Constructive Figure Drawing: Form Analysis, Dynamic Anatomy, and Light Logic
Class | FULL
Instruction Medium: Charcoal, pastel, or colored pencil
In this 10-week figure drawing class we'll focus on understanding the volumetric structure of the human figure through an emphasis on construction, design, anatomy, and light logic. Students will be introduced to the principles of construction in order to understand how to model form convincingly (both from observation and from imagination) and to the key elements of dynamic anatomy (where gesture informs structure). The class will include demonstrations, lectures, drawing from the live model, and plenty of hands-on individual feedback. All levels are welcome.
Topics we will cover include:
- the general model and the basic lay-in
- the key anatomical landmarks of the body
- gesture, transitions, and flow
- form analysis and maintaining core integrity
- connective strategies: overlaps, wedging, and interlocking
- the rhythms of the body
- exploration of dynamic and functional anatomy
- light logic, the 2-value system, and form modeling
MISC:
- Utility Knife or X-Acto knife (for sharpening pencils)
PAPER AND PENCILS:
There is no “best” paper or pencil: what matters is the paper + pencil combination. Some pencils go great with certain kinds of paper, but not so much with others. Below are some recommendations:
PAPER (choose one):
- Newsprint 18” x 24” pad , OR
- Sketch (bond) paper 18" x 24” pad (Strathmore Sketch pad or Canson XL pads are good choices)
PENCIL (bring a selection):
- Charcoal Pencils (2B or 4B) – works with either paper choice above (General’s and Ritmos are good brands) Charcoal Pencils (2B or 4B) – works with either paper choice above (General’s and Ritmos are good brands). Conte Pierre Noire pencils (2B) are also a good option.
- Pastel Pencils – also works with either paper choice above (Stabillo Carbothello, Conte, or Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel are good brands – pick a neutral or earth-color hue; avoid overly saturated, bright, or light colors)
- Wax-based color pencils – works with Sketch (bond) Paper (Progresso Woodless Colored Pencils, Faber-Castell Polychromos, and Primacolor Premier are good brands – pick a neutral or earth-color hue; avoid overly saturated, bright, or light colors)