Course
FIGURE
The importance of working from the figure model cannot be overstated. A true understanding of the fundamental principles of figurative art – proportion, volume, gesture, values, edges and colour – can only really be taught and learnt by working from life, and especially from the life model.
Term dates & pricesWorking from a life model
In the history of art education, working from the model was often considered the highest form of art and the foundation for all other aspects of drawing and painting. Students were expected to understand and draw the figure before they could move on to other subjects. This is not because it is the easiest but, conversely, because it is the most challenging discipline. Once a student has mastered the figure, all other subjects are relatively easy – portraiture, landscape, still life, composition, colour etc.
Course overview
At London Fine Art Studios, students first work from the plaster cast as part of the Foundation Course. However, if you sign up for more than 1 day a week, we complement cast drawing with work from the life model. This allows you to apply what you are learning from the plaster cast (Proportion, Gesture and Values) to the figure model. Whilst the model may move slightly and has flesh tones which can confuse value patterns, the approach should remain the same. Proportion is followed by gesture, then value patterns are established, and finally edges and modelling are considered.
Students on the Figure Course begin by working in charcoal on packing paper; they move into massing-in and chiaroscuro on quality paper in week 3 & 4. By the end of their first term, they may be working on toned paper with sanguine, chalk or pastels. Students can also move on to grisaille paintings and a limited palette in the second term.
We run a sketch club every Monday of term time, 4:35-6:20pm. Tickets are £8 (£6 for full-time students) and can be purchased from the school shop.
Recommended Further Studies
We encourage students to compliment their studies by taking the time to visit exhibitions and practice sketching in museums. In addition, the Studios host a range of events throughout the term aimed at enhancing the artist’s understanding of their craft and the tradition that they are working within.
We recommend the following books:
Henry Yan’s Figure Drawing Techniques and Tips – Henry Yan
Drawing the Female Form – G.B. Bridgman & Ben Pinchot
Bridgman’s Life Drawing – G.B. Bridgman
The Human Machine – G.B. Bridgman
Life Class the Academic Male Nude – Stephen Boyd, Edward Lucie-Smith
The Human Figure – John H. Vanderpoel
