Anatomical life and portrait drawing

About this course

This course examines how bones, muscles and fat shape visible form in portrait and life drawing. It gives similar attention to the head and neck and to the figure as a whole, considering proportion, rotation, weight, balance, gesture, motion and likeness. Teaching combines talks, demonstrations, practical drawing, individual tutoring and group discussion. The emphasis is on observation and on distinguishing artistic anatomy from medical anatomy. Learners are encouraged to reflect on their own work and may be encouraged to draw from specimens in medical collections outside class.

What you'll learn

• Distinguish between artistic and medical anatomy
• Analyse how underlying bone, muscle and fat influence proportion, rotation and visible form
• Draw a portrait from different angles using basic anatomical understanding of the head and neck
• Assess how superficial structures change with position and force
• Apply anatomical observation to life drawing and the depiction of likeness

Is this course right for you?

The course is labelled Improver and is intended for learners developing beyond fundamental drawing techniques. Previous experience drawing from the life model would be useful, but no prior anatomy study is expected. Participation includes practical work, group discussions and short written or visual notes supporting demonstrations and hand-outs.

• Experience drawing from the life model would be useful
• Learners should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions
• Short written notes may be used to support demonstrations and hand-outs
• Group discussion can include showing and discussing work

Before you go

• Basic materials are provided.
• An A4 or similar sketchbook is useful for written or visual notes during demonstrations.