Figure Drawing Reflection - w/Tommy Van Auken

In our Art IV class this year, we had the privilege to work with a very talented artist, Tommy Van Auken, who guided us on how to draw figures more organically. I rejoice at the fact that I have begun to understand figures more for what the are through gesture drawing rather than what they could be through "symbols" in my head. I have stopped generalizing shapes and parts and begun to capture them honestly. Contour drawing furthers a drawing along by highlighting what shapes can be seen within the figure, making its presence on the page bolder. The form of capturing reality that he taught us is something I hope sticks with all of us, because it feels like the true essence and soul of what art means. Here are 3 of the drawings I have done within the two weeks we got to learn; I hope they inspire as much joy in you as they do in me.