Figure Drawing Course based on the figurative tradition of the Old Masters.

The Figure Drawing Course at the Barcelona Academy of Art is rooted in the great figurative tradition of the Old Masters and in classical academic training. It is designed for students who wish to strengthen their foundations in academic drawing, as well as for artists seeking to refine their technique working from life with a live model.

At the Barcelona Academy of Art, we consider drawing to be the fundamental pillar of any artistic development. It is the essential starting point for painting, sculpture, and all visual disciplines. Through a structured and progressive methodology, students learn to observe, analyze, and represent the human figure with rigor, sensitivity, and precision.

Materials are not included. A detailed materials list will be provided in the confirmation email after registration.

Course Methodology

The program combines theoretical instruction with intensive studio practice working from a live model.

Pencil Drawing: Block-in, Gesture, and Proportion

Students begin with short pose sketches, developing:

• Block-in construction
• Gesture and rhythm
• Proportion and measurement
• Structural accuracy

These exercises build a solid structural understanding of the human figure and establish a strong academic foundation.

Charcoal Drawing: Masses and Chiaroscuro

In the long pose, students work with charcoal, focusing on:

• Mass construction
• Value studies
• Academic chiaroscuro
• Volumetric analysis and three-dimensional form

A course in natural sculpture portrait, based on the figurative tradition of the great masters.

The course will focus on the process of constructing a three-dimensional portrait with clay. This process, coupled with different observation methods, allows the students to learn to pay attention to the proportions, gesture and internal structure, thus getting as close as possible to the likeness and expression of the model, in order to capture the essence of the person portrayed.

Clay is included; however, tools and other necessary materials are the responsibility of the student. A detailed list of materials will be provided along with the confirmation email.

Working from a natural model is essential to understanding the structure and gesture of the human figure, and to train one’s capacity for observation according to classical-academic methodologies. Modelling the human figure provides a solid sculptural basis, focusing on the development of basic handcrafting skills.

This course is an introduction to figurative sculpture. By working with live models, nude in contrapposto, students learn to interpret nature through traditional techniques. They start by learning how to shape the model and pay attention to subtle changes in posture. Contrapposto poses are the most appropriate to get an understanding of the anatomy and variety between relaxed and tense muscles.

After an introduction to the academic techniques for modelling the human figure, students will begin to sculpt a figure at half its natural size, using an additive method, where they will construct the shapes slowly through three-dimensional drawing. They will observe the model from a distance and focus firstly on the overall impression and accuracy of the proportions and gesture, before moving on to modelling the shapes and other details. The first step is understanding the relationship between the box (pelvis) and the egg (the rib cage).

Clay is included; however, tools and other necessary materials are the responsibility of the student. A detailed list of materials will be provided along with the confirmation email.

1-Week Oil Portrait Course: Inspired by the Figurative Tradition of the Great Masters

This intensive course will guide you through the process of creating an oil portrait with a live model, learning essential observation methods to capture the subject's likeness, proportions, gesture, and internal structure.

Please note: Materials are not included. A detailed list will be provided in the confirmation email.