Figure Drawing: An Essential Guide

Overview

New Course! Capture the human form with realistic and expressive energy. Renowned artist Patricia Watwood leads you through the simple steps to create a striking figure study. Learn how to draw figures using classical techniques for rendering from live models! With Patricia Watwood’s guidance, you’ll progress from a simple block-in sketch to a gestural drawing to a polished piece with depth and dimension. Learn how to set up and light a live model, and how to use graphite pencil and simple angles to create an accurate outline for any figure. Add lifelike energy as you incorporate gestural lines, then carve out the form with hatching, shading, and highlighting techniques. As a bonus, Watwood will show you how to create custom toned papers to add a unique touch to your work.

Video Lessons

01: Introduction to Figure Drawing

Meet Patricia Watwood, discover the atelier system, and learn about additive and subtractive drawing techniques.
Duration: 10 min

02: Blocking in the Drawing

Gain an overview of how to create an envelope to place the figure on the page, and begin blocking in your drawing.
Duration: 12 min

03: Gesture & Contour

Learn how to observe and capture the energy of gesture, and start refining contour lines.
Duration: 19 min

04: Light & Shadow

Develop form by adding light and shadow using white chalk, crosshatching, and other beautiful drawing techniques.
Duration: 25 min

05: Refining Expression

Assessing the drawing as a whole, learn to define and enhance the focus of your work with contour lines, clean erasures, and other finishing techniques.
Duration: 18 min

06: Custom Paper and Materials

In this bonus lesson, you’ll work with watercolors to create custom-toned paper that’s tailored to the size and color scheme you prefer.
Duration: 9 min