A Structural Approach to Foreshortening with Brian Knox

Join instructor Brian Knox for a 3-day exploration of foreshortening.
Foreshortening is the illusion of depth in a drawing. Foreshortened Figure Drawing will focus on figure poses with elements coming directly toward or away from the viewer. Often considered one of the more difficult aspects of figure drawing, this class will approach the foreshortened figure in a logical and easy to understand way that is designed for beginning and intermediate students alike.

This workshop will emphasize drawing concepts that are critical to foreshortening, such as: comparative measurement, plumb lines, negative shapes, angles, basic shapes and one’s ability to visualize them from any angle, overlap, perspective, diminution, and more. If you want to enhance your ability to draw the foreshortened figure, then this workshop is for you!

Schedule

Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10.00 to 17:00
Lunch break from 13:00 to 14:00

Program

Each session will start with an instructor demonstration followed by individualized instruction as students work on their own drawings. Both photo reference and models will be utilized.

Day 1

Session 1: Meet and greet. Figure foreshortening principles explained (photo ref)
Session 2: Focus on foreshortening of individual limbs and torso (photo ref)

Day 2

Session 1: Figure drawing w/ emphasis on foreshortening (model)
Session 2: Figure drawing w/ emphasis on foreshortening (model)

Day 3

Session 1: Figure drawing w/ emphasis on foreshortening (model)
Session 2: Figure drawing w/ emphasis on foreshortening (model)

Materials

Instructor demonstrations will be done with Wolff’s Carbon 6B charcoal pencil and a kneaded eraser on smooth newsprint A2 (18x24"). 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.