Life Drawing Sessions / Workshops in Paris

Life Drawing Montmartre:
The “Life Drawing Montmartre” (LDM) initiative offers life drawing sessions to professional and amateur artists in one of Paris’ most charming neighbourhoods – Montmartre. In addition to weekly open workshops, LDM offers a range of private life drawing classes for groups, both tutored and untutored. Our subjects are always professional life models, working for the Académie de la Grande Chaumière as well other Parisian art schools and ateliers.

Life Drawing Classes & Sessions / Art Workshops in Paris:


1. Intensive life drawing courses

This two-day intensive workshop is designed for everyone interested in the human figure. It covers all the information needed to draw a realistic figure and provides a strong foundation in drawing from life. You will learn how to represent the human body accurately and anatomically. The course is divided into two parts (see detailed program below). Each part includes practical demonstrations, one-to-one tuition, individual critique and group discussions. You will draw from different models, both male and female, on average 4 hours a day.

The sessions are open to everyone and beginners are especially welcome. The course is conducted in English. All materials are included in the cost. Seven spots are available for the workshop.

Cost: 240 EUR (the fee includes tuition, models, materials and tea/coffee).

Dates:
Thursday 22nd February – Friday 23rd February 2018, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm

Please note: The minimum number of participants is three. We reserve the right to cancel a class if the minimum number of participants is not met. If a cancellation occurs, a full refund will be given for any payments made.

Detailed programme:

Day 1
Introduces the participants to human proportions and perspective, as well as familiarising them with figure rendering techniques. We will work through all the stages of figure drawing, from the initial sketch to the finished work. You will learn to create a three-dimensional looking figure by accentuating the light and shadows. Together we will tackle the difficult task of drawing the foreshortened figure.

10:00 – 11:15 Standard body proportions
Seminar / demonstration / drawing from a live model

11:15 – 11:30 Break

11:30 – 12:30 Human figure in perspective
Demonstration / drawing from a live model / group discussion

12:30 – 14:00 Lunch break

14:00 – 15:15 Light and shadow
Seminar / demonstration / drawing from a live model

15:15 – 15:30 Break

15:30 – 16:30 Study of a model lying down
Demonstration / drawing from a live model / individual critique

Day 2
Introduces the participants to important anatomical landmarks and focuses on refining their drawing skills. The emphasis will be placed on accurate anatomy and realistic drawing of the hands, feet and face. We will also study differences in body types as well as the impact of ageing on the body. This workshop draws heavily on old master drawings.

10:00 – 11:15 Skeleton and musculature
Seminar / drawing from a live model / group discussion

11:15 – 11:30 Break

11:30 – 12:30 Hands and feet
Demonstration / drawing from a live model / group discussion

12:30 – 14:00 Lunch break

14:00 – 15:15 Portrait
Seminar / demonstration / drawing from a live model

15:15 – 15:30 Break

15:30 – 16:30 Study of a seated model
Demonstration / drawing from a live model / individual critique


2. Untutored life drawing sessions

Every Sunday, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Cost: 15 euros per person (materials not included)

A year-round weekly life drawing class in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. These sessions are perfect for people looking for life drawing classes without instruction.

The sessions are suitable for all skill levels. Beginners are welcome, however please note the sessions are untutored. Each session begins with warm-up short poses of two minutes, which are then followed by a series of 10-20 minute poses.

Please bring a drawing board and all your own art materials.


3. Life drawing class for beginners

This workshop provides an introduction to life drawing. A short tutorial about human anatomy and proportions is followed by a 2hr drawing from a live model.

We begin with a series of very short poses. This is an exercise designed for warming up your drawing hand and eyes. Then we slowly increase the time for the poses to 5 minutes, 10 minutes and 15 minutes.

We will finish the session with a 20 minutes long pose. The workshop includes practical demonstrations, one to one tuition and group discussions.

During this class you will:
- develop an understanding of overall body proportions
- discover drawing methods suited for short / long poses
- learn how to draw a foreshortened figure (drawing the figure in perspective)
- understand the significance of light and dark contrast
- learn how to avoid common mistakes in life drawing


4. Portraiture for beginners

Portraits demystified! This workshop focuses on the foundations of portraiture. You will develop an understanding of head proportions and anatomy as well as learning how to correctly position and accentuate facial features with light and shadow. The sessions are open to everyone and beginners are especially welcome. All drawing materials included, but please feel free to bring your own favourite art supplies.

Please note: We will be working from a photo reference, no model will be present during this session.


5. Printmaking workshop for beginners

This 2-hour workshop provides an introduction to relief printing, one of the oldest printmaking techniques. You will learn the technique of linocut: from preparing your drawing, carving your image, to inking and printing. Linocut is a form of relief printing and one of the easiest and safest printmaking methods. Linocut prints can easily be completed at home without the need for lots of space and a printing press.

This hands on workshop is suitable for all skill levels. The workshop fee includes all materials (lino block, ink and paper), tools and tuition. You will be working from a design of your own, so please bring your sketches/photographs to work from. To boost your inspiration, the printmaking workshop can be combined with the figure drawing class.