Seeing Stories

Service Description

A drawing workshop with Nahal Jafari exploring how observation, form, and human expression can be translated into visual narratives. Using portrait drawing as a starting point, participants will learn to observe more carefully, understand the structure of the human face, and discover how simple lines and shapes can communicate emotion, character, and story. No previous drawing experience is required. About Nahal: I am an observer, a collector of fragments, and a storyteller. As I move through the world, I gather moments, images, sounds, and sensations, allowing them to settle in my mind and transform into characters, spaces, and stories. Through drawing, painting, short animations, and sculpture, I give these stories form. My work is rooted in the relationship between people, architecture, and time. Trained as an architect and shaped by a lifelong artistic practice, I am fascinated by the ways we build our environments and how, in turn, they build us. Originally from Iran, I moved to Vancouver in 2017 to pursue a Master of Architecture at UBC. Today, my artistic practice remains a vessel for storytelling, bridging the human experience with the built and natural worlds. Detail: Session 1 Learning to See Line drawing warm-up exercises Introduction to skull structure and facial anatomy Understanding the big picture before details Blocking in light and shadow Drawing from simple angles Observation exercises, demonstrations, and discussion Session 2 Understanding Form Guided drawing practice Exploring more complex angles and perspectives Developing observation and proportion skills Group feedback and discussion Session 3 Drawing from Life Drawing the skull through live observation Understanding structure through real-world reference Demonstrations, questions, and collaborative learning Session 4 From Skull to Portrait Drawing a live portrait Understanding how facial features relate to underlying structure Light, shadow, and facial form Bringing previous lessons together Session 5 Refinement & Expression Advanced portrait practice Further exploration of skull and facial structure Individual feedback Strengthening confidence and personal observation skills