For some time now, I’ve been wanting to take art lessons again. As I said, I’m hoping to get the groove back.
After fretting and tossing the idea in my head for weeks, last Friday, I took the leap and signed up for a Basic Figure Drawing Class. I had the choice between that and Creative Watercolour Painting. I know I love painting and drawing figures scare me for the most part. So, I thought I’d dare myself further by taking the scarier route. 
And, on Saturday morning, I hauled myself to art school. For the first lesson, we had a male model. Great. I’m not very comfortable with drawing male models. So, on with the challenges.
To get us comfortable, our teacher told us to start drawing just in stick men figures. Easy enough. Then, she taught us how to work with gesture drawing to “flesh out” the stick figures. She explained ’sighting’ and basic measurements and perspective.
At the end of it, I learned a few new tricks and had a great time. Sure, it wasn’t easy. And, I could definitely use more practice and more lessons. But hey, I’m drawing and painting again! It’s fantastic.
Anyway, here are a couple of sketches. If you’re offended by nude drawings of the human figure, please don’t click on “more”.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Matt Vella 02.19.06 at 8:48 pm
I had a tough time with figure drawing. It was also very rewarding as a made a fair amount of progress in my drawing skills. I just posted up a painting I did a while back if you want to take a look.
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Shai Coggins 02.26.06 at 10:29 am
Hi, Matt. Thanks for sharing. Yes, figure drawing is very challenging. But, I find it very interesting. I’m not big on portraiture, but figures definitely catch my attention.
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Matt Vella 03.23.06 at 10:25 pm
I’m a big fan of fine figures, myself.
Yes, I’m not all that big on portraiture myself, although I have to say for my first shot at it – it came out pretty a-okay.
Been a while since I’ve done any painting, though. I think it’s time to pick it up again.
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Shai Coggins reply on January 29th, 2008:
Hope you managed to pick it up again!
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Amber Martin 03.17.07 at 6:44 am
Where did you do the classes? I’ve been in Adelaide for a year, but haven’t found any life drawing/figure classes.
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Shai Coggins reply on January 29th, 2008:
Hi, Amber. Took it in a school at Norwood. There are plenty of life drawing classes and groups around Adelaide. Hope you get to find one soon.
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Julia reply on September 11th, 2008:
Hi my name is Julia I am desperate to find a life drawing group to join, are there any others aside from the Adelaide Central School of Art at Noorwood?
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Michael 01.29.08 at 7:40 am
Shai
I admire your “abstract” drawings but if you want to work on making them a little more realistic take a look at a book called “Drawing with the Right Side of the Brain.” It helped me progress from stick figures to reasonable renditions of life models.
All the best.
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Shai Coggins reply on January 29th, 2008:
Thanks, Michael. I do have that book and I really love it. While I do take pleasure in drawing ‘realistic’… I’m not really sure I like it all that much. So, it was never a priority for me to make my drawings and paintings realistic. And, since I only draw/paint for fun, I figure I might as well do things I love to do. And not worry about whether I’m making ‘great art’ or not.
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Princess Nessy 06.18.08 at 5:08 pm
Hey there Shai,
Just wondering whereabouts you did that course? I’m interested in becoming a life model (don’t ask why…) and I’m having trouble finding places in Adelaide that do life drawing – I didn’t expect it to be that difficult to find.
Thanks a lot!
Vanessa
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craig 01.01.09 at 7:23 pm
Hi there – I did some life drawing modeling in Brisbane last year and enjoyed it – strangely enough I found it quite relaxing – I’d like to do some again in Adelaide – either for a class or an individual – is there someone to contact?
Some classes didn’t appreciate me as i’m 6′5 and angular – I think they preferred fleshier curvy types
Craig
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Tee 02.16.09 at 7:54 pm
Hey Guys,
For the ones who want to do some life modeling there’s some places that you can approach in Adelaide:
AC Arts at Light Square, Burnside, Unisa- West I think theres some in the hills and if you’re really keen, just do a post up at any art stores. Art teachers and students always come through these stores and are bound to call if they need people.
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