Studying the Masters
Turning to the drawings of the Great Masters our goal is not to copy the drawing literally or mindlessly. On the contrary, the task is to feel and think our way into it, learning to sense the way it draws life from within its inner movements.
Taking up the challenge of this anatomical study by Michelangelo, we must not fail to grasp the fundamental gesture of the figure. Read More
In another example, we can take a look at one of my favorite Michelangelo drawings for the crucified Haman, where that notoriously difficult angle of the head is tackled with masterful simplicity.
Once again, I've tried to push the gesture, forcing the head a tad more to our right, making the neck-bend even more severe. Read More
Learning from the Masters
When we study the Masters, we are not simply copying line and tone or a certain arrangement of carbon particles on a two-dimensional plane, for it is not just a question of tracing visual data on the page. Read More
Drawing from Sculpture
The next step in studying the Masters is to turn to sculpture. In Los Angeles we have many great resources to do this, among them is the LACMA which houses a permanent collection of Rodin sculptures readily available for our use. Read More
A Life-Long Relationship
Our relationship with the Great Masters of Life Drawing is bound to become a life-long affair across the ages despite our modern tastes and inclinations. Read More
Want to Draw from these Master Sculptures?
Check out our field trips to local museums!