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Introduction to Figure Drawing


Learn how to expressively and accurately draw the human figure. This four-week course is ideal for anyone looking to learn the basics of drawing people both from life and reference, as well as those looking to improve their ability to draw dynamic and complex forms.

The course begins by teaching how to capture movement through rapid gesture drawing and then progresses by exploring how to block-in shapes, what to look for in a pose, and what you as an artist can add or leave out to achieve a strong resemblance. 

Under the guidance of the instructor, you will work from both master-copy references and photographs. From understanding starting lines to mastering basic measuring techniques, you'll develop a keen eye for weight distribution, proportion, and detail. By exploring shadow shapes, light effects, and rendering methods, you'll learn to breathe life into your drawings of the human form. 

By the end of the course, you will have a number of figure drawings for your portfolio.  

What you will learn:

✔ Capture the dynamic movement of the human figure through gesture drawing      
✔ Accurately depict the structure and proportions of the human body      
✔ Develop a keen eye for detail to enhance the accuracy and realism of your drawings      
✔ Use rendering techniques to infuse depth, texture, and mood into your drawings to strengthen their emotional impact and visual appeal

Join our visual arts classes online and take your skills to the next level.

Prerequisite skills:

  • Completion of Drawing Basics, or equivalent knowledge and/or experience
Next Session

Feb. 18 - Mar. 16, 2025 

Teen and adult sections

VIEW ALL DATES

Tuition

$299

Ages

Teens: Grades 6-12

Adult Learners: 18+

Receive expert guidance
Learn from world-class faculty who provide personalized feedback
Learn at your own pace
Explore engaging video content and meaningful instruction
Meet your instructor and classmates
Join an optional weekly class to connect with other artists in real-time
Practice and create
Strengthen your craft over four weeks as you develop creative projects
Find collaborators
Collaborate on your projects—or just for fun—in direct messages and group chats
  • Computer or mobile device with Internet. Internet speed must be at least 1.5Mbps download and 800Kbps upload. For students using a mobile device, download the Canvas mobile app and select “Interlochen Online” as your school.
  • 2 packs of vine or willow charcoal
  • 3 general charcoal pencils
  • 8.5” x 11” drawing paper or sketch book
  • Kneaded eraser
  • 1 piece of sandpaper
  • 24” white string (try not to use thread as it is too thin!)
  • Masking tape
  • Drawing board, at least 20" on the long side

No, course sections are designed for their respective age groups, either for adults (students 18 and older) or young people (students under 18).

Yes, there are eight sessions of courses per year. View the academic calendar for more session dates.

Interlochen Online certificateThis is one of three courses needed to complete the Drawing Fundamentals certificate program.

Our online arts certificate programs are perfect for...

Adults looking to boost their creative résumé and LinkedIn profile

Teens who want to earn high school credit for their passion 

Upon completion of the program, you will receive a physical certificate and a shareable digital certificate. Certificates for students under 18 are accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS); high school-age students will also receive an official transcript to share with their current school for consideration for high school credit.

Interlochen Online's Learning Experience

World-class. Inspiring. Flexible.

Meet the Faculty

Alec Zemper

Instructor of Drawing & Painting

Questions? Speak with an Advisor.

Email: online@interlochen.org 

Phone: 231.276.5990 

You can also schedule an appointment.

Access Free Resources from Interlochen Online

Experience Interlochen Online with free guides that teach you practical skills in the arts.

The first few pages of the Introduction to Portrait Drawing study guide.