Special Events
2011 Akron Society of Artists Workshops
The Art of the Start – Redefining Gesture – December 1, 2, 3
Three Day Figure Drawing Workshop Presented by Master Draftsman Michael Mentler
“Michael is a modern day Da Vinci, his sketchbooks are masterpieces.” –Richard Schmid
Gesture drawings are not exercises we do to warm-up before we get to do the real drawings. They are not quick drawings that waste a lot of paper. The gesture is the life force within the drawing. It is the most important part of the drawing process and the part we give the least consideration. In this workshop we will use the first few minutes to analyze the dynamics of the pose. We won’t start drawing until we see and understand what the model is doing. Poses will range from 5 to 35 minutes. Great finishes don’t happen without great starts.
- GROUNDING: Visualizing the space the drawing will occupy
- EMPATHY: Feeling the stress and balance of the pose
- STRUCTURE: Understanding function and form
- TENSION: The 3 T’s, Twists, Tilts, and Turns
- UNITY: Unifying line and value
- RHYTHM: Identifying the underlying kinetic movement
- EXPRESSION: Translating the gesture for the viewer
The workday is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Michael will give demonstrations each morning and will work with each individual in the afternoon sessions to expand their understanding of the drawing process. Lunch is provided at the studio.
Reserve your place. Cost is $325 for members, $350 for non-members. A minimum deposit of $75 will hold your place. Full payment is required by November 4.
The first 6 people to register will receive a complimentary 90-minute “Heads, Faces & Features” DVD when they attend the workshop!
Learn more about Michael Mentler at his website: www.michaelmentler.com or at The Society of Figurative Arts website: www.tsofa.com. He may be contacted by phone at (972) 679-1625.