Training Materials - Week 1

Introduction to Gesture and 2D Abstraction

Objective:

• to define the meaning and function of Gesture and Structure
• locate stretch, pinch and the "thrust"
• learn how to observe gesture on the model
• to abstract or simplify the torso using the '2-step process'

Method:

1. First, we observe the key landmarks of the pose

2. Define the action of the pose by describing the thrust or long axis

3. Use structure to create volume and contain the fluid nature of the figure

[VIDEO 1: Lecture]

[VIDEO 2: Demo]

[HANDOUTS]

Landmarks of the body

Using the 2 step process

For Homework:

1. Draw 100 - 150 gesture drawings in this manner

• isolate and study only the torso (NO heads, arms or legs)
• do 20-30 sketches per day
• spend 1-3 minutes MAX per drawing
• draw from a live model as much as possible (at least 3x per week is ideal)
• use any medium (charcoal pencil and/or ball point pen is my recommendation)

2. Study and become familiar with the major anatomical landmarks