We draw from life, not just because we find the human form such a captivating challenge, but because as artists, it’s important for us to understand the difference between seeing and looking with purpose and what we do when we attempt to render three dimensions into two.
How do we show, for example, that the model’s knee is closer to us than their hip? Or that because the spine is twisted, their left shoulder is further away than their right? And what of the lordosis (curve) of the spine at its base, from the lumbar to the sacrum?
Sharing the same space as the model enables us to view from a distance and attempt to register their entire form or get up close and capture a gesture or a glance.
And if we find the pose a little dull, sometimes all we need do to transform it is change our point of view (i.e. stand up or sit down!). Only when the model is actually in front of us can we hope to understand how to relate hand to elbow, hip to shoulder or knee to breast.
And then there are the notorious quick poses as the model moves about the room and we have to turn our heads to follow them. The room is silent, but for the sound of frantic scribbling and the tension in the model’s body is matched only by our eagerness to capture what we’re seeing!
We call it life drawing, don’t we? So shouldn’t we be trying to show that our figure is not a chunk of marble, but alive?
‘Exactitude is not truth,’ said Henri Matisse.
It’s fascinating, too, how a single stick of graphite can conjure up soft flesh, hard bone and fine hair…
To succeed in that conjuring trick, I believe, requires the palpable presence of the model, directing our gaze and focussing our minds; the model sharing the same space as us and working in partnership with us so that we may become better artists than we ever thought we could be.
All-comers welcome.
Class dates: 25 September; 02, 09, 16, 23 October; 06, 13, 20, 27 November; 04 December (10 x 2.25 hours)
Please bring your own drawing/painting materials (sorry, no oils!). Newsprint paper, chairs, small tables and some easels are provided on a first come, first served basis.
“Your classes have been a real inspiration for me. It has not just been about the techniques we learn but I am beginning to appreciate art in new ways. I cannot thank you enough for for this.” K.L., Bath
Description
Details
Venue:
Frome Cricket Club
The Showground
Fromefield
Frome BA11 2AH
Sessions:
10 x 2.25 hour session
Cost:
£175.00 (includes hire of model)
An assisted or free place may be available on this course if you are unwaged or unable to pay the full amount. Please contact David.
When:
Thursday am: 10:30 – 12:45
Commences:
September 2025
Booking:
COURSE FULLY BOOKED
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