the+figure



==Throughout history, artists have depicted the human figure in paintings, drawings, sculptures and prints. In early societies, the human image was used to depict the supernatural in the form of gods and goddesses. In the Renaissance, the humanist philosophy of the time emphasized the naturalism of the human form. Later, during the Modernist era, the figure began to be distorted perhaps to express aspects of the human condition. ==

The figure is a powerful subject matter that has been used throughout history as a tool through which artists have communicated their thoughts and ideas.
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This is also a good resource: media type="prezi" key="xvwywbgvgdgi" width="550" height="400" [|The Figure (Prezi)]

an informative slideshow: media type="custom" key="28910316"

...And another excellent analysis of the figure from ancient Rome through Modern from Khan Academy: media type="youtube" key="0WxPx3_ZSBI" width="560" height="315"

We will start with short gesture drawings and lead into longer studies.
=**The Gesture:**=

A gesture drawing is a short, fast drawing that captures the "essence" of a pose or movement. Gestures are generally done as warm-up exercises to practice LOOKING at the model. The best approach to gesture drawing is to first capture the "directional line" or the line of motion,
 * then add horizontals to indicate shoulder and hip position
 * then the "hanging ovals"- the head, torso and hips
 * then fill in or flesh out the limbs and commit to your edges.

Try a continuous gesture that shows the transition from one pose to another:

This is a great resource for tips on gestures: http://www.art.net/~rebecca/LifeDrawing1.html

Use a view finder to focus on an area of the figure. Your figure MUST touch at least 3 edges of the paper. This is a 20 minute drawing
 * Focus; Composition**

A contour drawing uses line to show the edge of an object. Use a continuous contour line in a 30 minute figure study.
 * Focus; Contour**

The following link may be useful for this exercise. media type="youtube" key="SL3LiR_pvsU" height="315" width="560"


 * Focus: Value**

Use value to show volume and roundness in the figure as well as light source. Think of the charcoal as paint and model a range of values.

I would like you now to consider using the figure as a **tool** to express or convey your personal message as an artist. YOU will be the model or subject of your piece.

 * **Some artists use the figure to tell stories as in a narrative.**
 * //“Renaissance”, “Baroque”, “NeoClassical”, Jacob Lawrence, Thomas Hart Benton, Norman Rockwell, Edward Hopper, Kara Walker, Kiki Smith//
 * **Some artists use the figure to express feelings, emotions and the human condition.**
 * //“German Expressionism”, Otto Dix, Kathe Kollwitz, Kirchner, Max Beckman, Emil Nolde, Lucian Freud, Francis Bacon, Egon Schiele, Alberto Giacommetti//
 * **Some artists use the figure to express formal issues by abstracting it into lines, shapes and color.**
 * //“Futurism”, “Cubism”, Duchamps, Picasso, De Kooning,//
 * **Some artists use the figure to express a social or political message.**
 * //“Mexican Muralists”, Diego Rivera, David Siqueiros, Leon Golub, Nancy Spero, Sue Coe, Laylah Ali//
 * **Some artists use the figure to express a social or political message.**
 * //“Mexican Muralists”, Diego Rivera, David Siqueiros, Leon Golub, Nancy Spero, Sue Coe, Laylah Ali//
 * //“Mexican Muralists”, Diego Rivera, David Siqueiros, Leon Golub, Nancy Spero, Sue Coe, Laylah Ali//

=== You will create a self portrait painting that demonstrates a __clear__ focus on one of the styles or approaches listed above. Your work can be created with acrylic or oil paint on canvas or board. I prefer that you use the sketches from life as a basis for your work but you may use photographs if you compose them yourself. We will practice some painting techniques in class to help you prepare for this piece. ===

=== In addition to the work of art, you must conduct research that will help you develop your idea. This research will include sketches, planning notes, reflections and visual research on a specific artist that relates to your work. I will help direct you to a specific artist if you are having trouble. ===

RESOURCES
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[|Jeanne Ivy's Self Portrait Page]
=[|Art Lex on Self Portraits]=