Life Drawing and Figure Art

Kids Drawing the Figure

Comment Written by Figure Drawing on July 8, 2009 – 11:22 pm

I think it’s important that a child be able to draw real figures as soon as possible. Understanding that most parents don’t want their kids put in a situation were they are looking at naked adults. Nor should there be a precedent set where its OK to look at pictures of naked people. (Unless of course your family thinks that is not an issue).

I suggest that if you want to have a figure drawing class you get the kids to draw each other. Fully clothed of course.

Have the students take turns getting up in front of the class and posing. The poses should not take longer than 5 minutes so that everybody gets a chance and the model does not get tired. This will help the children learn both the discipline of staying still and drawing what they see.

You can also have the students pair off. So one poses on a chair while the other tries to draw them. This is a great way for shyer students to just draw their friends.

I suggest that you bring costumes and props so that the kids can really get into it. If you pose 2 together you can have sports poses, shaking hands, sword fights etc. whatever the kids can think of.

I also suggest you let them choose the poses. When they tire out because they took a pose that was too hard to maintain for 5 mins you should teach them how to stay static for longer.

You will get the odd clown. Kids are kids, right? I suggest once you know who that is save them for the end of class. This will give the rest of the kids something to smile about as the class will start to get tiring after about 30 mins.

I suggest you keep the classes short and try not to force the learning too much. Instead focus on the fun of seeing, drawing and modeling.

I have done this myself and it’s a great experience.

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