Fundamentals of Figure Drawing for Kids

Beginner and Intermediate Curriculum

Classes are 8 sessions over 4 weeks. All sessions are 90 minutes.

Session 1: Gesture drawing and proportion

COURSE ORIENTATION: Q&A and materials review
GESTURE DRAWING: Quick and accurate placement
PROPORTIONS: Measuring negative space
CONTOUR DRAWING: Learning how to see
LONG POSE 1: Use what you've learned
LONG POSE 2: Once more, with feeling

Session 2: Volume and structure

VOLUME & STRUCTURE: Stick figure to full figure
TORSO/FRONT: Figure in seated pose
TORSO/BACK: Figure in contrapposto pose
ARMS: Highlight muscle groups, shoulder to wrist
LEGS: Highlight muscle groups, waist to ankle
FEET: Block method, from the ankle
HANDS: Stick and block method, from the wrist

Session 3: Head and neck

HEAD & NECK: (The Loomis method) facing forward
HEAD & NECK: Profile view
HEAD & NECK: Tilted up and down
SHORT POSES: Angles and expressions
LONG POSE: Head and hands

Session 4: Facial expression

CRAFTING A CHARACTER: Suggestive facial features
FACIAL EXPRESSION: The five emotions
STRUCTURE OF THE EYE: Subtlety of indication
MASTERING THE NOSE: Hard line to soft contours
THE MOUTH: Base of emotional expression
EARS: Front, side and rear views
LONG POSE: Head and torso

Session 5: Light and shadow

LIGHT AND SHADOW: Direction of light source
SHADING TECHNIQUES: Crosshatch, contouring
TRANSITION OF SHADOW EDGES: Sharp to blurred
GESTURE DRAWINGS: Full figures
LONG POSE1: Front view
LONG POSE 2: Rear view

Session 6: Fabric folds and draping

FORESHORTENING: Short poses, arm and hand positions
PERSPECTIVE: Short poses, seated and reclining
FABRIC FOLDS AND DRAPING: Capes to cummerbunds
GESTURE DRAWINGS: Final warmup
LONG POSE: Putting it all together

Session 7: Guided figure drawing 1

PRACTICE & ANALYSIS: Guided life drawing session with critique
GESTURE DRAWING: Short, fast muscle-memory warmup.
SHORT POSES: 2 minutes each
1st LONG POSE: 15 minutes
2nd LONG POSE: 15 minutes
CRITIQUE: Students lead

Session 8: Guided figure drawing 2

FINAL ANALYSIS: Guidance and short Q&A
GESTURE DRAWING: Short, fast muscle-memory warmup.
SHORT POSES: 1 minute each
LONG POSE: 30 minutes
CRITIQUE: Instructor leads

Email me or fill out the form below to let me know your child’s experience and grade level, and we’ll make sure to find an appropriate class for them.

Register before October 30, 2020 for a 20% discount.