Exercise 6.6 • Large Figure Study

Aim
For this exercise you have a choice.
You can produce either:
A large full length figure study (A1 size) 
OR
A portrait or self-portrait (A2 or A1)
You can, of course, produce both or more than one attempt at each and make a selection.
Preparation for either drawing:
From looking at the work made to date, make notes on what you plan to do. Think about composition, medium and approach. Write notes on the artists that have inspired you to work in a particular way. Be inventive in your approach and in the materials you use. You’re not restricted to working in black on white paper. You could focus on the highlights and use white on black, or consider using coloured monochrome, perhaps dark blue on pale blue paper, or ink and charcoal on newspaper, or on prepared coloured paper – the list is endless, so be inventive but don’t lose sight of the importance of the drawing. Allow around two hours for these drawings.
As with previous large drawings, make a series of ‘sketchbook’ studies to work out some of the decisions. Make as many as you feel necessary. Don’t settle for the first idea. Try to be as expressive and experimental with the large drawing as you were with the preparatory studies. Try not to tighten up, or lose the fluidity and spontaneity that should have evolved since the beginning of the course.
Option A: A large full length figure study (A1)
This study is about drawing a convincing three-dimensional figure.
Method
Take particular note of the proportions of the figure and any surroundings you think will contextualise the figure, without overwhelming it. As before, start generally by blocking the large masses in, taking care to show how and where the body turns and where its weight is.
Once you’re happy with this, start to hone in on the detail such as the hands and facial features, as well as the folds of any clothing using a single line, or combinations of lines: narrow and thick, curved and straight, fractured, expressive, gestural, dynamic, dramatic (and so on).
As with previous exercises, you may have to make specific studies of, for example, hands to understand them properly. Be prepared to step away from the large piece to make more studies as you work.
Option B: A portrait or self-portrait (A2/A1)
Method
Create a portrait, or self-portrait, where the features are believable and in proportion to the rest of the face, head, shoulders and chest. Try to find an interesting position rather than looking straight ahead. Use mirrors to view from different angles.
In your sketchbook, experiment with some of the ideas you’ve uncovered during your research into other contemporary artists’ work.
Work with variations of tone and expressive line to create an interesting and atmospheric image. For your main light source, you might try using a candle, small lamp or torch in a semi-darkened room to exaggerate the contrasting lights and darks, for example. You might also work very close up with the features filling the sheet. Be experimental and ambitious in this drawing.
Reflection
What did you find interesting or challenging about drawing the figure on this scale? Were the techniques and media you chose able to enhance the form and add an expressive quality? What did you learn that you could use to develop your figure drawing skills?