Learn how to extract the essence of the figure from life and onto paper, with simple guided exercises working from a live model.
In this session of our Figure series, artist Camilla Dixon demonstrates how to observe shapes and forms in the figure you might have previously ignored. Explore the technique of continuous line drawing and learn how to break the figure down into floating shapes, a method that can be applied to still life and landscape painting too.
Add colour to these lines and shapes and see how to transform your drawings into more finished paintings, using these simple acts of observation. The exercises will help you to focus and simplify your style, enabling you to draw with confidence. Camilla encourages adding colour intuitively rather than through direct observation to help you work in a freer way.
Learn how close observation does not need to result in ‘realistic’ drawing. This will be a chance to pay attention and find new ways of looking and mark-making. Camilla will be working from a live model in our studios here overlooking Porthmeor Beach, but you can join us wherever you are in the world.
Ideal if you already have some experience of life-drawing, but not essential as Camilla provides clear instruction throughout. Open to anyone looking for new tools and techniques to re-fresh their practice.
1. Learn new exercises to capture the figure using line, shape and colour.
2. See how paying close attention can bring out new forms and shapes in the subject.
3. Experiment with wax resist and ink and learn new ways to make dynamic marks.
4. Learn how to describe the three-dimensionality of the figure and the different sections of clothes.
We record the sessions so you can watch on demand, as often as you like, for up to 60 days after purchase. This way you can pause a scene, rewind and finish your painting.
You will be invited to join our Facebook Alumni group so you can share your discoveries with fellow students from around the world. You can also share your work live with others on social media using the #schoolofpainting and tagging us @stives painting
You can watch on a PC, laptop or tablet and if you have chromecast or miracast you could even cast to your SmartTV from your phone.
A list of materials will be available to see in your account at least four weeks in advance of the class.
You will need access to the internet and ideally a PC, laptop or a tablet with audio. Phones are not really suitable to watch a webinar on, unless you can cast to your Smart TV.
10:30-12:30
You can revisit as often as you like for up to 60 days after the start of the course via the same links as the live events.
Gary Long
Join artist, Gary Long, on location and in the studio as he shares his oil painting journey, from preparatory drawings, discussing colour mixing, layering, brush techniques to the creation of depth and dimension in his drawings and paintings of Pendeen Watch.
Kieran Stiles
When artists talk about light, what do they mean? How does it work, and what does it say? Explore different concepts and methods of representing light in this 2 and a half hour recorded online course led by artist Kieran Stiles.
Alice Mumford
Join us for the second part in this online figure class inspired by the work of artist Henri Matisse. Extending from the last session, this time we'll be adding rich colour to Matisse's lively compositions.
Jill Eisele
Explore the calligraphic mark making of Joan Eardley and learn how as artists today we can find inspiration for our own painting.
Gary Long
Join us for this recording of a two hour online figure class inspired by the Bay Figurative artist Richard Diebenkorn. Broadcast from our studio in St Ives with a clothed model.
Tom Rickman
Join artist Tom Rickman for this exploration of folded material on the human form. Working from a model learn how drapery not only covers or reveals but animates and extends the body in this online webinar.
Martha Holmes
Join artist Martha Holmes for this two part course on oils following her sell out show at The New Craftsman Gallery, St Ives, Between Land and Sea.
