The workshop is a contemporary analysis of the one of the greatest drawings of all time. Michelangelo is a founding ancestor in the lineage of drawing in the Western tradition. His figure studies for the Sistine Chapel ceiling demonstrate the highest level of craft in shape, line and shading. The clarity of his expression in red chalk conveys his sublime sculptural vision. The careful study of his work cannot but impart some of this craft and vision to us.


This workshop will review basic figure drawing, beginning with the envelope and block-in. Each day will start with a two-hour instructor demo, which will cover shape, movement, form and light. Then students will spend the rest of the day working on their own master copies with guidance from Tony.


Anthony Ryder studied painting and drawing with Ted Seth Jacobs in New York City and in France from 1983 to 1989. In 1998 he wrote and illustrated The Artist’s Complete Guide to Figure Drawing (Watson-Guptill, 2000). His work is based on a synthesis of observation and painting theory.