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Human Figure/Anatomy
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In-Depth Watercolor, Summer 1 (In-Person)
with James Toogood
Fridays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Enrich your knowledge of painting with an in-depth look at watercolor. Thoroughly investigate a wide range of watercolor materials and techniques from your choice of landscape, still life, portrait, and figure subjects. Open to watercolorists of all levels and to acrylic/oil painters looking to broaden their skills.
Learning Objectives
- Students will learn about color theory as applied to watercolor.
- Students will receive a comprehensive explanation of watercolor materials and tools, with particular focus will be paid to the properties of paint and pigments as they interact with the paintbrushes and paper.
- Through both discussions and demonstrations, first time participants and beginners will learn a variety of techniques that are fundamental to watercolor, presented in a systematic step by step method. Participants can expect to have regular individual instruction, given at their current skill level.
- Focus also will be paid on acquiring the skills needed to achieve a richness of color and a feeling of light.
- Participants will work from direct observations from the still life and model, as well as from one’s own source materials.
- Those not taking the class for credit will have the option to work on landscape, still life, portrait and figure or abstraction, as they wish.
- Participants will be exposed to a variety of watercolor styles and encouraged to discover one’s own personal aesthetic.
- The course is ultimately designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to make accomplished, personally rewarding watercolor paintings.
Optional: This course is available for 1.5 undergraduate credits for $995. Select credit option when registering.
Image: James Toogood, Bermuda.
Register by: May 12
Figure Painting: Alla Prima and the Limited Palette (In-Person)
with David Wilson
Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.*
Painting the human form from observation is one of the cornerstones of PAFA's long tradition of rigorous instruction. Working from the nude model in poses of varying lengths, investigate color mixing, proportion, and composition using oil paint as a medium. Focusing on alla prima painting techniques and a limited flesh-tone palette, learn to model the human form through gesture, shape, volume, and temperature – excellent for painted sketches and preparatory studies, foundations for extended work, or an introduction/refresher to figure painting. Intended for all skill levels, this course also offers the valuable opportunity for more advanced students to continue to hone their skills to deepen their understanding of the language of painting. Instruction will be geared toward oil, but students may draw-only, or use other appropriate media, in this class, if they wish. Note: Tuition includes a $35 models fee.
* No class on May 27 for Memorial Day Weekend.
Image: David Wilson, 2016.
Register by: May 12
Figure Drawing in Charcoal and Pastel (In-Person)
with Deon Robinson
Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
A cornerstone of PAFA’s studio instruction, figure drawing is a challenging, engaging practice that benefits artists for portfolio building or in developing skills for figure-based work in any media. Working in charcoal and colored soft pastel, students will work from a variety of models in short and extended poses to explore human anatomy and proportions, value drawing with chiaroscuro, and the application of elementary color theory to produce achromatic and color drawings from observation. Open to all levels. Tuition includes a $35 models fee.
Image: Deon Robinson.
Register by: May 12
Intuitive Drawing (In-Person)
with Tony Rosati
Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Ideal for people with little or no formal training, this course presents foundational techniques and an overview of subject matter through concise and straightforward instruction. Working chiefly in pencil from simple objects and portrait models, learn concepts and methods to use line, shape, light and shadow, and value to draw what you see effectively, accurately, and expressively. This is a great starter course for further course study or personal practice.
Image: G. Daniel Massad, Study for "From Toshiko's Garden", 1987, Graphite on paper, 23 x 26 9/16 in. Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, Gift of the artist in honor of Toshiko Takaezu, 2008.18
Register by: May 26
Drawing in PAFA's Historic Cast Hall Intensive (In-Person)
with Phyllis Laver
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
PAFA’s breathtaking Cast Hall is a unique resource for artists, containing copies of Greco-Roman and Renaissance sculpture, including the Winged Victory, the Venus de Milo, and the staggering life-size copy of Michelangelo’s David, among other notable works. Cast Drawing was one of the first courses established in the founding of the Academy and has remained a core part of PAFA’s fine arts curriculum for over 200 years. Become a part of this long and rich artistic tradition as you learn to draw accurately from observation, explore line and form, and gain an appreciation for some of history’s most beautiful sculptural artworks. This course is an excellent introduction to drawing techniques and materials and is appropriate to all levels. Read a History of PAFA’s Cast Hall by Faculty Member Al Gury here.
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn to articulate 3-dimensional form with active gestural line.
- Students will translate form into cross-contour models.
- Students will develop skill in drawing form with light.
- Students will manipulate composition to alter visual impact.
- Students will acquire knowledge of diverse artists and their ways of working.
Optional: This course is available for 1.0 undergraduate credit for $595. Select credit option when registering.
Image: Daniel Garber, Reclining Male Figure [Cast drawing: Michelangelo's "Day"], 1904, Charcoal on buff laid paper, 18 5/8 x 24 3/8 in., Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, Gift of the artist, 1945.14.5
Register by: June 2
Figure Modeling (In-Person)
with Morgan Dummitt
Tuesdays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Note: This course was originally scheduled for May 30 but has been postponed by one week to begin on June 6. Registration is open.
Sculpting from the life model is the foundational skill of traditional sculpture. Learn to model the 24-inch full figure in clay, from armature construction to finished sculpture. Topics of study will include proportion, gesture, and simplified sculptural form. All levels are welcome. Note: Tuition includes a $50 models fee.
Learning Objectives
- Learn to focus on large, simple shapes
- Gain a basic understanding of the major forms and rhythms of the figure and portrait
- Understand the building blocks of artistic anatomy
- Consider the goals of a study versus a finished sculpture
Optional: This course is available for 1.0 undergraduate credit for $645 (including model fee). Select credit option when registering.
Note: No class on Tuesday, July 4, for Independence Day.
Image: Morgan Dummitt, Brittany.
Register by: Registration Still Open!
In-Depth Watercolor, Summer 2 (In-Person)
with James Toogood
Wednesdays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Enrich your knowledge of painting with an in-depth look at watercolor. Thoroughly investigate a wide range of watercolor materials and techniques from your choice of landscape, still life, portrait, and figure subjects. Open to watercolorists of all levels and to acrylic/oil painters looking to broaden their skills.
Learning Objectives
- Students will learn about color theory as applied to watercolor.
- Students will receive a comprehensive explanation of watercolor materials and tools, with particular focus will be paid to the properties of paint and pigments as they interact with the paintbrushes and paper.
- Through both discussions and demonstrations, first time participants and beginners will learn a variety of techniques that are fundamental to watercolor, presented in a systematic step by step method. Participants can expect to have regular individual instruction, given at their current skill level.
- Focus also will be paid on acquiring the skills needed to achieve a richness of color and a feeling of light.
- Participants will work from direct observations from the still life and model, as well as from one’s own source materials.
- Those not taking the class for credit will have the option to work on landscape, still life, portrait and figure or abstraction, as they wish.
- Participants will be exposed to a variety of watercolor styles and encouraged to discover one’s own personal aesthetic.
- The course is ultimately designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to make accomplished, personally rewarding watercolor paintings.
Optional: This course is available for 1.5 undergraduate credits for $995. Select credit option when registering.
Image: James Toogood, Venice.
Register by: June 23
Essential Drawing Techniques (In-Person)
with Roger Chavez
Thursdays, 1 - 4 p.m.
Draw what you see competently and with confidence. Drawing is not only the basis for other creative endeavors like painting and sculpting, but also a powerful means of describing the world around you and expressing yourself. Instruction will address fundamental concepts including line, shape, perspective, value, and composition. Draw from still life objects, the life model, and more while learning the proper use of drawing materials, sight-measuring methods to accurately gauge proportions and space, shading techniques to develop three-dimensional form and contrast, and means of developing personal expression. Ideal for beginners and those in need of a refresher. Tuition includes a $10 models fee.
Image: Roger Chavez.
Register by: June 23