How It Works
The primary curriculum is divided into two sequential parts. The initial series, "Drawing the Head & Face," teaches students fundamental drawing techniques and tools in addition to structuring the portrait. The subsequent series, "Drawing the Figure," expands upon the concepts covered in the first. While it's not mandatory to enroll in both series, it is highly recommended to complete the first part before proceeding to the second for a better learning experience.
"This course is the quickest path
to get from zero to 80"
—Jeffrey L., student
Class Curriculum
Drawing the Head and Face
In this curriculum, students learn how to draw an accurate likeness of the human face. Lectures and demonstrations illustrate the basic geometric structures of the skull and facial features, and emphasize the importance of correct proportion and consistent angle of view in a well-constructed portrait.
Portraiture lessons focus on the 4 major facial features, eyes, ears, nose and mouth. Each week, we focus on a different one of these challenging structures and execute multiple drawings from various points of view. We present concepts to help students understand the facial features 3-dimensionally, while discussing relevant anatomical information along the way.
This material encompasses the structural generalities of the human face – the features we all share – and ways in which they can be adjusted to capture the likeness of any particular individual. We don't cover color or color theory, but rather focus on value in black and white. Tools utilized primarily include compressed charcoal, vine charcoal, conté, erasers, blending stumps and newsprint.
Drawing the Figure (Age Appropriate)
Students learn how to draw the human figure with an emphasis on proportion, shape, form and movement.
We focus on basic proportions and proper construction of the human form as well as light and shadow, contour, line, and composition. In-studio drawing exercises are enhanced by demonstrations of how to simplify and assemble the more complex areas of the body.
