Figure Structure from Life Workshop

Ramn Hurtado

This workshop will provide students with a clear, logical method that will allow them to create solid, threedimensional figure drawings. By focusing on long pose drawings throughout the workshop, students will explore the
complexities of the figure and progress from gesture, to large volumes, and finally, to finished rendering. Anatomical
understanding will be emphasized throughout and there will be detailed demonstrations showing how particular
structures manifest themselves on the living model.
Our days will be divided into two sections, consisting of a lecture/demonstration followed by ample drawing time. As
students draw, they will be offered personalized instruction and critiques.

Day 1
The workshop will begin with an introduction to concepts of gesture, proportion, visual alignments and basic
volumes. We will also address the mechanics of drawing as a language and material considerations. Students will then
have time to put these ideas into practice with a variety of active poses.
Day 2
On the second day, we will begin a thorough exploration of the upper body viewed from the front, discussing the
various layers of bone, muscle and fat that create the appearance of the living figure. Students will also learn useful
conceptual models that will help to clarify the structure and develop a strong set of priorities when working.
Day 3
Building on the previous class, day three will be devoted to the posterior aspect of the upper body. By emphasizing
the relationship between the front and back views, students will gain a clearer understading of the body as it exists in
space.
Day 4
Day four will consist of a lecture/demonstration of the legs and all of their relevant structures. Particular stress will be
placed on the relationship between movement and surface appearance at the joints, along with a special section on
drawing feet.

Day 5
On the last day, we will analyze the head, neck and hands, focusing on the basic structural underpinnings that will
allow students to draw these features with speed and confidence. By simplifying the initial stages, students will have a
solid foundation on which to build a sophisticated rendering. Time will also be allotted at the end of the workshop
for remaining questions and impromptu demonstrations.
Materials
*Several sheets or a pad of 18 x 24 Strathmore 400 toned paper (tan or gray) OR Canson Mi-Teintes light gray
toned paper. No heavily textured or rough paper.
*Sketchbook for taking notes
*Drawing board (must be slightly larger than paper)
*Waxy colored pencils in black, burnt sienna or brownish red (Derwent drawing pencils, Progresso woodless,
Polychromos are all good)
*Waxy colored pencils in white (Progresso woodless, Derwent, Polychromos are all good)
*Kneaded eraser
*Pencil sharpener
*Single-edged razor blade (to sharpen charcoal)
*Sand paper
OPTIONAL
*White China marker (Sharpie brand)
*Stabilo CarbOthello Pastel Pencil in Gray (1400/708) or Earth Red (1400/675)
*Paper stumps, variety of sizes