Florence, Italy - Course Descriptions - Figure Drawing

Course Information

Contact Hours and Credits

Availability

Summary

Using live nude and costumed models, on-site visits to draw from sculptures, and street life in Florence, students will study the anatomical and structural dynamics of the human figure. This course will emphasize the role of the human figure in both traditional and contemporary art. Materials used include pencil, charcoal, conte and wash drawing. Class meets 2 times per week, 3 hours per class. Students can arrange open studio hours during other times during the week, including evenings and weekends.

Full Description

Students practice their figure drawing techniques

This class is intended to provide the student of figure drawing with the technical information necessary to draw the single human figure convincingly in various positions. This is an essential course for those who seek to understand the role of the figure in traditional and contemporary art. This course will utilize live models in class and on-site visits to draw from sculpture, street life, and the ongoing pageant of urban life that is Florence. Materials include pencil, charcoal, Conte crayon, and wash drawing. Students can arrange open studio hours during other times during the week, including evenings and weekends.The exercises are primarily designed to stimulate seeing the figure in its’ entirety and apply methods of measurement that allow the student to manipulate the visual information with knowledge and confidence.

In this regard, drawing from observation with the live model is stressed, but certain theoretical concerns such as classical symmetry, proportion and anatomical annotations are addressed as well. The class is conducted in a variety of media suitable to the character of the individual lesson.

Upon completion of the course the student should enjoy a firm grasp on the formal concerns of drawing the single human figure in its’ entirety. Realizing from observation a balanced and credible figure in a standing, seated and reclining position should be possible. As well, the student should be able to assemble constructs from memory that suggest the figure in the basic abstract relationships of its’ parts.

Prerequisites

Drawing I & II.

Instructor Stephen Samerjan

Instructor

The Figure Drawing class is instructed by Stephen Samerjan.

Schedule

General Outline and Class Meetings

• Introduction, course description, purpose and goals, grading and attendance policy, materials and practical considerations.
• Open drawing. Observation and class discussion regarding the results. Explanation of methodology and drawing as a form of language. Drawing a simple form: the circle and overlapping forms – figure ground relationships.
• Seeing large forms: Outline and silhouette.
• Drawing In Line, Contour, Constructs and Visual Measurement.
• Contour, Rapid Contour, Rapid Contour with Brush
• Body Forms /The Figure as Construct of Smaller Units, Body Forms / Large Geometrical Overlaps
• Basis for Foreshortening / The Naked eye and the Drawing Machine
• Visual Measurement of Angles
• Overlapping and exaggerated measurement the basis for foreshortening.
• Drawing The Model From Memory
• Rotating Model – Rotating Students
• Simple Movement – Weight Shift and Double Pose
• Mixing Techniques – Outline, Contour and Constructs
• Classical Drawing Method, Proportion and Symmetry
• Modeling/Relief, Shadow, Tone and Contour
• Final Portfolio Presentations

Facilities

The Limonaia's skylights allow students to work under natural light

The painting and drawing studio, the "Limonaia", is a 600 sq. ft. studio with skylights, storage area, and direct access to the courtyard. Depending on the classes given it is configured with either large work tables or easels. Classes in drawing and painting are also held in the annex space on Via Santa Reparata. All studios at Santa Reparata are fully air conditioned and heated.

Required Supplies and Tools

Students supply their own materials, that can be purchased at nearby art supply stores. Materials will include, charcoal, pastel, pencil, and some water media. before departing for Italy students will receive a list of required materials so that they can bring some with them if they wish. There is no lab fee for this course.