Descriptor Details

  • Descriptor Title
    Figure Drawing
  • C-ID Number
    200
  • Units
    3.0
  • Date of Last Revision
    10/12/2017 04:44:01 PM PDT

General Description

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.

Prerequisites

No information provided

Corequisites

No information provided

Advisories

ARTS 110: Fundamentals of Drawing

Content

  1. Observational drawing from the live figure model using various media.
  2. Anatomy and structure of the human body.
  3. Proportion, measurement, sighting, and foreshortening.
  4. Gesture drawing and massing of form.
  5. Use of line and value in describing the human figure.
  6. Application of the concepts of volume and space to drawing the human figure.
  7. Structural and planar analysis of the figure.
  8. Development of composition using the human figure.
  9. Expressive content developed through manipulation of line, form, value, composition, pose, and anatomical proportions.
  10. Introduction to and use of a variety of drawing materials and techniques appropriate for drawing the human figure.
  11. Critical evaluation and critique of class projects using relevant terminology in oral or written formats.
  12. Study and analysis of the major historical, contemporary, and critical trends in figure drawing.

Lab Activities

  1. The use of various drawing media, which may include charcoal, graphite, Conte Crayon, and ink to represent the human form.
  2. Observational drawings from anatomical models employing a foundational principles and practices of sighting and measurement, proportional studies, contour and gesture, descriptive value, and development of volume. 
  3. Critique and evaluation of drawing assignments and exercises.
  4. Expressive drawings from the live model.

Objectives

At the conclusion 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 that demonstrate successful development, application, and understanding of:
    • Anatomy and structure of the human body,
    • Proportion, sighting, measurement, and foreshortening,
    • Gesture drawing and massing of form,
    • Uses of line and value in describing the human figure,
    • Application of the concept of volume and space to the human figure,
    • Structural and planar analysis of the figure,
    • Development of composition using the human figure;
  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.

Evaluation Methods

Portfolio of completed work;

Group and individual critiques in oral or written formats;

Written assignments, which may include quizzes, essays, exams, or reports.

Textbooks

Goldstein, Nathan.  Figure Drawing.

Brown, Clint and Cheryl McLean. Drawing from Life.

Descriptor Administration

  • Public Review Needed
    No
  • Next Descriptor Review
    No information provided
  • Resubmission Requirements for Courses
    No information provided
  • Resubmission Deadline
    No information provided
  • Comments

    No information provided

  • Notes

    No information provided

  • Keywords

    No information provided