Painting the Costumed Figure

Learning how to paint a costumed model is an exciting and challenging process. Clothes add color, character, texture, pattern, and rhythm to the subject. The costumed figure does not eliminate the need to study proportions and anatomy of the body. Understanding the structure gives your the ability to visualize the form under the clothing. Fabrics can obscure the form, and at the same time, contribute additional context to the model. Clothing styles reference the time period, culture, season, and indicate if the setting is formal or informal. Learn how to depict fabrics, folds that hug the body, patterns, as well as gloves, hats, and shoes. 

A costumed model will maintain the same pose for 4 weeks. We encourage a large canvas (stretched or unstretched) which will require an easel, a support board, or a wall to pin canvas to. If you’ve never painted in oversized format, you will be shown how to start a large painting in a beginner-friendly approach. For those who are interested in getting portrait commissions, this is the opportunity to learn how to do it with this step-by-step guidance. 

Who is it for

This course is suitable for the students who have already acquired basic drawing skills. Please note: no prior experience with the human body or color-mixing is necessary. Graduates of the Essential Drawing Course are welcome. To qualify for this course, if you are an absolute beginner, you need to complete 12 weeks of the Essential Drawing Course, which you can join right now or at any time