This class provides a step-by-step approach to drawing figures from life. Working on the same drawing over the course of 12 weeks, students will learn how to proportionally represent and render a figure in graphite or charcoal. Using comparative measurement and simple linear statements, students will begin by capturing the basic contour information, and then slowly add more details as they divide light and shadow. Once the linear process is complete, students will transfer to a new sheet of paper and begin rendering. Working general to specific, students will build up the form of the figure using ‘planes’ (a flattening of rounded forms), gradually breaking down bigger planes into smaller ones, eventually fusing the planes to create a unified whole.
Throughout the class, a heavy emphasis will be put on the structure of a figure from an anatomical standpoint and how this relates to form, giving students an understanding of what they are looking at.
John’s teaching method includes one on one critiques, demos, and lectures, where necessary.
The figures will be started in graphite and rendered in either charcoal or graphite.