FIGURE & GESTURE FOR INTERMEDIATES

- Exploring Techniques with a Life Model

*PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE FOR THIS COURSE contact info@lifedrawingsessions.com.au to arrange*

Course Overview

The Figure & Gesture Course for Intermediates is our follow on course from our Beginner Course. It is designed to enhance your drawing skills through the study of a life model, for students that have started their practice and want to evolve and develop a better understanding of drawing techniques.

For the course of 6 weeks each session will focus on a different topic, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of various techniques and concepts in drawing that you’ve already addressed during our first drawing course. The classes will consist of a combination of short poses and long poses to allow for exploration and practice of different aspects of drawing.

COURSE OUTLINE

WEEK 1 | Chiaroscuro

From the beginning we will be working with the concept of chiaroscuro (the use of light and shadow). We will study the life model’s pose with emphasis on light and shadow and learn to look for differences between the two. Through experimentation with shading techniques we will begin to create depth and form.

WEEK 2 | Anatomy (introduction of human body anatomy)

Here we start to delve deeper into the parts that make up the human body. We take a look at the basic human anatomy relevant to drawing. This session we focus on studying the life model’s pose with a focus on understanding and capturing anatomical features. We will explore techniques to represent muscles, bones, and proportions accurately.

WEEK 3 | Proportion and Measurements

In our third week we return to practicing techniques for measuring and comparing different body parts. Using our new understanding of Anatomy and Chiaroscuro plus our measuring techniques we learnt in the Beginner Drawing Course we start to gain a more comprehensive view of the human figure and how to apply what we see to paper. Focusing on the principles of proportion in figure drawing is fundamental to be able to create a believable representation of the figure.

WEEK 4 | Lines and Gesture

Re-introducing the use of line and gesture in drawing is our focus for Week Four. We will study the life model’s poses with an emphasis on capturing movement and fluidity. Here we will experiment with different line weights and styles to convey energy and gesture.

WEEK 5 | Composition

Week Five we arrive to explore composition techniques in figure drawing. Studying the life model’s poses within different compositional frameworks. How best to fit the figure on the page and ensure they stay on the page will all be addressed. There will be an analysis of how to create visually appealing and balanced compositions.

WEEK 6 | Chiaroscuro and Anatomy Integration

The final week we will recap the chiaroscuro techniques learned in Week One. We will spend the lesson on one long pose, studying the life model’s pose with a focus on combining chiaroscuro and anatomical understanding. Advanced exploration of shading techniques and rendering to create realistic and expressive figures will be applied.

COURSE DURATION | 6 weeks

LOCATION | Dust Temple, 54 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin, 4223, QLD.

WHEN | Wednesday evenings September 6th - Oct 4th + Monday October 2nd

TIME | 6:00 - 9:00 pm

DATES | Sep 6, 13, 20, 27, Oct 2 & 4

COST | $395

MATERIALS REQUIRED | 

• Cartridge Paper A3

• Pencil HB, B, 2B, 4B + Pencil Sharpener

• Kneaded Eraser

• Willow Charcoal

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Basic drawing skills; some experience in figure drawing (see our FIGURE & GESTURE course for beginners if you are starting from the beginning), knowledge of proportion, basic shapes, lines, and shading.

By the end of the course, you will have furthered your foundational skills in drawing techniques with a life model. Developed an understanding of chiaroscuro, anatomy, proportion, lines, gesture, and composition. You will be equipped with the skills to create compelling and accurate figure drawings.

About your instructor IRENE MESSIA

Irene was born and trained in Rome. She studied art at Mario Mafai Art School during this time Irene did additional external studies attending the three -year painting course of the master Giovanni Arcangeli at San Giacomo Art school in Rome.

When she finished school, she spent the next few years pursuing training at various art institutions including the Art Academy of Rome and then the University RomeTre where she studied ‘History of Art’ and graduated in 2014. Immediately after graduation Irene moved to Australia. 

In 2017 Irene lived  in London where she painted various large scale wall commissions. She also worked as a studio and painter assistant.

In 2019 Irene came back to Australia, where she now lives and practices her art.