Figure Painting

Students will work on two major artworks during the term: a copy of a master figurative artwork and an original artwork created from life, with the model holding a long pose over multiple classes.

During this course, you will be provided with in-depth technical instruction and artistic guidance including:

• the observation and visual interpretation of the human form
• the composition, planning and development of a strong and accurate painting
• the use of indirect painting approaches to better isolate and focus on the visual dimensions of form, tonal value, and colour
• the interaction of light and colour with the human form and skin
• colour theory and palette selection
• the use of painting glazes and velaturas
• exploration of historical and contemporary ideas and contexts relevant to the figure and figurative art

Working from a Master artwork is an invaluable and highly instructive practice, enabling artists to more successfully understand and employ effective painting approaches and techniques, material use, compositional decision making, and conceptual development.

Working directly from a model provides artists the ultimate opportunity to study and understand the anatomy, three-dimensionality, and surface quality of the human form before applying this learning throughout the creative process.

Students will be encouraged to explore, develop and integrate their own ideas in the creation of their unique figurative artworks.