Introduction to Figure Drawing: Starting at the TOP - The Human Head

This one-day drawing workshop will focus on the structure of the head and neck as it relates to figure drawing. We’ll begin with a discussion of basic artistic anatomy - covering the structure of the human skull and surface musculature - along with simple proportion systems that artists have used for centuries. Principles of light and shade will also be introduced.

By gaining a basic understanding of skeletal structure and musculature, artists can “see through” the surface and draw from life with greater clarity and confidence, capturing not just what’s visible, but the internal structures that shape what we see.

After the initial discussion, participants will draw from both a full-scale model of the human skull and a life model, with a focus on the head and neck.

A creative endeavor, such as drawing, is a form of meditation - one in which you are fully engaged and grounded in the present in a most wonderful way. Drawing is a very personal expression of one’s particular vision, intention, and motivation. There is no single ‘correct’ way to draw the figure. This workshop is designed to offer a few tools that you can take with you and use in your own way.

We will spend most of our time drawing, aiming to create a pleasant, enriching experience for all.

Materials (minimal):
• Drawing pad - 9x12” or 11x14” (not too big, not too small)
• Drawing materials - graphite or charcoal pencils, mechanical pencil (whatever you’re comfortable with)
• Kneaded rubber eraser

Taught by:
Barbara Katus

Drawing has been an important part of my life since early childhood. its meditative nature keeps me tethered to the universe in a way few other activities can do. My formal fine art training has always been focused on figurative art and artistic anatomy. This training began in1974 at the Art Students League of New York where I studied with the legendary authority on artistic anatomy, Robert Beverly Hale, and concluded in 1993 with the completion of the four year certificate program at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. While at PAFA, I was awarded the Packard Prize for Animal Drawing, the Simone Titone and Charles Thouron Prizes for drawing, and the Benjamin West Prize for Figurative Painting. My work is held in public and private collections, but for me, the real joy is simply the act of drawing, especially drawing from life.

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