The subject of this Drawing Foundation Crash Course is movement and dynamism in figure drawing.
In these two 3-hour drawing sessions, we will study expressive movement using reference images that include quick, dynamic sketches by master artists such as Pontormo, as well as photographic references of models. These preparatory drawings, originally created as studies for larger paintings, reveal how great artists developed ideas of energy, rhythm, and narrative in their compositions.

During the course, we will draw with red crayons or colored pencils on white or lightly toned paper—classic materials used throughout art history for figure studies. By copying master drawings, participants will practice expressive line work and energetic mark-making, improving both gesture drawing and aesthetic fluency.

Next, we’ll apply these techniques to our own quick figure sketches, working from high-quality photographic references provided during the session. This structured approach helps artists develop confidence, loosen their hand, and learn to capture the human figure with clarity and vitality.

The red crayon technique—one of the oldest and most effective mediums for figure drawing—is essential for any artist eager to explore the tradition and skill of expressive drawing.

 Materials:

Red earth (Sanguine, India red, Venetian red, burnt Sienna) crayons or pastels or colored pencils.

Any one of these will work:

• Faber Castell Pitt pastel or Oil base Pitt Pastel, Cretacolor pastels in pencils, Conte crayon, colored pencils.
• A pad of Strathmore Drawing paper in medium finish, series 400, about 11”by 14” or so, but you can also use any other drawing paper you have or like, but don’t use newsprint paper because it will not withstand energetic drawing.
• Erasers and sarpeners