Figure & Head Drawing Fundamentals with Brian Knox
Strong fundamentals are key to successful drawing. Join instructor Brian Knox for a 3 day exploration of the fundamentals of head and figure drawing.
Brian uses a 4 step drawing process where each step builds on the one before it. He starts with a simple rhythmical gesture to establish the overall flow of the pose while establishing the length and width of key points of the body. Then structure is added by using basic shapes to show how the pose sits in three-dimensional space.
Using the gesture and structure as a guide, anatomical information is then added with an emphasis on overlap to create depth. Finally, lighting will be added with shadow mapping, which uses shape and edge to describe the transitions between light and shadow to reveal 3D form.
Each session will include an instructor demonstration followed by individualized instruction as students work on their own drawings.
Note: Instructor demonstrations will be primarily focused on construction and will only include rendering if time permits.
Schedule
Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10.00 to 17:00
Lunch break from 13:00 to 14:00
Program
Day 1:
- Session 1: Meet and greet, supplies, mark making, perspective/basic shapes
- Session 2: Head Drawing demo: basic construction, front, ¾, profile views.
Day 2:
- Session 1: Head Drawing demo: construction, facial features, lighting (shadow mapping).
- Session 2: Figure Drawing demo: gesture and structure.
Day 3:
- Session 1: Figure Drawing demo: gesture, structure, anatomy, lighting (shadow mapping).
- Session 2: Figure Drawing demo: gesture, structure, anatomy, lighting (shadow mapping).
Materials
Instructor demonstrations will be done with Wolff’s Carbon 6B charcoal pencil and a kneaded eraser on smooth newsprint. Students are welcome to use either charcoal or graphite with their preferred paper. Note: Rough newsprint is not recommended.
Atelier note: See our materials list to find options where to buy smooth newsprint and Wolff's Carbon pencils.
