Stuart Elliot

Convincing portrait painting requires a solid foundation of drawing and an understanding of structure and proportion. This course aims to provide an introduction to the anatomical structure of the head, hands, neck and shoulders. We will undertake detailed study of the skull, bones of the hands, neck and shoulders in terms of how these support and relate to the muscular system. We will also consider, in depth, the morphology or surface appearance of the facial features. The course will consist of drawing from the live model, drawing exercises from prepared diagrams, slide presentations of anatomical drawings along with examples of the application of anatomical knowledge in the work of artists such as Rubens and Rembrandt. At all times the study of anatomy will be related to issues of how to structure, organise and pace a drawing in terms of line, shape and tone.

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.