Introduction to Figure Construction [Proko, Michael Hampton, Group Buy]

This course brings together the foundational drawing practices and figure construction techniques that I teach in university lectures. I’ve adapted the curriculum I use in teaching figure invention and construction at universities and assembled it here for students of all skill levels. Throughout the course, I’ll share my personal drawing process and explain how figure construction is rooted in foundational drawing skills.

Course Highlights:​

• 5 hours of lecture content
• Step-by-step demonstrations
• Detailed walkthrough of a figure turnaround
• Photoshop files of all example drawings
• Unnarrated demonstrations
• Student critique videos

Why Take This Course?​

The benefit of an online course like this is that you can watch the videos at your own pace, and you’ll have lifetime access to them. This is the same content I teach in university, but far more affordable and without the time constraints of a single semester.

I designed this course to be as accessible as possible. Starting with the basics of drawing lines, I’ll guide you through using these skills to create complex shapes. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, this course is designed for students at any skill level.

I cover a variety of poses and explain how to approach the unique challenges presented by different parts of the body. Each demonstration provides a thorough explanation of how the fundamentals of drawing relate to creating complex forms.

What You’ll Learn​

This course is an in-depth overview of figure construction, focusing on how to invent figures in perspective and use them as a foundation for understanding anatomy. This material represents what I teach at private universities and workshops around the world, and I’ve compiled it here because it’s one of the more challenging stages for students. That’s why I go into great detail on drawing mechanics and perspective to provide robust support.

The advantage of these recorded lectures is that they can be reviewed at your own pace. I’ve broken down my workflow into a step-by-step process to help you think through and practice your own drawing. The course also includes suggested assignments to reinforce the lessons and help you practice.

Keep in mind, this course isn’t a replacement for a figure drawing workshop or a magic solution to draw exactly like me. However, it provides a roadmap and clear steps that, with consistent practice, will guide you toward inventing figures in space.

Instructor Bio​

My name is Steven Michael Hampton, and I’ve been teaching figure drawing and anatomy for over 25 years. My teaching experience includes institutions such as:

• Art Center College of Design
• Anatomy Tools
• Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD)
• Blizzard Entertainment
• Lucasfilm

I’ve dedicated my life to drawing, studying it from the perspectives of a technician, illustrator, fine artist, and art historian. I am particularly fascinated with how the technical aspects of drawing facilitate conceptual practices in both entertainment and fine art. I’ve pursued degrees in illustration, fine art, and art history, and I’m nearing the completion of my PhD. For me, drawing is an endlessly adaptable language that can lead to countless conceptual outcomes when rooted in strong foundations.

I am also the author of Figure Drawing: Design and Invention, which outlines a step-by-step process for figure drawing. The book has been translated into Japanese and Korean, and my upcoming book on gesture drawing is set to release in late 2024.

What You Will Learn​

1. Proportion and Landmarks
   Learn the basic proportions and landmarks of the human body to consistently draw accurate figures.
2. Gesture
   Capture movement and energy in your drawings to enhance storytelling.
3. Anatomical Shape Design
   Break down anatomy into simple, primitive shapes to better understand and manipulate the body.
4. Figure Construction
   Build the figure using basic shapes like cubes and cylinders.
5. Primitive Shapes
   Master the use of primitive shapes to solve complex drawing problems.
6. Form Intersections
   Use line to add depth and storytelling to your drawings.
7. Foreshortening
   Learn techniques to depict objects and body parts that move toward the viewer, creating a sense of depth.
8. Drawing Exercises
   Practice essential drawing exercises that I continue to use to keep my skills sharp.

You can find more details by following this link.