Students receive a thorough study of both long and short pose drawing. During the long pose, students key on the most important objectives for each phase of the figure’s development, beginning with the “action” and ending with the “modeling of form.”

Afternoon sessions concentrate on short poses with the exception of one day which is dedicated to the study and drawing of the head. The short pose tests the artist’s capability to put into effect the principles learned in the long pose, but in a shorter time frame. Principles of design are explored in the context of the figure’s action and rhythm.

The basis of the workshop is building a solidly constructed three-dimensional figure using line as preparation for the modeling of form with light & shadow. The instructor endeavors to build a foundation of knowledge, so the artist can look for things as opposed to looking at things. The underlying goal is to give artists a deep understanding and appreciation of how line can create three-dimensional volumes in space. This enhances and strengthens their work whether it is drawing, painting or sculpture.

The instructor presents material in the form of demonstrations and historical references as a practical application to life drawing.

Jon deMartin’s work has been exhibited at galleries and museums and his work can be found in private collections in the United States, Australia, and Italy. A long-time art educator, he has conducted workshops in the United States and in Italy. His work has been reproduced in numerous publications. He graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Filmmaking.