By Matt Fussell
Figure drawing is sometimes seen as one of the most challenging drawing experiences. Advanced students should tackle figure drawing head on. This lesson forces students to view the figure at an extreme perspective. Including this lesson improves drawing and observational skills.
Class Level: Art 4 or Advanced Placement
Overview and Purpose: Students will be exposed to figure drawing and create a foreshortened figure drawing of themselves.
Materials:18" by 24" white drawing paper, graphite
Objectives:The student will learn to observe the figure in perspective and execute a drawing that accurately captures proportion and pose.
Delivery of info: Students will begin by drawing gesture drawings of fellow students. The teacher should focus the students on the lines that are created when a figurative gesture drawing is created. The teacher will then introduce students to what happens when the figure is presented in perspective. The students should notice that when the figure is foreshortened, the lines become shorter. The techer should photograph each student in perspective. Generally this can be accomplished by standing on a table and photographing downwards on the student.
Guided Practice:Students will work while the teacher walks around and monitors progress. Students will have 10 days to complete the assignment.
Review: portraiture, proportion, figure drawing, gesture drawing
Estimated Duration: 10 days
Video Resources
Gesture Drawing
Foreshortening
Graphite Drawing Techniques
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