Working from the nude model, students learn how to draw the human form from direct observation. Class exercises include fast movement and long-duration poses as well as content from other visual sources including photographs and the imagination. The essential elements of life drawing, including anatomy, proportion, volume, composition, gesture, and the accurate and expressive use of line and tone are addressed to provide a focus for increasing skill. Students work with black and white dry media, such as graphite, charcoal, and conte crayon to realistically render subjects from direct observation. In addition, students explore experimental approaches such as blind contour drawing and drawing from memory. Focus is placed on both traditional drawing modes as well as individual creativity so each student can investigate their own ideas. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, presentations on historic and contemporary artists, and critiques supplement the studio experience. This course is recommended for both beginners and those wanting to improve and develop their current skills and ideas.
“It was challenging in a way that I didn't know observative drawing could be! Every new drawing was a new opportunity and there was no second guessing.”
–Figure Drawing Student
“Challenging but not too frustrating, I felt like I definitely improved my figure drawing during the class.”
–Figure Drawing Student
Registration deadline: July 5 at noon
| Course start date | |
| Course end date | |
| Class meeting time | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Class meeting days | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday |
| Building and room | 280 Building, 321 |
| Course number | 1159 |
| Course instructor | Shonna Renee Pryor |