In this lesson, instructor Joseph Todorovitch shows you a constructive drawing technique that is simplified down to the essential elements. You will learn how to establish three major masses of the figure, make clear design choices, and begin to posterize, or graphically separate lights from shadows.

This lesson belongs to the course From Paper to Canvas. In this 10-week course, internationally renowned artist Joseph Todorovitch teaches you his tonal approach to figure drawing, that is designed and tailored specifically for painters. In the first half of the course, you will learn to draw the figure while focusing on value masses, shape design, and edge quality in relation to the form. The second half of the course will be devoted to applying this approach in oil painting. This course will guide you through how to create drawings as preparatory studies for paintings, and provide you a fundamental understanding of figure painting.

Throughout this course, you’ll have access to the NMA community for feedback and critiques to improve your work as you progress.