In this 1-hour figure session, Lizet works through three poses with model Jessika (10, 20 and 30 minutes), focusing on mark-making. The session looks at how to prevent your drawing from becoming overworked, balancing atmospheric marks with more directional ones, and breaking up shapes to pull focus and guide the eye across the figure.

Materials used: soft black pastel (sharpened into a wedge), white cartridge paper, blending tool, grey putty eraser.

<img style="display: block;" src="https://rawumberstudios.com/rus-videos/images/web/jess-7376.jpg" width="840" height="473" />
In this figure quick-draw session, Lizet works through three short poses with model Jessika, focusing on mark-making with black soft pastel. The aim is to balance crisp contours with broader, textured masses, keeping the torso as the main focus while letting the limbs and hands stay more atmospheric.
We&rsquo;ll start with simple block-ins for the head, ribcage, and hips, checking proportions as the drawing develops. The pastel is used both on its edge and side, with changes in pressure and angle creating variation in line and tone. Cast shadows help ground the figure and guide attention, while selective blending and erasing are used to shape light and form without overworking.
Materials used:
<ul data-start="763" data-end="892">
<li data-section-id="10edcdw" data-start="763" data-end="802">Black soft pastel (wedge-sharpened)</li>
<li data-section-id="hw5g1f" data-start="803" data-end="847">Blending tool (stump, sponge, or finger)</li>
<li data-section-id="1qys6z3" data-start="848" data-end="869">Grey putty eraser</li>
<li data-section-id="11brqs2" data-start="870" data-end="892">A4 cartridge paper</li>
</ul>
High quality images, great lighting and tuition from a professional artist mean this is a great way to hone your skills. This session mimics the structure of a traditional life drawing class. You will see one or more photographs to draw or paint from. Tutor Lizet Dingemans will be doing an online demonstration next to the video and will be giving hints and tips in the live chat. Once you have registered you will be sent a link to a private web page where you will be able to access the live stream at the date and time of broadcast. You will also have access to the video for 30 days after the session, and will be able to download the photographs used in the session so you can continue to work in your own time. If you're planning on watching more than one session a month then you <a href="../subscription">will save money with a subscription</a>. If you already have a Raw Umber Subscription then you can access this session <a href="https://rawumberstudios.com/my-account/">from your account</a>.

Jess: An online figure drawing session

Lizet Dingemans