Workshops

 
 
 

Life Drawing Workshop

Pacific Art League - 668 Ramona Street, Palo Alto

Wednesday Dec 1st & 15th 2022, 1pm - 4pm

Cost: $150

 

Sketching the figure from life is the surest way to add vitality to your artistic expression. This workshop introduces a variety of drawing and painting materials, basics of human proportions, and several approaches to capturing the essence of the model in our studio.

 

Examples Life Drawing Short Pose Sketches

 

Class Description: 

Darren will demonstrate sketching the unclothed model in short poses, capturing the gesture of the subject, then provide input as students do the same.  We will then go over a methodology for more finished drawings with long poses of the male and female model. Other topics introduced during the workshop includes a survey of drawing materials and tools, painting hacks for quick poses, exercises for honing your drawing skills at home, basics of human proportions and why it’s good to know, how to use art measuring tools, recommended artists texts, and online references of master drawings and figure poses.

This class is for both beginners and experienced artists interested in getting back into the classroom and adding fresh skills to their working method.  Workshop attendees are encouraged to follow up with a series course and/or drop-in life drawing.

Recommended Materials:

  • 18x24” sketch pad (newsprint or white sketch paper)

  • 2 large soft charcoal sticks (recommend Nitram 12mm)

  • Several medium/thin soft charcoal, willow, or vine sticks

  • Several soft charcoal pencils (Generals #6 or equivalent)

  • Soft black Conte a Paris crayon (¼ “ x 2 ½ “)

  • Chamois, kneaded eraser, and medium tip eraser pencil

  • Large paper blending stump and paper towels

  • Sandpaper for shaping charcoal

  • Prospek proportional divider (or Derwent equivalent)

  • Pencil extender and charcoal/conte holder

*Students may borrow or purchase materials from the instructor

Handouts and Resources:

  • Proportion diagrams for male and female models

  • Artist anatomical diagram of major muscle groups

  • Sample printouts of master figure drawings

  • Highlights from Vanderpoel, Bridgeman, and Loomis texts

  • Online master drawings and figure references with practice suggestions