jeffrey smith figure drawing 2002

I used to teach in James McMullan's High Focus Drawing program at the School of Visual Arts. I was a member of the original faculty, from 1985 until 1993, when I left to relocate to the west coast.  Jim's teaching had a profound effect on my approach to drawing the figure, and he gave me a point of view which continues to be unique at the Art Center College of Design where I have taught since 1994.

Don't use a lay-in. Don't set the drawing up with a light drawing. In this approach to drawing the human figure, I start in the middle of the figure and then draw up to the head, and down to the feet. The idea here is to start at a point that makes sense. But also, it is a great way to express the balance, energy, and gesture of the human body.