D R AW I N G P R O G R A M

Figure Drawing Phase II:

Basic Figure Construction
Master StudiesMale & Female

OVERVIEW
The objective of this exercise is to create a study from an artist that possesses certain aesthetic skills
we wish to incorporate into our own thought process. The practice of copying master works has
helped to train some of the greatest artists who have ever lived. The key is to pick works that not only
speak to you but offer some insight into areas you have weakness in. For example, if an artist wishes
to learn exceptional design in drapery, then Bernini studies might be helpful; for beautiful, elegant
design and subtle value control, William Bouguereau. We could go on and on. Refer to the handout
that lists various artists and their strengths. I have picked a female from Pierre-Paul Prud'hon and a
male from a Russian artist whose name I do not know. Master studies are always a joy to do, and I
would advise you to always have one going. I have done dozens of them over the years.

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 D R AW I N G P R O G R A M
Figure Drawing Phase II:
Basic Figure Construction
Master StudiesMale & Female

ASSIGNMENT 12: MASTER STUDIESMALE AND FEMALE

The student will attempt to make a copy of the drawing I provided. You can feel free to cross
reference my drawing as well. Try to focus your intention on getting a good feel, not exact.

Part 1: Watch the video clip of how I lay in my drawing. Try not to rely too much on the video
after watching so as to not allow it to become a crutch. This is obviously up to you,
just do what is best for you.

Part 2: Now start your master study.

1) Set up reference and get your mind focused. Take a few minutes to study both the
Russian drawing and mine.

2) Start slow and light. Remember, working from the photos, it is the same process.

3) Each time through from head, neck, crotch, and ground, you should layer another pass
of information.

Part 3: The finish. Bring the drawing up to a full-value finish. A study like this could take
anywhere between 36 hours.

Note: Focus on trying to relax and enjoy the process. I think you will find master studies a
great exercise for so many reasons. Take your time. Once you have finished these, there are
hundreds of potential artists to study. Use your own taste to sift through them and find the
ones that resonate with you most.

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 D R AW I N G P R O G R A M
Figure Drawing Phase II:
Basic Figure Construction
Master StudiesMale

Preserving the Traditions of the Masters

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1
 D R AW I N G P R O G R A M
Figure Drawing Phase II:
Basic Figure Construction
Master StudiesMale

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 D R AW I N G P R O G R A M
Figure Drawing Phase II:
Basic Figure Construction
Master StudiesMale

Here is the first step known as the lay-in.

I also have included the mapping phase.
This is identical whether you are drawing
from photos, casts, or models. Notice how
light and noncommittal these lines are.
This gives you an opportunity to make
corrections if they are necessary, and in
most instances this will be the case.

Here is a close-up of the previous image.

The idea is not to make a forgery but
rather a very soulful and accurate ren-
dition. If you have a tendency to be a
perfectionist, try to keep it under control.

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 D R AW I N G P R O G R A M
Figure Drawing Phase II:
Basic Figure Construction
Master StudiesMale

In this stage, I have inserted the value #5

into my map. Although the drawing was
already looking three-dimensional in the
previous phase, this should really help.
This is assuming you mapped your edges
correctly. If not, dont worry, that is why
you will stay light. This way you can still
make any corrections necessary.

This close-up simply shows a bit more

detail. Although somewhat redundant,
I think you will still find this helpful. I
would imagine it will take you anywhere
from 13 hours to get to this stage. Take
your time, it is not a race.

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 D R AW I N G P R O G R A M
Figure Drawing Phase II:
Basic Figure Construction
Master StudiesMale

In this stage, I am starting to slowly work

up my shadows as well as half-tones. I am
using the method where I build up to my
lightest lights and darkest darks. Some
artists like to establish one of their dark-
est darks at this time. Both methods are
acceptable, the choice will ultimately be
yours.

As I work my way around the drawing, the

head usually is leading the show. We
generally work starting head, then neck,
crotch, ground. Each time through we add
another layer of rendering as we work our
way steadily up to a finish. Depending
on your level, you could be 35 hours by
this stage.

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 D R AW I N G P R O G R A M
Figure Drawing Phase II:
Basic Figure Construction
Master StudiesMale

At this point in the drawing, we can really

start to see the character or calligraphy
of the cross-contouring begin to take
shape. This is one of the main reasons for
doing master studies. You are trying to
pick up the other artists look or feel. I
always let a bit of myself come out in the
drawing. Remember, we are not creating
a forgery, just a soulful rendition.

In the close-up you get a feel for the small,

choppy cross-contour strokes. Look at the
forehead. Notice how I go with and against
the form. I am sculpting form, so it looks
more aesthetically appealing to the viewer.
Most of my favorite draftsmen combine
both linear and tonal passages.

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 D R AW I N G P R O G R A M
Figure Drawing Phase II:
Basic Figure Construction
Master StudiesMale

Here is my finish. When compared to the

original, it is not as full value. It could use
one more pass. Feel free to bring yours up
a little by taking another pass at it if you
desire.

I included a close-up of the head. I think

it is too light, obviously. I like the callig-
raphy overall. At this point, you most
likely will have anywhere between 68
hours on this piece. They do eat up some
time but time well spent. I have done
dozens upon dozens of these; always a joy
to do. Good luck, and remember, it should
be frustrating but also extremely enjoy-
able.

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 D R AW I N G P R O G R A M
Figure Drawing Phase II:
Basic Figure Construction
Master StudiesFemale

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 D R AW I N G P R O G R A M
Figure Drawing Phase II:
Basic Figure Construction
Master StudiesFemale

I did not take as many

step-by-steps of this
drawing, though the
procedure remains the
same. Start with a light
lay-in, then progress to
mapping, filling in mid-
dle tone, and bringing
it up to a finish.
Remember: head, neck,
crotch or sacrum in
this pose ground.
Follow this sequence,
layering more and more
information with each
pass. Have fun and stay
present mentally.

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 D R AW I N G P R O G R A M
Figure Drawing Phase II:
Basic Figure Construction
Master StudiesFemale

Here is a close-up of the female master

study. The artist, Pierre-Paul Prud'hon,
is a great French academic draftsman.
One thing I have noticed, though, is that
he has a tendency to make the heads too
large. This is one of the rare instances
where he made the head a bit too small,
in my opinion.

Notice in both images the uniqueness of

rhythmically flowing line. You can find this
also in Czech artist, Alphonse Mucha. Keep
in mind, for some reason it is very hard to
find great drawings of nude females. I will
be creating some large format figure books
to draw from in the future for this reason.

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