31st July-4th August & 7th-11th August 2017
Traditional Uses of Cast Drawing
Drawing of plaster casts forms an important element in an Atelier style drawing & painting training. It teaches artists how to understand and render light on form without many of the the complications involved in drawing a live model. The cast lends itself to a long study, teaching essential drawing skills used in figurative drawing and painting.
Most importantly the plaster cast is white, therefore avoiding the confusion that local colour causes in distorting tonal value judgements. This enables an objective study of the flow of light over its planes and a clear view of the value shifts as the form turns into and away from the light source. Join Chris Clements on this 5 day course and benefit from his knowledge in this fascinating field. The lessons learnt on this course will be invaluable in your own work.
Sight Size Technique for Cast Drawing
You will be taught how to use the sight size technique. Sight size is thought to have been used by Nineteenth Century portrait artists such as John Singer Sargent. It is used to get a very accurate likeness of the model with out resorting to any lens based aids. The cast and easel are placed next to each other and the artist stands back a couple of metres to make all the observational judgements before walking up the easel to make each mark.
Tone, Values & Form using Chiaroscuro
The course will use a simple value scale to help you understand and demonstrate light and form in your drawing using chiaroscuro (light and dark). By breaking the light down into families of value you can give your depth and atmosphere. A sound understanding of this is essential before you begin working in colour.
You will be shown how to use:
- Shadows
- Mid-tones
- Lights
- Reflected light in the shadows
- Highlights
Structure of Cast Drawing Lessons
Every day will begin with some simple drawing exercises. Each one will build on the last to introduce you to the various stages of the cast drawing technique. After each exercise is complete you will apply what you have learnt to a cast drawing. This is done using the sight size technique and will be worked on over the 5 days.
The Stages will consist of:
- Blocking in the main shapes
- Finding the key values
- Modelling the form using the value scale
- Reflected light in the shadows
- Final rendering & focus
Traditional Uses of Cast Drawing
Drawing of plaster casts forms the basis for an Atelier style drawing & painting training. It teaches artists how to understand and render light on form without many of the the complications involved in drawing a live model. The cast lends itself to a long study, teaching essential drawing skills used in figurative drawing and painting. Most importantly the plaster cast is white, therefore avoiding the confusion that local colour causes in distorting tonal value judgements. This enables an objective study of the flow of light over its planes and a clear view of the value shifts as the form turns into and away from the light source. Join Chris Clements on this 5 day course and benefit from his knowledge in this fascinating field. The lessons learnt on this course will be invaluable in your own work.
Tools & Materials
The materials used are very important to be able to achieve the desired results. On the course you will be introduced to different types of charcoal and their uses. You will be introduced to various drawing tools and aids and learn where and how best to make use of them.
A materials list will be sent out on registration with information on where they are available. Alternatively everything you need will be available as part of the course for an extra £20.
Book your place or find out more
- Dates: 31st July-4th August & 7th-11th August 2017
- Cost: £295 week or £550 for both.
- Hours: 09:45 – 16:30 (Lunch 12:45 – 13:30)
- Discounts: Early-bird and previous student discounts available.
- Materials: Will depend on which course you do and can be supplied, email for a materials list.
- Courses can be tailored to your own needs so feel free to get in touch if you’d like to discuss this or anything else.
- More info: info@northernrealist.com or use the form on the right – please mention which course you’re interested in