Life Drawing with John Close

Each week will explore different themes to give participants a comprehensive set of strategies for working from the model. The core belief of the class is to develop a rigorous observational ability combined with individual expression- the emphasis is on students developing their own visual language rather than adhering to any particular style.

Topics covered throughout the course will include: Structure of the body, Shading and Contour Lines, Colour Theory, Mark Making Techniques, Portraiture, Movement and Gesture.

Students will learn:

An ability to use geometric shapes as an aid to constructing the figure.

An understanding of edge contour (the outline of the figure) and surface contour (lines that suggest the path across the figure).

A greater understanding of colour, including concepts such as tone, harmony and contrast.

A relationship with working quickly and expressively- using lines, shapes and movement that define the essence of a pose.

Developed a repertoire of useful techniques such as continuous line, weak hand drawing and negative space

Classes will typically begin with a 15-minute warm-up pose, followed by an hour of short poses that will follow particular themes or suggested exercises. After a mid-break, there will be an hour-long pose.

Later in the term, long poses span the entire session, and some poses will continue over multiple weeks.

This course aims to unite beginners and advanced students within a shared platform of discovery.

Beginners will be given direct, simple techniques for figurative drawing. For advanced students, the class is a laboratory for experimentation and personal challenge. Mistakes are welcome and expected.