Drawing with Katrina Johansen
Thursday evenings, May 7-June 11, 2026
6:00–8:00 PM

The Franciscan Art Initiative is pleased to offer a six-session drawing course led by Katrina Johansen, an established artist and educator with extensive professional experience in fine art, theatrical design, exhibit development, and collections management. 

Mrs. Johansen earned her BFA in Painting and Drawing from the University of Louisville. She began her career teaching art through Community Development Block Grants and at the Metro Arts Center, while also painting backdrops for institutions such as Actors Theatre of Louisville, The Louisville Ballet, and other performing arts organizations. 

She later founded and managed the Art Department for 15 years at a regional architectural design-build firm, producing immersive exhibits for zoos, waterparks, museums, and entertainment venues. Currently, she works with the Commonwealth of Kentucky overseeing the care and management of a state portrait collection. 

This course is designed to provide technical training in foundational drawing principles within a safe, respectful community that encourages thoughtful dialogue and artistic growth. The curriculum emphasizes disciplined observation, technical rigor, and the development of visual literacy. 

The class consists of six focused sessions, structured as follows: 

Introduction & Visual Foundations, May 7:  
Overview of key visual principles, course objectives, and expectations. Includes two-minute warm-up drawings and introductory perspective exercises. 

Perspective, May 14: 
Linear and atmospheric perspective drawing, with applied exercises. 

Value & Light, May 21: 
Value range, identifying light sources, and creating the illusion of three-dimensional form. 

Composition, May 28: 
Positive and negative space; structuring dynamic and balanced compositions. 

Mark Making & Movement, June 4: 
Using mark variation to suggest color, rhythm, and directional movement; leading the viewer’s eye. 

Mixed Media Exploration, June 11: 
Integrating collage, ink, and additional media into drawing practice. 

Each session includes digital visual references to masterworks relevant to the subject matter, as well as curated links to educational resources and local arts events to encourage continued engagement beyond the classroom.

Students are encouraged to register for all six (6) sessions in order to receive the full benefits of the training, but registrations for fewer classes will be accepted.

Materials provided include charcoal, vine charcoal, a range of graphite pencil weights, and erasers. Students are encouraged to bring their own drawing pad; guidance will be provided on suitable paper options. 

Enrollment is limited to 14 participants to ensure individualized instruction and meaningful discussion. 

Katrina Johansen is a seasoned visual artist with a BFA in Painting and Drawing from the University of Louisville. Early in her career, she taught art through Community Development Block Grants and at the Metro Art Center, while also creating scenic backdrops for the Actors’ Theatre of Louisville, The Musical Theatre of Louisville, the Louisville Ballet, and other performing arts organizations.

She later founded and directed the Art Department at a local architectural design and build firm, leading creative projects for over 15 years, including exhibits for zoos, waterparks, museums, and entertainment venues. Currently, she serves the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the management and preservation of a significant portrait collection.