Life Drawing
Life Drawing
Sessions in
Central Singapore
The Life Drawing Program Gives Students the Opportunity to Work with Figure and Portrait Models.
Absolute beginners are
encouraged to join
If you've ever wanted to draw figures and portraits from life but felt that it might be too difficult or overwhelming, these lessons are for you.
Or maybe you've taken figure drawing classes before and felt that you didn't really see any improvement in your artwork
we can help.
Our lessons are open to beginners and intermediate students alike and is very much a “how to” for the figure drawing process.
Drawing people in a life-like manner is hard, and so often in figure drawing courses, precious little, (if any) instruction is given regarding a step by step process to tackle the complexity of the subject.
We will guide you through every step of the process with clear guidance on how to draw figures and portraits from life.
Student Work | Figure Drawing
Our Classes
Figure Drawing
Life drawing doesn't need to be hard if it's taught the right way.
10 week course
Covers everything you need know (and do) to get better at figure drawing, even if you have no experience.
Learn in a professional, friendly, and supportive environment.
COURSE DETAILS
10 WEEK FIGURE DRAWING COURSE
A 10 week figure drawing course covering all aspects of drawing the human form.
Course Overview:
This 10-week course focuses on mastering the fundamentals of figure drawing through direct observation of the human form. Students will learn proportion, anatomy, gesture, and the expressive qualities of the figure. Classes will include live model sessions, demonstrations, and personalized critiques.
Week 1: Introduction to Figure Drawing
- Focus: Basics of proportion and gesture.
- Content:
- Overview of class structure, materials, and expectations.
- Introduction to gesture drawing: capturing the essence of poses in 30-second to 2-minute sketches.
- Basic human proportions (head-to-body ratio).
- Gesture drawing exercises with live model.
Week 2: The Skeleton & Proportional Framework
- Focus: Understanding the skeletal structure.
- Content:
- Study of the skeletal system as a foundation for drawing.
- Drawing the skeleton from multiple angles.
- Quick sketches of skeleton-based poses to understand bone structure beneath the skin.
- Applying skeletal understanding to drawing live model poses.
Week 3: Basic Anatomy and Muscle Structure
- Focus: Introduction to muscles and their impact on form.
- Content:
- Overview of major muscle groups (torso, arms, legs).
- How muscles define the contour and shape of the figure.
- Short studies focusing on key muscle groups while drawing from a live model.
- Practicing longer (10-15 minute) poses to study muscles in action.
Week 4: Drawing Hands and Feet
- Focus: Detailed study of hands and feet.
- Content:
- Breakdown of the structure and movement of hands and feet.
- Drawing hands and feet from different angles.
- Gesture studies focusing on expressive qualities of hands and feet.
- Applying knowledge to model poses with emphasis on these details.
Week 5: Light, Shadow, and Volume
- Focus: Understanding how light affects the figure.
- Content:
- Introduction to light sources and how they interact with the human body.
- Using value to create the illusion of volume and depth.
- Shading techniques (cross-hatching, blending).
- Drawing from a live model with a focus on chiaroscuro (light-dark contrast).
Week 6: Long Pose Studies
- Focus: Creating detailed studies of the human figure.
- Content:
- Importance of observation and patience in longer studies.
- 30-minute to 1-hour poses with a live model.
- Emphasis on refining proportions, capturing subtle shifts in weight, and rendering form.
- One-on-one critiques and adjustments.
Week 7: Dynamic Poses and Movement
- Focus: Drawing movement and dynamic tension.
- Content:
- Understanding balance, weight distribution, and motion in the body.
- Gesture drawing for active and dynamic poses (5-10 minute studies).
- Exploring techniques for capturing movement, like overlapping lines and exaggerated gestures.
- Drawing a live model in active poses.
Week 8: Drapery and the Clothed Figure
- Focus: Understanding how fabric interacts with the body.
- Content:
- Introduction to drawing drapery and clothing on the figure.
- Study of different types of folds and how they form around the body.
- Drawing clothed figures with a focus on how fabric reveals the underlying anatomy.
- Short and long poses of a model in simple clothing.
Week 9: Expressive Qualities of the Figure
- Focus: Capturing emotion and character.
- Content:
- Exploring the expressive potential of gesture and body language.
- Techniques for conveying mood and personality through figure drawing.
- Long pose studies focusing on capturing the model’s expression and character.
- Individual critiques with a focus on developing a personal drawing style.
Week 10: Final Project & Critique
- Focus: Synthesis and presentation.
- Content:
- Students work on a final piece or series that showcases their progress over the course.
- Guided work on refining composition, anatomy, and rendering.
- Group critique session where each student presents their work.
- Discuss next steps for continued practice and areas of improvement.
This curriculum is designed to gradually build skills, providing students with a strong foundation in figure drawing while encouraging personal expression. It combines anatomical study with practical drawing exercises, helping students gain confidence and fluency in rendering the human figure.
PRICING
Figure Drawing Course
10 sessions
3 hours per session
CLASSES FORMING
BEGINS WITH 8 STUDENTS
ALL MATERIALS INCLUDED
Two Classes
Tuesday 6:30-9:30pm
Saturday 5:30-8:30pm
$600
Prefer to work on your own? Contact us for further information about open figure drawing sessions.
Portrait Drawing
Learn how to make realistic pictures of faces with our guidance.
10 week course
Learn how to draw portraits of live models, with step-by-step guidance, even if you have no experience.
Learn in a professional, friendly, and supportive environment.
Student Work | Portrait Drawing
COURSE DETAILS
10 WEEK PORTRAIT DRAWING COURSE
A 10 week portrait drawing course covering all aspects of drawing the human face.
Course Overview:
This 10-week course is designed to guide students through the essential skills of portrait drawing. Students will explore the proportions, structure, and expression of the human face, with a focus on observation and capturing likeness. Classes will include live model sessions, demonstrations, and personalized feedback.
Week 1: Introduction to Portrait Drawing
- Focus: Basics of facial proportions and structure.
- Content:
- Overview of materials and tools for portrait drawing.
- Introduction to basic proportions of the face (placement of eyes, nose, mouth, and ears).
- Simplifying the head into basic shapes (oval, sphere) for understanding volume.
- Quick sketches of heads from different angles.
Week 2: The Skull and Facial Structure
- Focus: Understanding the underlying bone structure.
- Content:
- Study of the skull as a foundation for facial features.
- Drawing the skull from multiple angles.
- Understanding how the skull shapes the overall structure of the face.
- Applying knowledge of the skull to sketching faces.
Week 3: Features of the Face – Eyes
- Focus: Detailed study of the eyes.
- Content:
- Anatomy of the eye, including the eyelids, lashes, and eye socket.
- Drawing the eye from different angles and in various expressions.
- Shading techniques to render the eye realistically.
- Practice drawing eyes as part of a full portrait.
Week 4: Features of the Face – Nose and Mouth
- Focus: Detailed study of the nose and mouth.
- Content:
- Anatomy of the nose and mouth, including the planes of the nose and structure of the lips.
- Drawing the nose from profile, front, and three-quarter views.
- Understanding how light interacts with these features.
- Practice integrating nose and mouth into full face sketches.
Week 5: Features of the Face – Ears and Hair
- Focus: Drawing ears and rendering hair.
- Content:
- Structure of the ear and how it fits into the head.
- Drawing ears from different angles.
- Techniques for drawing and shading different hair types (straight, curly, wavy).
- Incorporating ears and hair into larger portrait studies.
Week 6: Light, Shadow, and Form
- Focus: Using light and shadow to create three-dimensional portraits.
- Content:
- Understanding the planes of the face and how they catch light.
- Identifying light sources and creating shadows.
- Techniques for blending and creating smooth transitions.
- Practice drawing a live model with a focus on chiaroscuro (light-dark contrast).
Week 7: Expression and Emotion
- Focus: Capturing emotion and character through portraiture.
- Content:
- Exploring how facial muscles move to create different expressions.
- Drawing studies of smiles, frowns, and other emotions.
- Gesture drawing for capturing quick expressions.
- Applying expressive qualities to longer portrait studies from a live model.
Week 8: Portraits from Different Angles
- Focus: Drawing the head from challenging perspectives.
- Content:
- Understanding the planes of the face in three-quarter and profile views.
- Techniques for drawing the head looking up and down.
- Practice sketches of the head from various perspectives using reference images and live models.
- Emphasis on maintaining accurate proportions and perspective.
Week 9: Composition and Background Integration
- Focus: Creating dynamic compositions with portraits.
- Content:
- Principles of composition (placement of the head within the space, use of background).
- Introduction to integrating the figure with a background or context.
- Drawing a live model with attention to the surrounding environment.
- Preparing a portrait that tells a story through the subject’s expression and background.
Week 10: Final Project & Critique
- Focus: Synthesis and presentation of work.
- Content:
- Students work on a final portrait or series that showcases their progress over the course.
- Guided work on refining anatomy, expression, and detail.
- Group critique session where each student presents their work and receives feedback.
- Discussion of techniques for continued practice and development.
PRICING
Figure Drawing Course
10 sessions
3 hours per session
CLASSES FORMING
BEGINS WITH 8 STUDENTS
ALL MATERIALS INCLUDED
Two Classes
Thursday 6:30-9:30pm
Sunday 5-8pm
$500
About Our Portrait and Figure Drawing Programs
The Portrait and Figure Drawing Program at Singapore Studio of Realist Art is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the human form and face, combining classical techniques with observational drawing from life. This comprehensive program caters to both beginners and experienced artists, with courses focusing on essential drawing skills, anatomy, proportion, light and shadow, and the expressive qualities of the figure and portraiture.
Program Goals:
- Develop proficiency in observing and rendering the human figure and face with accuracy and expression.
- Build foundational knowledge of anatomy, proportion, and perspective.
- Master advanced techniques for shading, light manipulation, and creating volume.
- Encourage the development of a personal artistic style while adhering to traditional methods.
Portrait Drawing Program
The Portrait Drawing Program focuses on the intricacies of capturing the human face. Students progress from basic facial proportions to mastering individual features, such as the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. Emphasis is placed on understanding the underlying bone and muscle structures, as well as the expressive potential of the face.
Key Elements:
- Facial Proportions: Learning the correct placement of facial features and how to achieve symmetry.
- Anatomy of the Head and Face: Studying the skull and musculature to understand the forms that define the face.
- Feature Drawing: Focusing on individual features (eyes, nose, mouth, ears) and learning to draw them from various angles and lighting conditions.
- Light and Shadow: Mastering techniques for shading and rendering to create realistic portraits with depth.
- Expression: Capturing emotions and personality through facial expressions.
- Composition: Incorporating the head into a broader composition that considers background and context.
Classes involve live model sessions, reference studies, and both short and long drawing exercises to help students refine their skills over time.
Figure Drawing Program
The Figure Drawing Program emphasizes the complete study of the human body in both static and dynamic poses. Students learn to draw the figure in proportion, understand the skeletal and muscular structure, and accurately capture movement and gesture.
Key Elements:
- Proportions of the Human Body: Understanding the ideal and natural proportions of the human figure.
- Anatomy of the Figure: Detailed study of the skeleton and major muscle groups, focusing on how they impact form and movement.
- Gesture Drawing: Capturing the energy and movement of the human body with quick, expressive sketches.
- Light and Form: Learning to render the figure with accurate shading, understanding how light defines the body’s planes.
- Long Pose Studies: Developing patience and observational skills through extended study of a live model, focusing on fine detail and anatomical accuracy.
- Dynamic Poses and Movement: Studying how the body shifts in balance and motion, with a focus on creating lifelike and dynamic figures.
The program involves frequent use of live models, both clothed and nude, allowing students to practice realistic figure drawing in various poses and perspectives.
Program Structure:
Both the Portrait and Figure Drawing programs typically run in 10-week sessions, with classes meeting once or twice a week for 2-3 hours. Each session is tailored to students’ levels, from beginner to advanced, and includes:
- Instructor Demonstrations: Teachers provide live demonstrations of drawing techniques, breaking down complex concepts.
- Model Sessions: Frequent live model drawing opportunities are provided to develop observational skills.
- Group Critiques: Regular feedback sessions where students can share their work and receive constructive critique.
- Portfolio Development: For advanced students, an emphasis is placed on building a cohesive body of work that can be used for professional portfolios or exhibition.
The program offers a traditional, methodical approach to learning, ensuring that students leave with a solid technical foundation, as well as the creative confidence to pursue further artistic goals.
Singapore School of Realist Art
20 Dublin Road, Floor 2
Singapore 239809
Tel/WhatsApp: 9731 4874
