perspective | life drawing S'19

A contour line alone will not add volume. For a clearer understanding of the body's three-dimensional form, hold up your box of charcoal, tilting it at the same angle as the upper and then the lower part of the torso. Notice how shadows, in this drawing, emphasize the flat surface of each. 

Ira

In this exercise, students construct the figure, by drawing blocks, and begin with the nearest body part. The tendency of drawing heads that are monumental in size, will give way to beefier legs and feet, by following a basic rule of linear perspective - what is closer appears larger.  

Xuan

David

blocks | life drawing S'18

Drawing the figure three-dimensionally takes a shift in focus. Whereas contour lines can flatten the figure, blocks give a new understanding of volume, balance, and lighting.

Shromona

Matt

Ayako

blocks in the figure | life drawing S'16

There are no straight lines in the figure. Yet reducing its form to simple geometric volumes brings a greater understanding of perspective. While students usually start with the upper body, even when doing a gesture drawing, beginning with the feet and the legs - which in this case are closest to the viewer - will highlight their grander scale.

Mansueta

Caroline

Rex

Kayla

the three-dimensional figure | life drawing f'14

Paula's first drawing impresses us with its character, but lacks a pair of feet. Once again these lowbrow appendages get ignored, mostly relegated to the wings, as the head and the torso takes center stage. Not so when Paula constructs a three-dimensional figure. The foot now emerges into the glare of the spotlight - and with a more commanding presence. Bravo!! 

Paula's drawing on the third day of class