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Exploration of
the Human Figure
From Nicole Brisco: The
figure is an integral part of a drawing or painting program.
In the beginning stages of figure drawing my students work from
a live figure in the classroom. I believe this is what
makes or breaks a students quality of drawing later. We
begin with the basics, gesture, blind contour, contour, value,
cross contour, proportion, etc. As students progress we
continue with the figure but focusing more on non-traditional
media, unusual light sources, points of view. Through the
years students realize that the figure is a vehicle for ideas,
themes, and conceptual ideas that can become a narrative or
storytelling tool. Whether it is a self-portrait, friend,
stranger, or family member the figure allows a direct connection
to the viewers. As students become more comfortable with
their drawing, media, and use of color I allow them to use
photographs. These photos must be original and taken
specifically for project. I do not allow pre-existing
images since the students can not control the light, view, or
context. I encourage students to think of a variety of
ideas before they begin and do life sketches of the person and environment.
These sketches should address color, composition, and approach.
It is then up to the student to allow the piece to bloom and
grow in its own creativity. Some approaches might include:
non-traditional media, light source, narrative, multiple self
portraits, series, positive-negative space, social statement
with the figure. [View the following pages to see many examples
of student work. Click images for larger views]
| 1.
Beginning stages....use of line, proportion, gesture...short
poses |
2. Later
learning about foreshortening....unusual perspectives
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| 3.
Incorporating multiple views of the figure to create a
cohesive work of art. |
4.
Figure making a social statement
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| 5.
Complex figures in space |
6. 1
min. 3 min and 10 min gestures combined to create
composition |
| 7.
Prepared papers and gestures |
8.
Figure/Add Portrait....contrasting imagery |
| 9.
Figure in Sketchbook |
10. Figure in
sketchbook |
| 11.Self
Portrait in a Non
Traditional Way
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12
Figure with ethereal imagary
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