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 even better than I imagined. I really enjoyed drawing the models. We focused on something new every day.
–Student of Figure Drawing
"I was able to learn a lot and created some pieces with materials that were out of my comfort zone and I was very happy with how they turned out."
–Student of Figure Drawing
| Course start date | |
| Course end date | |
| Class meeting time | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CT |
| Class meeting days | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday |
| Building and room | 280 Building Room 318 |
| Course number | 1087 |
| Course instructor | Shonna Renee Pryor |