The Emotive Figure: Formal Language and Personal Vision with Jill Bateman
Class | FULL
Figure Drawing - The Emotive Figure: Formal Language and Personal Vision
How have master artists such as Seurat, Kollwitz, Diebenkorn, Schiele, and Matisse harnessed the formal elements of line, value, texture, shape, form, space, and color to create highly individual visual languages? How are these formal elements activated by the principles of balance, contrast, emphasis, rhythm, movement, pattern, and unity? And how can you view the figure not only as subject matter, but as a structure for developing a more intentional and personal drawing vocabulary grounded in formal investigation?
Each class will begin with close study of figure drawings by major artists, not as stylistic models to imitate, but as distinct solutions to the shared problem of describing and constructing the figure. Students will dissect how each artist organizes form, space, and mark-making to produce radically different visual outcomes from the same subject matter, the human form. As the term progresses, emphasis will shift from observation alone toward interpretation and personal vision. Through a regular sketchbook practice, students will be encouraged to identify recurring formal tendencies, imagery, and visual relationships, integrating discoveries into their own work.
- To ensure a well-rounded studio education and allow space for new students, we kindly ask students who have taken 3 or more terms with Jill to consider exploring other classes and instructors."
Recommended for Master Certificate students and Intermediate-Advanced level students.
Your instructor has provided a list of materials required to participate fully in this class.
If you have any questions about specifics or what is needed week-to-week, please reach out to your instructor via the email in your confirmation letter.
View the supply list: https://www.dickblick.com/lists/blicku/HU4UTRG2ZV1TM/
Jill Bateman
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