Block Figure Study 6x9" Graphite on paper

This year I’ve been concentrating my art classes on anatomy and the human form.  So far it’s been great.  Currently I’m in between classes, so my figure studies at home are concentrating on form rather than on a live model.  Tonight I decided on a pair of block style figures.

18 x 24 Charcoal on toned paper

Nude Study 18 x 24 Charcoal on toned paper

Today was the last day of our figure drawing class.  We all learned so much.  Although I didn’t get a chance to finish this piece, I certainly learned a lot about techniques.  I have to say it’s been an amazing semester.   The rest of this evening will be spent working on my portrait commission.

Figure Drawing Class

Despite two hours of solid sleep last night, I had a great day, but then again it’s always great when I get  to go to art school.  I’ve taken classes in the past but spent to many years passively learning and not getting very far.  This year is different.  This year I am focusing on the human form and truly trying to push myself toward new capabilities.

Today is the third session with our fantastic model.  Good art models are actually quite hard to come by.  One reason is that they’re are few people who can stand completely still, and I mean completely…still for long periods of time.  Moreover, the model has to get back into the exact position after breaks.  This means reenacting the same exact turning, tilting and positioning from every angle of the room.  A great model does all this week after week and understands the nuances of altering ones ribcage, just an inch, when asked, without moving the rest of his body.  Our model does it all.  There is nothing more frustrating than a model who comes back after a break and has their torso or elbow 4 inches of Axis.  You have to erase your whole drawing to reposition the main axis points.  Our teacher has no patience for continuing to draw last weeks position.  If the model moves we have to move with them, which starts with a lot of erasing.  But what a great exercise that has been as well.  Learning to be flexible and nimble with a drawing has a beauty to itself.  I see great things ahead, once I’m much better, when that will make all the difference in the world.

Although we have one more session with him, I will be at the National Portraiture Convention for four days next weekend and won’t be able to attend.  So, today I spent the entire session trying to wrap up as much as I could and learn as much as possible in the process.  Today I learned about the difference between drawing anatomically and drawing the skin and how to understand the nuances between them.

I also love this class because the students are just great. Unlike many other classes, everyone is focused and there to learn.  I just love the atmosphere.  I have included a couple of my fellow students working on their angles as well.  It’s hard to believe there is only a few weeks before the end of the semester.  Looks like I’ll be signing up for Summer school : )

Academic Drawing Class 4/18/09

Academic Drawing Class 4/18/09