Adult Courses

This course will cover an in-depth study of the human form while standing, sitting, reclining and moving. You will use a range of materials, including pencil, charcoal and chalk and study highlights, tonal values and mass, gaining accuracy through use of verticals, horizontals, proportions, measurements, planes and negative space. Your examination of anatomy will lead you to the clothed figure and all its complexities. Above all, the tutor hopes to create a relaxed atmosphere where everyone can have fun and learn about the beauty of the human body and its representation. All materials will be supplied.

Day One
Introduction to your tutor and the course.
Demonstration of how to use a pencil as a measuring tool giving angles and shapes.
A series of quick poses with the model emphasising movement using lines.
A longer pose using pencil as a measuring tool for length of limb, head and torso.

Day Two
A series of 10 minute pencil poses examining the basic foundation of the body as a structure.
Simplify important shapes with line.
A longer pose using shading and line together to generate structure and solidity in the body form.

Day Three
Using chalk and charcoal create a series of simple structural sketches.
For a longer series of poses concentrate on one aspect of the body and using negative spaces within accurately depict shape, form and silhouette.

Day Four
Using the model create a series of studies examining foreshortening in relation to more distant parts of the body.
On black paper use chalk in a study of light and dark contours of the body.

Day Five
With a clothed model in a variety of seated and standing poses using the anatomical knowledge acquired during the week give the body accurate dimensions and shape.
A study of draped clothing over a body shape using tonal values.

All materials are provided.

Stephen Pierce-Smith

About Stephen

Stephen studied at Sussex University and Kent University qualifying in Graphic Design. He ran his own design company for over 30 years and taught Adult Education in his spare time. Stephen's first love was always painting and drawing so in 2015 he concentrated full time on teaching art and gained a teaching qualification. Moving to Wiltshire in 2017, he now runs 5 classes in and around Devizes. He also run workshops at his home and does demonstrations in Kent for his old students. Stephen exhibits at several exhibitions throughout the year in Kent and Wiltshire and works in various mediums from watercolour and acrylics to pastels.