Figure Drawing for Intermediate/Advanced Students

Students who enjoy figure drawing, and want to learn techniques to make their drawings even more realistic: this class is for you!
For centuries, part of an artist's classical education has included the study of the structure under the surface to help us draw more realistically.  This class is a great opportunity to practice some of those fundamental techniques!

Each of our figure drawing classes will include two segments: 
-- In the first part of class we'll do our anatomy study (muscles & bones), sketching or labeling the underlying musculature of a particular part of the body (listed on our syllabus).  Throughout the semester we'll study different sections of the body.  

-- In the second half of class we'll draw a person from a dynamic and well-lit photo reference, which clearly shows the area whose anatomy was just surveyed.

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Spring 2025 Syllabus!

Jan. 7: gesture drawing (quick gestures)
Jan. 14: (no class)
Jan. 21: portrait study- structure/proportions of the head & face
Jan. 28: skeleton study- neck & shoulders; shadow blocking

Feb. 4: muscular study- neck & shoulders
Feb. 11: skeleton study- arms; using shadow to create outline
Feb. 18: muscular study- arms
Feb. 25: portrait study- hair!

Mar. 4: skeleton study- hands
Mar. 11: muscular study- hands, clothing & fabric (draping)
Mar. 18: portrait study- eyes, ¾ view
Mar. 25: gesture/dynamic composition, OR by request

Apr. 1: skeleton study- the torso, clothing & shading
Apr. 8: muscular study- the torso
Apr. 15: portrait study- noses, shadow blocking
Apr. 22: gesture/dynamic composition, OR by request
Apr. 29: gesture/dynamic composition, OR by request

May 6: skeleton study- pelvis & glutes; looking more closely at shadows (parts of the shadow)
May 13: muscular study- pelvis & glutes
May 20: portrait study- hair
May 27: gesture/dynamic composition, OR by request

*Each lesson includes figure drawing, after anatomy study!

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In both segments of class, I draw along with the class and demonstrate our drawing's more difficult aspects such as foreshortening, muscle definition, shading, and clothing.  I encourage students to move quickly through the gesture stage, but then they may work at their own pace to refine their contour lines and add shading.  

Students may chat with one another, within the flow of the lesson.  Several times throughout the class, I'll pause to check in with everyone, but students who want feedback may ask for a drawing check at any time! Our models will be reference photos chosen for their dynamic pose and lighting.  

Intermediate/advanced figure drawing is a class best suited for students who are already fairly comfortable drawing people, and wish to develop more independence and confidence.  Students who prefer to have closer step-by-step instruction during class may be more comfortable in a class from my "Draw Together" series, however this class includes lots of support for students to develop their confidence and their "toolbox" of drawing skills!