ART 14 - Figure Drawing I

Transfer Status

CSU/UC

Unit(s)

3.00

• Lecture: 25.50 Contact hours/51.00 Out of class hours/76.50 Total hours/1.50 Unit(s)
• Lab: 76.50 Contact hours/0.00 Out of class hours/76.50 Total hours/1.50 Unit(s)
• Total: 102.00 Contact hours/51.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course is an introduction to drawing the human figure from observation using a wide variety of drawing media and techniques. Topics include an introduction to human anatomy and the historical and contemporary roles of figure drawing in the visual arts. Students in this course will learn both descriptive and interpretive approaches to drawing the figure. Students will draw from clothed, draped, and live nude models. (C-ID ARTS 200).

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Create observational drawings from the live figure model in a wide range of drawing media.
2. Develop expressive content through manipulation of line, form, value, composition, posture, and anatomical proportions.
3. Evaluate and critique class projects using relevant terminology in oral or written formats.
4. Examine and describe the major historical, contemporary, and critical trends in figure drawing.
5. Demonstrate the successful development and application of proportion, sighting, measurement, and foreshortening.
6. Demonstrate gesture drawing and massing of form using line and value.
7. Apply volume and form to the human figure using structural and planar analysis.
8. Develop compositional strategies using the human figure.

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

Lab

1. Demonstrations
2. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
3. Lecture
4. Problem-Solving Sessions
5. Reading Assignments

1. Exams/Tests
2. Portfolios
3. Projects
4. Homework
5. Class participation
6. Written Assignments

Reading Assignments

1. Read Chapter 4 on muscles in the class text Anatomy For The Artist by Sara Simblet. In your sketchbook, note the pertinent muscles that make up the upper leg. Bring to class and be prepared to discuss.
2. Using the internet, research drawing the proportions of the human figure in art. Read and print two short articles (1 to 2 pages) discussing this topic. Bring these to class to discuss and share in small groups.

Writing Assignments

1. Read the chapter "Structure of the Human Body" in Anatomy For The Artist by Sara Simblet. Answer the questions on the question sheets given out in class. Bring the question sheets to class for discussion.
2. Pick a Contemporary figure artist and write a short 2-page description of the artist and their work. Bring to class and make a short presentation. Include some examples of the artist's work.

Out-of-Class Assignments

1. Work on two full-figure drawings, one male and one female (can be a live model or a book reference picture). Use conte crayon on one drawing and compressed charcoal on the other. Approximate size 18" x 24".
2. Create a gesture drawing from a model using short action poses (30 seconds to 1 1/2 min). Use a variety of media including compressed charcoal, pencil, felt-tip pens and vine charcoal.

Zeller, R. (2017). The Figurative Artist's Handbook: A Contemporary Guide to Figure Drawing, Painting, and Composition. Monacelli Studio, 1st. 9781580934527.

Other Learning Materials

Various drawing materials such as pencils, chalk, ink, charcoal, paper, etc.

Art (Masters Required)