Figure drawing: Encyclopedia II - Figure drawing - Studio instruction

Figure drawing - Studio instruction

Figure drawing instruction is an element of most Fine Art and Illustration programs. In a typical figure drawing studio classroom, the students sit around a model either in a semi-circle (usually preferred), or a full circle. No two students have exactly the same view, thus their drawing will reflect the perspective of the artist's unique location relative to the model. Depending on the type of pose, furniture and/or props may be used. These are typically included in the drawing, to the extent that they are visible to the artist; backgrounds, however, are commonly ignored unless the objective is to learn about placement of figures in an environment. Individual models are most common, but multiple models may be used in more advanced classes. Many studios are equipped to allow a variety of lighting arrangements.

When taught at the college level, figure drawing models are often (but not always) totally nude (aside from small jewelry or other inconspicuous items), and drawn anatomically complete. Some students may be uncomfortable with nudity in this context, but it is unusual for them to be excused from figure drawing course requirements, as it is considered a necessary part of most illustrative curricula. In circumstances when total nudity is not considered appropriate (such as when the model or the students are minors, the model is uncomfortable posing nude, or the class is less formal than a typical college course), models might wear a form-fitting bathing suit or underwear.

While posing, the model is usually requested to remain perfectly still. Because of the difficulty of doing this for an extended period of time, periodic breaks for the model to rest and/or stretch are usually included in longer sessions and for more difficult poses. As a warm up for both artists and model, the model may be requested to make a series of brief poses in rapid succession, as an exercise for the students to learn to capture the essence of poses quickly (see Gesture drawing).

Since the purpose of figure drawing classes is to learn how to draw humans of all kinds, male and female models of all ages, shapes, and ethnicities are sought, rather than selecting only beautiful models or or those with "ideal" figures. Some instructors specifically seek to avoid the sort of models preferred by fashion photographers, seeking more "realistic" examples and to avoid any implication of sexual objectification. Instructors may also favor models of particular body types based on the unique contours or surface textures they provide. The variety of models hired may be limited by the need for them to hold a pose for extended periods (eliminating restless children and frail older persons), and concerns of modesty and legality when models pose nude (restricting the use of minors).

Largely because of the unusual situation of having clothed and naked individuals together an institutional setting, schools typically establish standards of conduct for figure drawing sessions. For example, the instructor might be the only person permitted to speak directly with the model. To avoid possible sexual harassment, some institutions have rules against anyone (including the instructor) touching the model. Some have policies prohibiting current students from working for the school as nude models. Policies vary on how to respond in the uncommon event that a male model has an involuntary erection while posing. Some take a matter-of-fact attitude toward such a situation and expect the students and the model to continue regardless (drawing the figure as he appears), whereas others feel this pushes the limit of propriety into erotic art and/or a sexual situation, and may interrupt the session.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Studio instruction", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki