Expressive Figure Painting

EXPRESSIVE FIGURE PAINTING: The Draped and Undraped Figure

In this immersive four-week course, participants will dive deep into painting the human figure from a live model, both draped and undraped, using watercolor or acrylics. Students will have the opportunity to observe the complexities of the human form in detail, honing their ability to capture both its structure and expressiveness.

Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on developing tonal techniques to create depth, form, and a sense of three-dimensionality. Students will study proportional relationships within the human body, understanding how various parts interact and relate to each other.

Color and value will be explored as essential tools for portraying the figure in space. Students will also investigate the effects of foreshortening and how it influences the perception of the body’s position and movement.

In addition, quick gesture drawings and color sketches will be integrated into each session to help refine observational skills, improve the ability to capture posture and motion, and enhance the expressive quality of the work.

By the end of the course, students will have gained a stronger understanding of the figure, enhanced technical skills, and greater confidence in conveying the human form through painting.

A nude model will be present. Open to teens with written parental permission, download the form HERE, and submit it signed to Melissa Gabriel [email protected]

Class Breakdown:

Class 1

 Introduction to figure drawing. Demonstration of proportions and relationships. Practice gesture drawing and contour drawing in short poses with a live model.

Class 2

Demonstrations of painting the nude figure in short/long poses, practicing short and long poses from a live model.

Class 3

Introduction to drawing drapery. Exercises in drawing the draped figure from a live model in short and long poses.

Class 4

Demonstrations of painting the draped figure in long poses, practicing from a live model.

Material list:

If you wish to work with Acrylic: 

• Acrylic paints 4 oz or 8 oz: Ultramarine Blue, Titanium White, Alizarin Crimson, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna.
• Brushes for Acrylic: round and filberts
• Disposable paper palette for acrylics ( 11″ x 14″)
• Sketch paper pad ( 11″ x 14″)
• Multi-media paper pad ( 11″ x 14″)
• 2HB pencils, one eraser, one sharpener
• 1x 4 oz jar of matte or gloss medium
• Small plastic container for water
• Paper towel roll

If you wish to work with Watercolor

• Watercolor paint in tube: Ultramarine Blue, Titanium White, Alizarin Crimson, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna.
• 1 set of watercolor brushes, round and filberts
• Sketch paper pad ( 11″ x 14″)
• A watercolor paper pad or block 11” x 14” approx. Cold press 140 lb or 300 gm
• 2HB pencils, one eraser, one sharpener
• 1 Plastic container for water
• Palette or plastic plate for mixing colors
• Paper towels
• Masking tape

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Will McGaul has been a professional art instructor since 2011. Will has exhibited in California and Florida. He is a member of the Miami Watercolor Society and the Gold Coast Watercolor Society. Will loves to share his passion for drawing and painting in his classes and workshops, and at the same time, simplifying the process and making it fun.