Pigeon: An online figure drawing session

For this week’s 1 hour figure session, join tutor Lydia and model Pigeon for a Raw Umber back pose study in chalk and charcoal on grey toned paper. The paper acts as a mid tone, allowing the lights and darks to sit clearly without overworking the drawing.

Lydia will focus on structure first, blocking in with straight lines and setting the three main masses of the head, ribcage and pelvis before building the limbs from simple cylinders. Key landmarks such as C7, the scapulae, ribcage base, iliac crests and sacrum are mapped early to keep the pose grounded. You will learn to organise the values into four clear steps: chalk lights, the paper mid tone, charcoal halftones and deeper shadows. Marks are laid in loosely with parallel strokes, keeping chalk separate from charcoal. Edges are carefully considered, softer around rounded forms and sharper at plane changes, with a focal accent developing around the raised shoulder. The aim is a clear, confident drawing rather than a tight finish.

Materials

• Grey toned paper

• Chalk

• Charcoal

• Measuring stick

• Putty rubber or kneaded eraser

This session mimics the structure of a traditional life drawing class. You will see one or more photographs to draw or paint from. Tutor Lydia Cecil 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 will save money with a subscription. If you already have a Raw Umber Subscription then you can access this session from your account.