Sketching the Figure from Life

Learn the art of figure drawing using our step-by-step method. Beginner and advanced students will benefit from this drawing workshop. Students will be working directly from the nude using charcoal or carbon pencil. Principal instructor Fernando Freitas will teach the basics of gesture, proportion, and morphology. Students will then finish their drawings with big form and small form modeling. The end effect is a dramatic three-dimensional figure.

About ARA Workshops

Each participant gets lots of one-on-one attention from our superb instructors. ARA instructors teach year round so, unlike many artists who offer summer/holiday workshops our instructors are professional teachers as well as successful award-winning artists. Whether you are an award-winning experienced artist or have never painted before, our instructors will tailor to your skill level.

Workshops at our physical location start at 10 am and end at 4 pm each day. Students are welcome to stay and continue working in the studio on their own until 9 pm.

If you have any questions or are having trouble with online registration, please contact us.

All participants will be required to follow our studio policies in effect to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

MASKS AND HAND HYGIENE ON ARRIVAL

On entering the Columbus Centre, please use the hand sanitization stations in the lobby and elevator. Upon arriving on the 3rd floor, all arriving students are also expected to wash their hands in one of the sinks in the Figure and Workshop rooms.

Thereafter, students and instructors are expected to wear masks at all times. ARA will supply these to students arriving without.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING

All horses and easels will be taped and placed 6 feet apart to ensure enough distance between you and your neighbours. These are not to be moved. Instructors will wear masks at all times and practice social distancing while instructing.

SANITIZATION STATIONS AND COMMON AREAS

Frequent hand sanitization throughout your time in the school is asked. Sanitization stations are located outside of each studio. The lunch room will not be available, so please plan accordingly and follow social distancing rules during breaks.

Out-of-town?

If you are coming from out of town and need local accommodations, click here to see our list of inexpensive places to stay near the Academy.

Can’t make it this time?

We offer our workshops on a regular basis. Sign up for regular email workshop updates on our homepage.

Where to buy art supplies?

Click here for a list of local art supply stores.

Materials List

DRAWING INSTRUMENTS:

Either Graphite, Carbon or Charcoal Pencils

• Graphite – 2B, HB, and 2H. Brand – Staedtler
• Carbon – 4B, 2B and B. Brands – Wolff’s or Conte Carbone
• Charcoal – Hard, Medium, Soft.  Brands – Generals or Grumbacher

DRAWING BOARD:

• 1 – 18X24 inches

PAPER:

• Pad of cartridge or bond paper, 18X24 inches

• You will also need one sheet of good paper (cut to 18X24 inches) of your choice. Some suggested brands – Canson Dessin, Canson Mi-teintes, Fabriano Ingres, Strathmore, Arches, Somerset, Mayfair

TOOLS:

• Sanding block
• Knitting needle 2.5 to 3.5 mm thickness
• Masking tape
• Eraser – one white, one kneadable
• Pencil extender
• Mahl stick (a ½ inch diameter dowel approximately 30 inches)
• Stomps

BRUSHES: please bring filbert brushes; flats and rounds not necessary

• 2 synthetic bristle hair brushes – sizes #2 or #4, and #10
• 2 synthetic soft hair brushes – sizes #2 or #4, and #10

Note – do not buy expensive brushes for life drawing.