ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

Anatomical knowledge of the human figure is a key element to being able to draw the figure convincingly and expressively. Traditionally taught in art academies, those skills fell out of fashion but are still relevant to today's artists, animators, fashion designers and illustrators. Stuart's use of his 3D digital models brings learning those skills into the 21st century in a compelling and engaging way.

What will I learn?

Using simple forms to break down complex information, we will study the relationship between the skeleton and the major muscle groups, and ways of applying such knowledge to create lifelike figure drawings.

The course will help develop the skills and confidence needed to tackle a range of drawing problems, including handling volume, tone and structure as well as drawing from memory. Students can develop at their own pace as we explore how an awareness of anatomical structure can help to inform and enliven your drawings of the figure.

How will I learn?

The course will consist of mini lectures, slides, demonstrations, examples, practical exercises and drawing practice. The mornings will focus on theory – we will use the digital 3D models and the lifesize skeleton model – while the afternoons will concentrate on drawing practise and consolidating learning using the life model.

You will receive regular feedback from Stuart throughout the course, as and when appropriate, and he will be on hand to help and answer any questions.

Who is the course for?

This course is suitable for all levels, including beginners, and is aimed at anyone who wishes to improve their drawing. It is also relevant to artists and those working in animation & character design, fashion, illustration - or anyone wishing to enter these fields.

Day 1: establishing a basic drawing vocabulary for the figure

This session will be an introduction - or a refresher - on some basic concepts of illusionistic drawing. We will look at basic forms, the concept of gesture, and introduce ourselves to the basic landmarks of the skeleton.

Day 2: building a basic conceptual model of the body

The second day will see us start to break down the complexity of the muscuolo-skeletal structure of the body into easy to remember forms that can be drawn from imagination and also inform our observation from life.

Day 3: Observation

The third day will see us observing the forms of the body more closely while all the while relating this complexity back to a simple conceptual framework. We will also explore issues specific to drawing, such as rendering light and shade, and how such issues intersect with anatomy.

What is included in the fee?

There will be a life model for the afternoon sessions. We will provide easels and boards as well as an adequate supply of paper and charcoal. Additional paper and charcoal will be available to purchase on the day.

Tea and coffee will be provided during breaks.

ABOUT THE TUTOR

Stuart Elliot

Stuart Elliot is a London-based painter whose work is exhibited regularly in the UK and abroad. Stuart writes a 'Figure drawing, anatomy and digital sculpture' blog and is the author of 'Drawing the Nude: Structure, Anatomy and Observation' which is to be published by Crowood Press later on this year. He is is also a lecturer on the BA Fine Art course at Central Saint Martins College, UAL* and regularly runs anatomical drawing workshops as part of UAL*'s programme of part-time courses.

www.anatomydrawing.tumblr.com

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All images courtesy of Stuart Elliot