Figure Drawing: Theory & Practice

“He who does not master the nude cannot understand the principles of architecture” – Michelangelo

Artists Joseph Brickey and Niki Covington are back for an encore — an enlightening introduction to the theory and practice of figure drawing! October 10th will include a lecture covering theory, and the 11th will feature study from a live model in a studio setting.

Course Description

Considering the human figure as the templum primoris of classical design, we will begin with a historic overview of canons of human proportion, demonstrating how throughout time the human figure has been emblematic of aesthetic concepts and paradigmatic of normative values. Extracting the essence of these concepts, we will construct a measured human figure using only basic drafting instruments (pencil, straight edge, compass).

The following day, we will continue our study while drawing from the live model, merging concepts of archetypal anatomy and artistic expression through methods of drawing from life and the keen observation of nature.

Materials

For the first day we will use materials for note taking & basic drafting (compass & straight edge), including midsize drawing paper (around 9”x12” to 12”x16”).

Materials needed for the second day:

• Drawing paper (around 18”x24,” can be toned if preferred)
• Drawing board (to hold 18”x24” paper—board usually about 23”x26”)
• Eraser (kneaded eraser recommended, plus another of choice, such as Tombow Mono Zero)
• Drawing instruments (pencil/lead holder with about 3 kinds of lead is recommended: 4B-2B, B-HB, 4H-7H), or erasable colored pencils (Prismacolor Col-erase recommended, colors such as brown, dark brown, terra-cotta, etc), or charcoal/pastel/conte/chalk, etc.
• Sharpening instrument (such as a razor, sandpaper, etc).
• Other/Optional: Measuring tool, such as a knitting needle, and a small handheld/makeup mirror.

This course approaches the study of the human figure from the structural point of view, utilizing anatomical landmarks to conceptualize and build the form from within — as well as the study of old master’s drawings and artistic precedent to strengthen interpretive skills and design ability. These are the first steps in developing the capacity to leave the realm of visual appearance, and embark on drawing from the mind with the goal of expressing — not only the correct measure of the body, but its qualitative meaning.

This event is hosted by an ICAA Chapter. Please check the Chapter website, or contact the Chapter directly, for the most up-to-date details including dates, times, and pricing.