Stuart Elliot

On this course you will work on traditional life drawing skills. Creating a convincing illusion of the three-dimensional form of the body can be a great challenge, and many common problems in trying to do this are often due to a lack of awareness of anatomy. Even a basic knowledge of the forms of the body can make a big difference however, and this course will introduce basic anatomical structure and the fundamentals of figure drawing. We will consider techniques of observation, measuring, dealing with light and shade as well as tricks and tips for handling proportion and adding depth to your drawings. We will make drawings from a full size model skeleton, study prepared drawings and diagrams and draw from the live model. There will also be extensive demonstrations of techniques and ideas. This course offers direct practical help and a structured approach for those wishing to approach figure drawing for the first time or for those looking to refresh their skills.

Stuart Elliot is a practicing painter, working and exhibiting internationally and is also a lecturer on the BA Fine Art course at Central Saint Martins. He is the author of 'Drawing the Nude: Structure, Anatomy & Observation' forthcoming from Crowood Press in 2014.