Figure Drawing and Anatomy
Six Mondays, March 3 - April 7, 1:00-3:30pm
Cost: $250-$350 sliding scale,* plus supplies (Tuition covers the live model fee)
Learn how to capture the human form in this comprehensive "Figure Drawing and Anatomy" course taught by Don Smith. This class is designed for both beginners and experienced artists looking to refine their skills in creating realistic and accurate life drawings. Along with learning about the specifics of understanding human anatomy for artists, students will also better understand the fundamentals of drawing that are necessary to more accurately draw the human figure.
Key Focus Areas:
Anatomy: Learn how to build the human figure from basic shapes and how to recognize and apply anatomical (skeletal and muscular) benchmarks and construction lines to “build” figures.
Basic Drawing Processes: Develop a strong foundation in page composition, exploring how to arrange elements for balanced and dynamic drawings.
Measuring Techniques: Learn measuring techniques to capture accurate proportions and perspectives, ensuring lifelike representations of the human figure.
Volumetric Shapes: Understand how light, dark, and shadows interact to create volume and to describe solid anatomical forms for more realistic figures.
Foreshortening, Depth, and Perspective: Develop skills in foreshortening to accurately depict the human form in dynamic poses and create perspective in a three-dimensional space.
Lessons from the Masters: Study drawings and traditional drawing principles to gain insights into time-honored techniques and approaches to figure drawing.
Media: Discover drawing media options, including pencils, charcoal, and conte’ crayons to to effectively enhance your artwork, and develop your own individual style.
Throughout the course, students will draw from various models and lengths of poses, in an encouraging, supportive and collaborative learning environment. By the end of the course, you will have developed the confidence and technical skills needed to create anatomically accurate figure drawings.
For questions or to register, please email programs@nohoarts.org. If registering, please include your full name, mailing address, and phone number. Payment may be made in advance via PayPal here or by check to “NCFA” mailed to the Northampton Center for the Arts, PO Box 366, Northampton MA 01061.
*Payments on the upper end of the sliding scale help support our ongoing commitment to accessibility and sliding scale models. If financial assistance is needed, participants may apply for Community Fund support
Supplies:
Materials will be discussed in detail during the first class. For the first session, please bring a pad of drawing paper (newsprint not recommended) at least 16 x 20 or larger, a set of pencils, eraser, and a portable easel if you have one (optional). The cost for supplies need not exceed $20.
About the instructor: Local art students are familiar with Don Smith’s fine art courses offered throughout New England for nearly 20 years. His first class, and one he currently offers is “Drawing from the Classics”, an anatomy class conducted at the Springfield Museum of Art in their plaster casting gallery. He has taught various academic-based painting and drawing courses at the Springfield Museum School, and currently teaches painting and drawing courses at the Hill Institute in Northampton MA, as well as on-line classes, and annual workshops throughout New England. In additional to being a full-time artist and teacher, Don recently joined a non-profit in Willington CT as their new Managing Director to expand visual art education into northeast CT. Don earned a fine art degree from the Maryland Institute College of Art, and the Hoffberger School of Painting in Baltimore MD.