The Principles of Drawing for Beginners – from Basic Geometric Shapes to Living Forms

In a step by step manner, be guided through the fundamental principles that lead to a comprehensive proficiency in drawing. In the space of eight weeks, we will develop skills that the beginner can practise over a life time. The underlying assumption is that absolutely anyone can learn to draw. Suitable for both the very beginner and those with some prior experience. Cost of life model included in fee.

COURSE OUTLINE

• Basic geometric shapes and perspective: We will start by drawing basic shapes, such as circles and squares; followed by spheres, cubes and cylinders. Having observed these shapes, we will attempt to draw them in relation to perspectival space and the directional fall of light. We will end by examining how more complex forms can be understood in terms of these basic shapes.
• Drawing and linear direction: Starting with a stick figure – an invaluable tool in describing the major centre lines of any form – we will gradually work towards conceiving of more complex forms in terms of two directional lines and basic geometric shapes, such as cylinders and cubes.
• The Charles Bargue drawing course and the figure as directional lines: In this class, we will look at how a Nineteenth Century drawing course undertaken by Van Gogh, Seurat and Picasso can help us to better simplify the basic forms of the human figure
• The human figure and the refinement of directional lines: Employing a life model, we will see how we can apply the lessons gained from the Bargue drawing to the life model in terms of basic directional lines. We will integrate this knowledge with the exercises in geometry and perspective addressed in the previous classes.
• Drapery: We will examine how folds fall on drapery, their cylindrical shape and how their form is suggested by light. A basic ink wash will be employed to suggest the comparative lightness and darkness of the cloths form, in either one, or numerous studies.
• Jacopo Pontormo (1494 – 1557) - Basic gesture and action in the human figure: Taking the Renaissance artist Pontormo as a guide, we will see how the figures weight is employed to express movement and action.
• Tintoretto (1518 – 1594) - Gesture and action with basic anatomical masses, landmarks and limited convexed contours: Observing the dynamic forms evident within the work of the Venetian Master Tintoretto, we will introduce some very basic anatomical landmarks to better structure our drawing.
• Raphael Sanzio (1483 – 1520) – the figure as line and contour: We will begin to see the independent role contour plays in articulating both form and volume.
• Composition: In this final class we will look at some historical conventions for composing images. These will include overarching geometric shapes, the fall of light and shade, foreshortened and projected forms verse forms that mirror the picture the plane.

PLANNED LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Begin to understand and grasp the processes of conceptualising, selecting and creatively inventing any form.
2. Understand the basic principles of suggesting form with line alone.
3. Make use of and/or inventing a light source to model form.
4. Identify techniques and make use of Old Master drawings within a contemporary drawing practice.
5. Learn how to treat the figure as a “mannequin” rather than a static object to mindlessly copy and reproduce.

MATERIALS LIST

• 2H pencil (please make sure the pencil is 2H as the lines must be light enough to be drawn over and erased where necessary)
• Oil based hard red chalk sanguine pencil (no chalk sticks)
• A4 sketch book
• Kneadable eraser
• Stanley knife
• Two metal board clips
• Indian ink
• Watercolour brush
• One sheet of watercolour paper

When:
Thursday 12 October - 30 November 2017

Where:
WEA Sydney
72 Bathurst Street 


Student feedback:

'Dominique was professional, skilled and encouraging in his role as a tutor. For an absolute beginner this course suited me well.'