Instructor: John Nymberg
Mondays, 10AM - 12PM
August 31 - September 28, 2026 - NO CLASS 9/7 LABOR DAY!
Open to ages 18+
Develop confidence in drawing the portrait and human figure in this beginner-friendly course for adults of all skill levels.
Through a series of guided exercises and finished drawings, students will learn the fundamentals of proportion, gesture, contour, measuring, and shading. Working from instructor-provided photo references, you'll create both portrait and figure studies while building the skills needed to draw with greater accuracy, expression, and dimensionality.
Portrait & Figure Drawing Essentials
Week 1: Portrait Fundamentals
Learn the foundations of portrait drawing through measuring, tilts, and plumb lines. Students will establish accurate structure and proportion while creating a framework for the toned-paper portrait developed later in the course. Instructor-provided photo references will be used.Week 2: Figure Gesture Drawing
Explore the human figure through quick gesture sketches based on dancing and action poses. Emphasis will be placed on capturing movement, rhythm, and the overall energy of the pose.Week 3: Toned-Paper Portrait
Using toned paper, graphite, and white pastel, students will build on the structural framework established in Week 1. Focus will shift to rendering light and shadow to create form, depth, and dimensionality.Week 4: Figure Drawing: Proportion & Contour
Building on gesture work from Week 2, students will take a slower, more analytical approach to figure drawing. Measuring, plumb lines, and contour drawing techniques will be used to improve accuracy and proportion.
