About
Figure drawing has fascinated artists from every civilization since before recorded time, going all the way back to cave paintings. Although every human body is fundamentally the same, and we experience the world through our bodies every single day, the complexities of understanding and portraying human anatomy elude most of us. In this introductory class, we will break down the fundamental aspects of how to draw the figure.
What to Expect:
- Drawing Techniques: We will cover the basic foundations of observing shapes and objects in the world and translating that onto paper.
- Materials: We will use a range of dry media to create lines, shapes, texture, and shadow on paper.
- Anatomy: We will analyze how the body can be simplified into gestural marks for quick studies and rendered anatomical masses for longer poses.
- Teaching Material: References will be provided via Dropbox and YouTube links.
Skills Learned:
- Seeing: At least half of the drawing process comes from being able to examine and understand visual relationships in front of you.
- Drawing: We will learn how to transfer our understanding of visual relationships from the brain to a 2-dimensional surface.
Why Attend:
- Perfect for beginner and intermediate artists seeking to learn figure drawing. Previous drawing experience is useful but not essential.
Who Should Attend:
- Anyone who is captivated by the human body!
This class is designed to complement our Life Drawing classes at Maplewood House, providing a foundational understanding of figure drawing for those interested in exploring the human form in greater detail.
What You Need to Bring:
(Approximate total cost: $75)
- Graphite drawing pencils (e.g., Staedtler), set of 10-12 (elastic band recommended to keep them organized)
- Graphite stick (also called graphite crayon), preferably 6B or darker
- White eraser
- Kneaded eraser (grey)
- Blending stump and a handful of Q-tips or cotton pads
- 0.5 Micron, Uniball, or Staedtler drawing pens
- Metal pencil sharpener
- Sketchbook: Hardbound, 9”x12” or 8”x11”, 160 sheets (avoid coil-ring books; they fall apart, and graphite smears easily). Smaller sketchbook (3”x5” or 5”x7”) is optional but recommended. Write your name and contact information inside ($15).
- Two 2” wide binder clips (also called bulldog clips)
- Conté Crayon (black), 3 pieces (a dense alternative to compressed charcoal)
- Retractable utility knife (e.g., Olfa brand)
- Can of spray fixative (e.g., Krylon brand) or hairspray
- Toolbox or large fishing tackle box for storing supplies
15% discount for North Van Arts Members.
Become a member and unlock a world of benefits! As part of your membership, you’ll enjoy a 15% discount on select Arts Education Adult & Youth classes and workshops.
Here’s how to get started:
- Membership: Become a member of North Van Arts to access exclusive perks.
- Discount Code: Call us at 604-988-6844 to receive your unique discount code.
- Redeem Discount: Remember, you must be a member before receiving the discount. Once you have your code, simply follow these steps to apply the 15% off:
- Browse the available Adult & Youth classes and workshops.
- During the checkout process, you’ll find a field to enter your coupon code. Enter the code and apply it.
- Your 15% discount will be automatically calculated and reflected in your total purchase amount.
Ready to enhance your artistic journey? Join today and take advantage of this incredible offer.
