Mastering Block-ins with Shape Finding (Online Course)
Angela Cunningham
Tuesdays 5 PM – 9 PM ET – please adjust for your time zone
July 23, 30, August 6, 13, 20, 27, (no class Sept. 3), September 10, 17, 2024
8 weeks – Tuition $475
Limit: approx. 10 students
Take this class:
- To sharpen your ability to find and identify abstract shapes.
- To experience the potency of constructing a block in with only shapes, leading to a more naturalistic drawing.
- To refine any of your block-in skills.
- If you’re a beginner or have drawing experience.
Is this class for me?
- It’s ideal for artists to have previously taken Drawing Orientation and/or a Block-in class at GCA to have some familiarity with comparative measurements.
Online tech needs:
- The class will be conducted on the Zoom platform and is a live online experience.
- These classes are recorded and made available so students can review demos and critiques after each live session for the entirety of the class.
- This class also uses Google Classroom to distribute materials. Watch this video for more insight.
Both of these services are free but require registration. - It will be necessary for students to have access to a computer, tablet or smartphone. The recommended device is a laptop or desktop.
Course Description
Working with the “tippy cast” is a vital introductory element of the first year’s full-time core curriculum at GCA. There are a couple different ways core students work from a plaster cast. In addition to rendering from life, students practice their shape finding skills by setting up the cast in unusual angles. By working in this “unusual” way, students can hone their ability to see abstract shapes, a key element in strengthening block-in skills. Each week the instructor will focus and demo on one of the various tools from a strategic system to master blocking-in, including breaking down big shapes, drawing with straight lines, comparative measuring, line quality, and getting details. The focus of this class is limited to obtaining an accurate block-in. No shading or rendering will be covered.
Beginners and advanced students wishing to take their accuracy and proficiency to the next level are welcome. It is recommended students take this course multiple times along with other block-in courses through the GCA online program. Repetition and practice are crucial to develop a mastery of drawing.
While using a white plaster cast is ideal, the instructor can advise the student in selecting other appropriate objects for this exercise.
Students will learn how to set up their plaster cast (or matte white thrift store find) and will learn how to light their subject and their easel correctly in their own studio. Each class will feature individual critiques and instructor demos.