Course Outline for Art 3A
Figure and Composition I

Effective: Fall 2022
SLO Rev: 11/08/2021
Catalog Description:

ART 3A - Figure and Composition I

3.00 Units

Introduction to drawing the human figure from observation using a wide variety of drawing media and techniques. Topics include an introduction to human anatomy and the historical and contemporary roles of figure drawing in the visual arts. Students in this course will learn both descriptive and expressive approaches to drawing the figure. Open to any student, no drawing experience required.
Strongly Recommended: ART 2A.
1002.10 - Painting and Drawing
Optional
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 2.00 36.00 72.00 108.00
Laboratory 1.00 72.00 0.00 72.00
Total 3.00 108.00 72.00 180.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. create observational drawings from the live figure model in a wide range of drawing media;
  2. develop drawings that apply an understanding of anatomy and structure of the human body;
  3. create drawings that show an understanding of proportion, sighting, measurement, foreshortening, structural and planar analysis of the figure;
  4. draw and define the concept of volume and space to the human figure using value, gesture, and line;
  5. develop compositions using the human figure;
  6. develop expressive content through manipulation of line, form, value, composition posture, and anatomical proportions;
  7. evaluate and critique class projects using relevant terminology in oral or written formats;
  8. examine and describe the major historical, contemporary, and critical trends in figure drawing.
Course Content:

Course Content (lecture):

  1. Instruction, lectures, and discussions on observational drawing from the live figure model in a wide range of drawing media that demonstrate successful development, application, and understanding of: 
    1. Anatomy and structure of the human body
    2. Proportion, sighting, measurement, and foreshortening
    3. Gesture drawing and massing of form
    4. Uses of line and value in describing the human figure
    5. Application of the concept of volume and space to the human figure
    6. Structural and planar analysis of the figure,
    7. Development of composition using the human figure
  2. Expressive content developed through manipulation of:
    1. line
    2. form
    3. value
    4. composition
    5. pose
    6. anatomical proportions.
  3. Introduction to and use of a variety of drawing materials and techniques appropriate for drawing the human figure
  4. Critical evaluation and critique of class projects using relevant terminology
    1. oral 
    2. written formats
  5. Study and analysis of the major trends in figure drawing
    1. historical
    2. contemporary
    3. critical trends 


Course Content (Studio):

  1. The use of various drawing media in observational drawing from a live model 
    1. charcoal
    2. graphite
    3. Conte Crayon
    4. ink 
    5. alternative mediums
  2. Observational drawings from anatomical models employing a foundational principles and practices of:
    1. sighting and measurement
    2. proportional studies
    3. contour and gesture
    4. descriptive value
    5. development of volume. 
  3. Critique and evaluation of drawing assignments and exercises.
  4. Expressive drawings from the live model.
  5. Apply instruction on methods of facilitating drawing and seeing the human form in different perspectives to studio work
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Distance Education
  2. Demonstration/Exercise
  3. Lecture/Discussion
  4. One-on-one coaching
  5. Studio
  6. Portfolio Development
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Create a portfolio of gesture drawings from the live model. Each individual gesture should take between 15 seconds and 5 minutes to draw.
  2. Using a series of in-class drawings from the live model, create a narrative drawing expressing an untold story between more than one figure.
  1. Critique
  2. Class Work
  3. Portfolios
  4. Projects
  5. Written assignments
  6. Quizzes
  7. Essay Exams
  8. Papers
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. create observational drawings from the live figure model that demonstrate understanding of anatomy and structure of the human body;
  2. develop expressive content through manipulation of line, form, value, composition, posture, and anatomical proportions;
  3. evaluate and critique class projects using relevant terminology in oral or written formats.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Cody, John (1984). Atlas of Foreshortening, the Human Figure in Deep Perspective Van Nostrand, Reinhold.
  2. Hale, Robert (1964). Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters Watson-Guptill.
  3. Osti R. (2021). Dynamic Human Anatomy: An Artist's Guide to Structure, Gesture, and the Figure in Motion Monacelli Studio.
  • newsprint
  • large drawing pad
  • archival drawing paper
  • vine and compressed charcoal
  • charcoal pencils
  • graphite pencils
  • conte crayons
  • ink
  • pens
  • brushes
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Introduction to drawing the human figure from observation using a wide variety of drawing media and techniques. Live model drawing. Open to any student, no drawing experience required.
Strongly Recommended: ART 2A.