Figure Sketching Made Simple
Suhita Shirodkar
Class Preview
1:34
- In-depth Instruction; over 111 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Drawing Verbs
15:04
Meet Suhita Shirodkar and begin to improve your figure sketching by loosening up and drawing more freely. As you sketch, you'll discover "verb" drawing and line-of-action techniques that will help you capture figures that are full of life.
People in Motion
11:37
Put the verb drawing and line-of-action skills you've learned to use as you sketch figures in motion. You'll learn tips for capturing figures on the move from a variety of different angles. Suhita will also show you how to create quick gesture drawings of heads and faces.
Looking for Shapes
11:59
Enhance your figure-drawing skills as you observe the shapes that are formed by a body's posture and movements. Next, discover how observing and sketching these shapes can improve your ability to situate your figures in space and capture figures in motion.
Capturing Dramatic Action
14:12
Start telling a story through your drawings by creating multiple sketches with dynamic poses. As you draw, you'll get tips for adding details that enhance your visual narrative. Before moving on, Suhita will show you how to use tone to ground your figures and give them greater dimension.
Drawing Connections
17:41
Now that you're comfortable with line-of-action techniques, Suhita shows you how to capture a line of connection in your sketches, such as the connection between a subject and a piece of fruit that he or she is reaching for. During this lesson, you'll also find out how color can make your visual storytelling more impactful.
Creating Compositions
22:45
Bring everything you've learned together to create a complete composition. Plan your composition with thumbnails, use line-of-action techniques in more complex pieces and add a background to complete the sketch. Then, Suhita will discuss using watercolor to highlight the focus of your composition.
Bonus: Reference Footage
17:19
Practice your figure-sketching skills using reference footage of people in motion!
Start sketching figures quickly and confidently with video lessons from Urban Sketchers correspondent and instructor Suhita Shirodkar. She’ll start by introducing you to “verb” drawing and line-of-action techniques, as well as how to apply these methods to drawing figures from a variety of angles. Take your on-location sketching skills further with expert tips for capturing figures on the go and situating your subjects in space. Ready to add an element of storytelling to your work? Find out how as you sketch subjects in a variety of dynamic poses and add key details to your visual narrative. With these fundamentals covered, Suhita will help you capture lines of connection in your sketches, such as a figure reaching to grasp a piece of fruit. Plus, discover how to plan a complete composition, use watercolor to highlight your work’s focal point and more.
Suhita Shirodkar
Suhita Shirodkar is an art director and graphic designer with more than 20 years of experience. In her own words, Suhita gravitates toward sketching because it allows her to "express what I never could in words, and remember and record the world around me as I see it at that very moment." As in instructor, Suhita has taught at the the Art Institute in Sunnyvale, California, as well as in Urban Sketching workshops around the world.
Bonus materials available after purchase