Class 7- 1st Day of Drawing from a Live Model

Our class got to draw from a live model today.  It was exciting.  The students rearranged the classroom to prepare for their day. They all got out 12 sheets of paper and various tools, like charcoal and pencil and of course erasers.

The model today was new at this.  It was her very first time modeling.  She did a wonderful job!

Maryann required everyone to draw standing up.  She says that you should be drawing from your core, your center and this requires standing up.

Tips: 
    Pick your emphasis
    No perpendicular
    What is your special focus?
    Horizontal of Vertical?
    Use the side of the tool in the beginning of the drawing
    Fill the figure with volume
    "PAPER IS LIKE OXYGEN"
    Map the drawing out in the beginning few seconds
    Use your eraser
    line variation: Dark/light
    Look for the alignment of the hips and torso
    Elbows and Knees crisscross in line
    "When you see someones work that is better than yours, ask why that is, and try to do that.

The poses where for 2 minutes each. 
Music was flowing!!! and the students were very focused.  They are very new to this style of drawing and still have a ways to go.  I am able to see specific styles in each student.  That is a joy, but know it is time to get them to break old habits and try a new way.  They need to learn mapping out the figure on the page.  Scale and proportion is a bit of an issue at this point, but over time they will get this down.

At the end of class Maryann reinforced the homework assignment: 25 variations of one thing.  She explained that this is a materials exercise.  Pay attention to craft and presentation.  She recommended they look up artist:
Marcel Duchamp, Joseph Vois. Barbara Creiger

Today was so fun for me and the students.  It took them about 1.5 hours to loosen up, but They worked very hard and I am proud of each and every one of them.