Anatomy, Composition & Perspective: Figure Drawing for Painters

This comprehensive figure drawing course is designed for artists seeking to deepen their understanding of the human form and harness drawing as a tool for planning compelling compositions. Combining classical and contemporary approaches, the course weaves together core disciplines—figure drawing, anatomy, composition, and perspective—to build a robust visual language grounded in observation and intention.

Students will explore the structural logic of the body through anatomy studies, learn to capture dynamic poses with confidence, and apply principles of perspective to place figures believably in space. Emphasis will be placed on compositional strategy, teaching artists to move beyond isolated figure studies and toward narrative and spatial planning for finished works.

Through live model sessions, masterwork analysis, and progressive drawing exercises, students will learn to:
• Understand the anatomical landmarks essential to expressive, accurate figure drawing
• Use gesture and structure to convey weight, movement, and emotion
• Construct spatially sound compositions using linear and atmospheric perspective
• Design value groupings and focal points to support narrative and mood
• Translate thumbnail sketches into preliminary studies for paintings or sustained drawings

Additional Information:

Materials:
18x24” Newsprint Pad
Box of SOFT Vine or Willow charcoal
2-3 SOFT black compressed charcoal sticks
Soft charcoal pencil & pencil sharpener
Chamois cloth
Drawing board large enough for newsprint pad
Art erasers (kneaded, white, gum)

This course is ideal for artists at any level, who want to integrate figure drawing more intentionally into their painting practice.

Life Drawing

We will be drawing together from the Model and bringing to light the issues that arise in each session. The objective is to consider our options as to how we can deal with the issues that arise and to work with these ideas through our drawing and into our painting in the afternoon class (Abstraction: Development of Language and Imagery.)

Pen & Ink Drawing

Discover the expressive world of pen and ink in fine art.
This beginner-friendly course introduces fundamental inking techniques, from simple line work and cross-hatching shading methods to creating striking monochrome drawings.

Through step-by-step exercises, you’ll learn how to draw details in ink and create depth, texture, and storytelling through each project inspired by nature, still life, portraits, or figures.

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this class will guide you through pen and ink art principles and creative possibilities.

Advanced Language of Drawing

The course will focus on two main areas: mark-making and composition. Students will work from photographs or the imagination. Through a series of exercises, we will explore the principles of art, various techniques, tools, and dry and wet mediums. Students will be encouraged throughout the course to experiment with different materials and methods, develop a series, and think conceptually.

Some drawing experience is required.

Language of Drawing

Through a series of exercises, we will explore the elements of drawing, such as line, shape, and value, as well as various techniques, tools, and drawing mediums: charcoal and graphite. We will draw from still life to improve observational skills.

All levels are welcome.

FIGURES & FACES IN DRAWING

This class is for students who want to immerse themselves in drawing the face and figure to heighten their observational skills. Working from live models holding long poses for the class will give students sufficient time to experiment with the varied techniques and materials. Each week we will cover a topic such as structural forms, composition, negative space, and likeness. I will discuss different drawing styles throughout art history and how they influence the drawings we do today.

All levels are welcome, including beginners.