The Figure Block-in (Online Course)
Ananda Fetherston
Sundays – 2 PM – 6 PM ET – please adjust for your time zone
February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, (no class March 9), March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, 2025
10 weeks – Tuition: $595
Limit: 10 students
Take this class:
- to acquire a complete strategy for making a figure drawing.
- to hone the unique skills applicable to creating a closed form drawing.
- if you have little drawing experience or just want to brush up on the block in skill set.
Class format notes:
- The class includes, critiques, demo with Q&A, and a work-in-class section with ongoing critiques.
- Students can choose to observe live, work alongside, and/or rewatch the recording the next day.
Is this class for me?
- This class is good for beginners and students looking to strengthen their foundations of figure drawing.
- If you are a complete beginner, taking GCA’s Orientation Seminar is recommended.
Online tech needs:
- The class will be conducted on the Zoom platform and is a live online experience.
- Ananda’s 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.
“One of the best classes I have taken where I learned so much in a short span of time.”
– Helen
Course Description
This class is designed to strengthen figure drawing skills with the aid of the Charles Bargue 19th Century Drawing Course and a library of art historical resources. Through the simplest use of line and shape, Bargue figure plates are an excellent resource for studying the fundamentals of figure drawing. Bargue is particularly useful as an introduction to methods of comparative measurement, perspective, the articulation of weight distribution, and understanding the dynamic gesture of a figure in a pose. Using art historical references we will begin exploring the use of shapes and articulated contours to fully realize a volumetric block-in in preparation for rendering. With an understanding of the basics of blocking-in in hand, we will use a master copy to construct a fully realized figure block-in typical of GCA figure drawing. Students can expect to develop a system for blocking-in the figure from life that captures a sense of rhythm, proportion, and structure.
Each week students are expected to work along with the instructor during class and work on an additional drawing outside of class.
Ananda will both demo and provide individual critiques to students.
Note: The class will be conducted on the Zoom platform and is a live online experience. It will be necessary for students to have access to a computer, tablet or smartphone. The recommended device is a laptop or desktop.