Course Description

This painting course will center the use of the human figure as a primary subject of expression in art and technical studio instruction for this expression. After introductory lectures and technical demonstrations, the students will work directly from live nude models. Here students will be taught the basics of painting from the figure while simultaneously applying the experiences and knowledge gained from the lectures, readings and discussions.

The practical lectures will address the fundamental technical issues of creating a painting as well as a more advanced treatment of composition, chiaroscuro, color, subject matter, and expression.

The theoretical lectures will address the historical and contemporary attitudes and reasons for using the nude figure as an idea in art. Contemporary issues will include recent attitudes about gender and the significance of the gender of the artist as well as the gender of the model.

Because painting, and especially from the model, requires a long period of concentrated time, this studio course will be longer than a typical lecture course. We will begin at 10:00 with a brief lecture or demonstration before starting to paint. There will be an hour lunch break (12:30 – 13:30) and we will conclude at 16:00.

This is the common structure for most art academy classes as opposed to the typical university lecture courses. Because of the length of this class, we will meet approximately twice a month. Each class meeting is equivalent to two lessons. This also means that we will have 16 lessons. This course is open to all levels of student from beginners to more advanced students. The instruction is largely on an individual basis which means students who wish to continue working from the model can repeat their participation in this class and will be given advanced instruction and credit.

. Student Learning Outcomes

● To understand and recognize the basic principles of painting.
● To understand and recognize the main characteristics of figurative painting ideas in historical and contemporary art.
● To acquire a basic working knowledge of the principles and techniques of figure painting, which include a basic knowledge of human proportions, anatomy, line, value, and color.
● To acquire the understanding and skills to use a painterly and expressive style in one’s own work.

*Course content subject to change