Figure Drawing: The Path from Observation to Intuition
M Longo
$730
The human figure is one of the most challenging subjects to capture, complex in structure and rich with subtlety. Bringing what we see to the page with both expressiveness and accuracy takes time and practice. While figure drawing can take years to master, it isn’t reserved for a select few with innate talent; it’s an achievable pursuit for anyone willing to observe deeply and work with intention. This class welcomes both beginning and experienced artists, offering practical tools and approaches to build confidence, accuracy, and an authentic artistic voice. We will train the eye to see the figure in space, translating what is truly observed rather than assumed. Students will explore expressive gesture drawings and longer studies emphasizing structure, tonal rendering, and form. The course also includes focused studies of the head, its planes, proportions, and the nuances that bring a portrait to life.
Required Supplies
Paper
- 18’ x 24” newsprint or bond drawing pad
- A few2 18”X 24” sheets of toned paper: gray, slate blue, or brown toned. These will be for the longer poses for the value/long pose weeks.
Drawing Materials
- Contѐ crayon or charcoal pencils (black) or compressed charcoal.
- Faber Castell Colored Pencil (Polychromos brand) or black China Marker/Grease Pencil or Lyra color-giants colored pencil. (no animation colored pencils, no graphite pencils)
- General's Jumbo Compressed Charcoal Sticks (wide, set of 3 assorted hardness)
- Vine or Willow Charcoal (preferably medium size, not super thin, and medium-soft in hardness) Drawing Materials Optional
- Sanguine colored contѐ
- Paper stumps
- Large Lyra brand hexagonal graphite stick. 4B or higher.
Other
- Kneaded eraser (gum eraser would be fine too)
- Chamois cloth (optional)
- Pencil sharpener or utility knife