Constructing the Figure

Learn to construct solid and anatomically correct figure and portrait drawings. Through lectures, demonstrations, and individual instruction, this course will cover the anatomical, structural, and surface forms of the head and figure. With a focus on the gesture as our starting point, we will identify the line of the body and develop the constitution of the figure through sequentially longer poses.

There will be an emphasis on proportion, perspective, line quality, and light on form. During the second half of the course, we will explore the muscular and skeletal structure of the human figure and how the artist can use anatomy in figure drawing. Drawing is the foundation of many forms of visual expression, and by concentrating on the foundational principles of drawing the figure, students will expand their knowledge through direct observation of the live model.

Open to all levels.

Figure Drawing & Painting: A Foundation

Students can choose to work on drawing or oil painting from the live model. Instructor may suggest to work on drawing or painting depends on the students’ progress. The class focuses on the structural landmarks of the human figure by combining the variations of form and plane. We will begin by simplifying light and shadow to create shapes with a step-by-step approach, which will then allow you to build the detail of the body and achieve a likeness with human expression. You will learn to create a three-dimensional effect with depth of space by understanding and controlling your edges.

All levels are welcome.

Drawing: Anatomy & Artistry

This class will teach the skills necessary to approach figure drawing. Anatomy will be taught and discussed as a tool to create expressive, interesting figure drawings. Artistry will be emphasized. We will analyze the "magic" of old master drawings. Students will also learn basic shading techniques, expression of line, building solid planes, portrait construction, and a variety of other topics, through lectures and examples. Instructor will demo a figure drawing from reference that will be given to students ahead of time, so students can work alongside the instructor if they so wish to do so.

All levels are welcome.

Drawing: Form & Movement

To draw is to express yourself in a special visual language. Learn how the language enables you to render on a flat page the spaces and volumes that you observe around you. As we work from the live model and other subjects, we consult historical examples to see how artists have used shape, plane, and rhythm. Awaken yourself to the sensation of seeing a whole page develop at once. Discover the pleasure of making your drawing move, and express yourself in this particular visual language.

Cross-Hatching and Pointillism over water media

This class focuses on drawing through two fundamental techniques: cross-hatching and pointillism. Students will learn how these approaches can be used to understand volume and shadow, while also allowing for expressive and imaginative results. Crosshatching will be studied through the work of Giorgio Morandi, Rembrandt, and other masters, with close attention to their marks as a source of inspiration for developing a personal and contemporary visual language. Students will work with the medium of their choice—such as a metal nib and liquid ink, a regular Bic pen, a pencil, a marker, or a silverpoint tip—and will also explore drawing over watercolors and other water-based media. The class emphasizes experimentation and requires only a few simple materials to achieve surprising outcomes, whether figurative or abstract.