Drawing the Peanuts Gang: A Lesson

I wrote about the Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown exhibit at our local Temecula Valley Museum. While I was there, I picked up this flyer.

"A free art class will be taught by Tony "Bigfoot" Moramarco, teaching guests how to draw the Peanuts characters. The class will be held on January 11th from 11:00am - 1:00pm. Art supplies will be provided by the museum."

On December 18th, I texted it to my Charles Schulz loving friend Erin who lives in Simi Valley (130 miles away). She wrote back, "I'll be in Palm Springs. I might be able to join you!" I was ecstatic. I was going, no-matter-what, but I knew it would be that much more fun with a kindred spirit. I was so right!

Our incredible instructor, a Temecula born illustrator/artist, Tony Moramarco, established the "Cartooning with Bigfoot" workshop in 1998. Since then, Tony has taught more than 50,000 children (and at least a couple adults) the fun and creative art of Cartooning. He also teaches Art & Design at various other private, public, and charter schools throughout the southland, including at this very museum.

Tony started us off with what he called a wire sketch. It is a very rough draft that looks like strategically placed circles and lines.

For our first attempt, Erin and I took our provided 'starts' and ran with them. We had the best time just trying and creating. The environment was one of camaraderie and admiration. And I would say there was some giddiness, too.

We may not have been the only adults in the room but we were certainly the most dedicated and strove to leave with two masterpieces. Oh, and we were the only adults there without kids in tow. Oh, and we were the only adults in Peanuts' t-shirt (totally not pre-planned).