Learn how to capture the human form in this comprehensive "Figure Drawing and Anatomy" course taught by Don Smith. This class is designed for both beginners and experienced artists looking to refine their skills in creating realistic and accurate life drawings. Along with learning about the specifics of understanding human anatomy for artists, students will also better understand the fundamentals of drawing that are necessary to more accurately draw the human figure.

Key Focus Areas:

• Anatomy: Learn how to build the human figure from basic shapes and how to recognize and apply anatomical (skeletal and muscular) benchmarks and construction lines to “build” figures.

• Basic Drawing Processes: Develop a strong foundation in page composition, exploring how to arrange elements for balanced and dynamic drawings.

• Measuring Techniques: Learn measuring techniques to capture accurate proportions and perspectives, ensuring lifelike representations of the human figure.

• Volumetric Shapes: Understand how light, dark, and shadows interact to create volume and to describe solid anatomical forms for more realistic figures.

• Foreshortening, Depth, and Perspective: Develop skills in foreshortening to accurately depict the human form in dynamic poses and create perspective in a three-dimensional space.

• Lessons from the Masters: Study drawings and traditional drawing principles to gain insights into time-honored techniques and approaches to figure drawing.

• Media: Discover drawing media options, including pencils, charcoal, and conte’ crayons to to effectively enhance your artwork, and develop your own individual style.

Throughout the course, students will draw from various models and lengths of poses, in an encouraging, supportive and collaborative learning environment. By the end of the course, you will have developed the confidence and technical skills needed to create anatomically accurate figure drawings.

To register, please email by clicking the button below and include your name, address, and phone number.

Payment can be made by mailing a check made out to NCFA to PO Box 366, Northampton, MA 01061 or by Paypal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Pay Later or Credit Card by clicking the link below.

*Payments on the upper end of the sliding scale help support our continued commitment to accessibility, including sliding scale models and the NCFA Community Fund.