The Expresssive Figure 6_15_2022

 

The Expressive Figure Assignment

Concept: Trajectories

Using the Golden Ratio Spiral for placement

Materials

•  Vine or Willow Jumbo Charcoal ( Generals), Graphite lead and holder, ballpoint pen, Crayon, etc
•  90 lb drawing paper 12" x 19" or similar sketchbook
•  Faber-Castell Kneaded Eraser
•  I pad

Starting with charcoal or graphite, quickly sketch, draw a gestural mannikin of the pose with an emphasis on proportions and action. This should take fifteen seconds or less and be in the spirit of what Michelangelo called "the Flame". Think of it as three helixes wrapping around a central core, like ribbons or strands of flame rising and converging above.

With the template of the mannikin pose as a guide, consider how the volumes of the "peanut", "cylinders, and "ovoid" describe the volumes "in space" and can taper as they move away from us and loom larger the closer they are to us. Be cognizant of this "in and out" spatial occupancy.

Choose three poses and explore the quality of :

Trajectories

Using the Golden Mean Spiral 1.618 concept as a way to orchestrate trajectories, notice how the spiral begins at a nexus roughly three quarters down from the top of the figure (1.618?) from the top of the figure.

There is some subjectivity about where to locate the origins of the spiral(nexus), but it is uncanny how the edges of the figure naturally correspond with the movement of the algorithmic radial arc.

Consider the pictorial potential of shapes including background elements and cast shadow shapes that integrate and enhance the pose.

The following are Croquis poses

The Expressive Figure 6_8_2022

 

The Expressive Figure Assignment

Concept: The Envelope

Silhouette and Mass

Materials

•  Vine or Willow Jumbo Charcoal ( Generals), Graphite lead and holder, ballpoint pen, Crayon, etc
•  90 lb drawing paper 12" x 19" or similar sketchbook
•  Faber-Castell Kneaded Eraser
•  I pad

Starting with charcoal or graphite, quickly sketch, draw a gestural mannikin of the pose with an emphasis on proportions and action. This should take fifteen seconds or less and be in the spirit of what Michelangelo called "the Flame". Think of it as three helixes wrapping around a central core, like ribbons or strands of flame rising and converging above.

With the template of the mannikin pose as a guide, consider how the volumes of the "peanut", "cylinders, and "ovoid" describe the volumes "in space" and can taper as they move away from us and loom larger the closer they are to us. Be cognizant of this "in and out" spatial occupancy.

Choose three poses and explore the quality of :

Mass and Envelope

Conceptualize the figure in its entirety by visualizing an envelope that contains the mass of the figure- NOT an outline, although using a contour outline to begin the containment. Try to work out from the center and be cognizant of the pressure applied to the charcoal. More pressure for thicker more dense mass- lighter pressure as you move outward to the extremities. Once a potent mass is established, finish with a meandering contour line that defines the form.