In this lesson, instructor Iliya Mirochnik will demonstrate how to draw an Early Renaissance bust. Using the plaster cast, you will learn to describe subtle forms and plane changes, a stylistic norm of the Early Renaissance. Iliya will show you how to identify the structure of a smooth-looking form, create block-in, and establish its shadow masses.

This lesson belongs to the course Cast Drawing: The Russian Approach. In this 8-week course, you will follow Iliya Mirochnik as he walks you through the centuries-old tradition of plaster cast drawing. You will learn to analyze the anatomy of the face and head. Iliya will demonstrate how he methodically builds up tones and utilizes hatching as a glaze to unify his drawings. This course provides you with many intuitive assignments, reference images, and 3D models of historical plaster casts that maximize your learning potential. After completing the course, you will gain an understanding of form and proportion, as well as develop a sensitivity to rendering light and shadow.

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