the first class | drawing the figure S'20

This gesture shows Nicole's energetic line. Yet, a few things are missing. Without the legs, how can we tell what the person is doing? The human body is a three-dimensional form, but not here. Sure enough, with a lesson on gesture drawing (and an upbeat soundtrack), I witness an exuberant transformation.   

Nicole

Nicole

Nicole

dancing | drawing f'19

Wendy and Edwin are so inspiring. After posting my own drawings to Instagram, I want to acknowledge a talented group of students, since this is their fifth and final class of figure drawing.  

Renee

Wendy

Wendy

Ava

Mekea

Renee

Yingying

Delia

movement | drawing & life drawing S'19

Lines dance in every body type. 

David

Mira

Mira

Xuan

Xuan

figure drawing | drawing f'18

"Art is not what you see but what you make others see." - Edgar Degas

Jinjing

Taryn

Louise

Michael

Kohdai

start of the semester quote

Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no art.  

-Leonardo da Vinci

Student work

Student work

Student work

practice | drawing sp'17

When a line quickly navigates a stoic expression, or a curvaceous silhouette, the outcome can look effortless. But don't be fooled. It takes hours of chaotic endeavor. Plug away, and experiment with the charcoal. Press down, lighten up, rotate your wrist, and keep your eyes on the model. A medley of failed attempts confirms that you are off to a great start. The examples below are from the fourth or fifth life drawing session:

Julian

Julian's first drawing

Alex

Alex's first drawing

focus | life drawing f'16

When drawing two models, how do you maintain a focus?  

Notice how these two are fighting for our attention. When I pointed this out, Youmee did something that made a difference. 

Youmee

start of the semester quote | life drawing F'16

In the following excerpt, from a TED talk by the Korean writer, Young-ha Kim, switch the word "writing" for drawing and you have one indisputable explanation for importance of gestures.

"...The reason I make them write like crazy is because when you write slowly and lots of thoughts cross your mind, the artistic devil creeps in. This devil will tell you hundreds of reasons why you can't write: "People will laugh at you. This is not good writing! What kind of sentence is this? Look at your handwriting!" It will say a lot of things. You have to run fast so the devil can't catch up..."

Mika

Yoomee

Mansueta

clothed figure | life drawing S'16

Attention to both line and values are seen in these gesture drawings. With the same model, each student's distinct hand is clearly visible. 

Kylah

                                                                                Caroline  

                                                                                Rex

life drawing | drawing S'16

The figure was the focus for four classes. Gestures led to contours, combined with values, and then to portraiture. While there was plenty to learn in a short period of time, what emerged was each student's own expressive potential. 

Elley

Kaitlyn

Jaqui

Maria

gestures | life drawing S'16

The essence of a figure drawing is in that first line. Whether using the tip or the side of a piece of charcoal, or whether you press down or keep a light touch, think movement. Stand up. Show a command of the paper. Acknowledge the vitality that both defines and attracts us - and then interpret it. 

Jim

Helen

day one | life drawing S'16

The first step in life drawing is an awareness that the stick of charcoal, which you are gripping far too tightly, has both a point and a side to it. 

Kayla's first ten minute and then one minute drawing before the lesson.

Followed by a one minute gesture drawing 

that shows more attention to the line.

Spencer's first ten minute and one minute 

drawing before the lesson.

Followed by a beautiful one minute gesture drawing, using the side of the charcoal.