the creator of an award-winning televison show (The Edge), and author of a short story collection, The Hungry Time.

Liabilty agreement

By signing up you are agreeing with this statement:
I understand that all activities involve risks, and I hereby agree to release and hold harmless the instructors,
assistants, location owners, owner, employees, friends and family from any liability
for any personal injury arising from my participation in any or all of the classes.

Refund policy

If you sign up for a class, and then it is cancelled, or if the date or location are changed in a way
that prevents you from attending, you will receive your choice of either a full refund, or a tuition voucher for the full amount paid.

If you sign up for a class, then change your mind or are unable to attend, and notify the instructor before the first meeting,
you will receive your choice of either a refund of 2/3 of the course fee, or a tuition voucher for the full amount paid.

If you notify the instructor after the first class meeting, but before the second meeting, that you have decided not to attend
you will receive your choice of either a refund of 1/3 of the course fee or a tuition voucher in the amount of 2/3 of the amount paid.

If you attend some meetings of a class but miss some meetings,
you can make up the meetings you missed the following quarter at no charge.

Questions? Problems registering? Or to sign up now by phone
Call or email Nils Osmar, instructor
206-420-1309
Seattleworkshops@aol.com

For course dates and times, and to sign up, go to
http://www.classesandworkshops.com
or http://www.nilsosmar.com


QUESTIONS? Call 206.420.1309,
or email us at Seattleworkshops@aol.com

Nils Osmar home page
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