Figure Drawing for Every Body

Contributing figure drawings to a more inclusive art textbook

Research Assistant · Macalester College · Summer 2024

Illustration · Visual Research · Material Exploration · Iteration

As a summer research assistant, I created more than 200 drawings for Figure Drawing for Every Body, an inclusive figure-drawing textbook. My contributions explored timed gesture drawing, iterative studies of the same pose, and unconventional tools for making marks.

Gesture drawing

Working in 15–60-second intervals, I explored how to capture a pose quickly through line, movement, and essential forms. These exercises became a way to learn figure drawing by letting go of perfection by focusing on speed, emotion and movement (or gestures).

Drawing through repetition

For a series of studies, I drew the same pose three times in immediate succession. Each attempt gave me an opportunity to reconsider my approach and apply what I had learned from the previous drawing.

In some cases, I used the successive drawings to go back and fix what didn't work while in others I tried to explore the type of details different drawing implements could help me achieve.

Building form through repetition

Using ballpoint pens, I repeatedly drew over my existing lines for the duration of each study. As the marks accumulated, overlapping lines created dense areas of shadow and helped define the figure’s form. Rather than relying on clean, singular contours, I explored how repetition and the buildup of marks could communicate depth and volume.

Unconventional tools and materials

I experimented with spray bottles, water-based markers and everyday found objects as drawing tools, including a spoon, leaves, twigs, insulated wire, orange peel, and tea bags. Each offered a different way to apply ink and make marks, pushing me beyond familiar drawing techniques.