Students are guided through the five basic units in this course.
1. Structure and proportions of the human body. We will initiate the course with several sessions devoted to careful observation of proportions and structure of the figure. During
this period the main aim will be achieve rigor in the constant
measurement and correction that is basic to a credible depiction of the
human figure.
2. The figure in space. All
painting and drawing departs from the interesting problem of controlling
the illusion of three-dimensions on a flat, two-dimensional surface.
Students will execute drawings that specifically address the
relationship of the nude figure to an interior space. This
will typically involve attention to the light environment: how the
color, intensity, and direction of the light interact with the figure.
3. The portrait. In art, the figure is often treated as neutrally and detachedly as a vase of flowers. However
when the artist’s intention becomes that of making visible particular
physical or even psychological characteristics of the sitter, we have
entered the realm of the portrait. Students may work
on a portrait of the model, a portrait of a friend or relative, or even
a self-portrait, always drawn from life, never from a photograph.
4. Drawing (or painting) a life-sized figure.
5. A multi-figure composition. After
students have some practice in working from the nude model, they should
be able to combine figures in a more complex composition. This widens the possibilities of a narrative dimension in the work. Here, as in the above problems, familiarity with the history of art is indispensible in finding ideas and interesting problems.
Other Points:
1. The course involves working from direct observation. Working from photographs is not permitted.
2. The course may include slide lectures and museum visits.
3. The core activity is working in class from the nude model. Supplementary sessions may also be arranged. Students are also expected to work at least as many hours outside of class as in class.
4. You can draw in many media. We will do certain directed drawing exercises designed to liberate hand and eye.
5. The course is meant to be a framework allowing very free individual artistic choices. The five assignments listed are meant to help students get started. There is always leeway for alternatives, with consultation. Interesting
variations could include making a very large-scale work, working
collaboratively, or creating a narrative cycle of works.
6. Students must come to class on time, because
announcements, assignments, brief slide lectures, discussions, etc. take
place at the beginning of the class.
7. A list of materials will be given at the first class meeting. The
basic media for drawing are charcoal, graphite, and ink on paper; latitude is left to
individual choice. Students buy their own art supplies. There is no textbook.
Art supply stores: Poggi (two locations, one in Trastevere on Via Merry del Val, just off Viale Trastevere, and the other on Via Pie’ di Marmo, near the Pantheon), Arte Tre, Via del Fiume near Via Ripetta and the Piazza del Popolo, and Vertecchi, a chain with several branches.