Human Figure Drawing and Painting for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 1
Age: 17 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Painting and Decoration
Curriculum Theme: Human Figure Drawing and Painting
Previous Lesson: Computer Graphics, CorelDRAW, Paint, PowerPoint and Graphic Production
Topic: FIGURE DRAWING AND PAINTING
Subject Matter: Meaning of human figure drawing; Human figure drawing to proportion anatomy, core-shortening

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Define human figure drawing.
• Explain the concept of proportion in human anatomy for drawing.
• Describe the principle of core-shortening (foreshortening).

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of accurate observation in figure drawing.
• Develop patience and precision in rendering human forms.

Psychomotor Domain

• Draw a human figure to correct anatomical proportion.
• Apply the principle of core-shortening in figure drawing.
• Render a posed model in accurate form.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable Fine Art or Painting and Decoration textbook for SS 3
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Live model (if available) or clear photographs/diagrams of human figures in various poses.
• Drawing boards.
• Pencils (HB, 2B, 4B).
• Erasers.
• Drawing paper.
• Measuring tools (e.g., ruler, plumb line, or sight-size tools).

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is essential for students to develop foundational skills in depicting the human form accurately, which is a core aspect of painting and decoration. Understanding proportion, anatomy, and core-shortening enables artists to create realistic and dynamic human figures, enhancing their overall artistic expression and technical proficiency.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic drawing skills, an understanding of fundamental art elements and principles, and some prior experience with observational drawing.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

FIGURE DRAWING AND PAINTING

Meaning of Human Figure Drawing

Human figure drawing is the artistic representation of the human form in various poses, actions, and expressions. It involves observing and rendering the anatomical structure, proportions, and gestures of the human body. This practice is fundamental in art education, helping artists understand human anatomy and movement.

Human Figure Drawing to Proportion (Anatomy)

Drawing the human figure to proportion involves accurately representing the relative sizes and relationships of different body parts. Understanding human anatomy is crucial for achieving realistic proportions.

Principles of Proportion

The human body is often measured using the “head unit” as a standard of proportion. A typical adult figure is approximately 7 to 8 heads tall. Key proportional guidelines include:

1. The distance from the chin to the hairline is one head unit.
2. The distance from the chin to the nipples is approximately two head units.
3. The distance from the chin to the navel is approximately three head units.
4. The midpoint of the body is usually around the pubic bone.
5. The elbows align with the navel, and the wrists align with the crotch.
6. The knees are typically halfway between the hip and the ankle.
7. The width of the shoulders is generally about two to three head units wide.

Anatomical Landmarks for Proportion

Artists use anatomical landmarks to establish proportions and structure. These include:

1. Head: Top of the skull, chin, eyes, nose, mouth.
2. Torso: Shoulders, collarbones, sternum, rib cage, navel, pelvis (iliac crests).
3. Limbs: Elbows, wrists, knuckles, hips (greater trochanter), knees, ankles.

Observing these points helps in accurately mapping out the figure’s structure before adding details.

Core-Shortening (Foreshortening)

Core-shortening, often referred to as foreshortening, is a visual effect that causes an object or distance to appear shorter than it actually is because it is angled towards the viewer. In figure drawing, it is the technique of depicting an object or body part as shorter than it is in reality, to convey the illusion of depth and three-dimensionality on a two-dimensional surface.

Understanding Core-Shortening

When a limb or body part extends directly towards or away from the viewer, its length appears compressed. For example, an arm reaching out towards the viewer will appear shorter than an arm extended sideways. This compression creates a sense of depth and dynamic movement.

Applying Core-Shortening in Drawing

To apply core-shortening effectively:

1. Observe carefully: Pay close attention to how the body parts overlap and recede in space.
2. Use overlapping forms: Overlapping elements help create the illusion of depth.
3. Vary line weight: Use heavier lines for closer elements and lighter lines for receding ones.
4. Consider perspective: Apply principles of linear perspective to the human form, making parts closer to the viewer appear larger and more detailed, while parts further away appear smaller and less distinct.
5. Focus on major masses: Simplify the body into basic geometric shapes (cylinders, spheres, cubes) to understand how they interact in space when foreshortened.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging/Activating Prior Knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them what they understand by “drawing a human figure.” The teacher then introduces the topic: Figure Drawing and Painting, highlighting its importance in art.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Introduction to figure drawing

Step 2: Meaning of Human Figure Drawing

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of human figure drawing, emphasizing it as the artistic representation of the human form, its anatomy, and movement. The teacher may show examples of famous figure drawings.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.

Learning Point: Definition of figure drawing

Step 3: Introduction to Proportion and Anatomy

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the concept of proportion in human figure drawing, explaining how the head unit is used to measure the body. Using diagrams or a live model, the teacher demonstrates key anatomical landmarks and their proportional relationships.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, listen to explanations, and make mental notes.

Learning Point: Human body proportion

Step 4: Guided Practice on Proportion

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to make quick sketches of a simplified human figure, focusing on establishing correct proportions using the head unit method. The teacher moves around to provide individual assistance and feedback.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils attempt to draw a figure, applying the proportional guidelines under the teacher’s guidance.

Learning Point: Practising figure proportion

Step 5: Understanding Core-Shortening

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the concept of core-shortening (foreshortening), using visual examples or by posing the model in a foreshortened position. The teacher highlights how parts appear shorter when angled towards the viewer.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and listen to the explanation, trying to grasp the visual effect of foreshortening.

Learning Point: Concept of core-shortening

Step 6: Application of Core-Shortening

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Application/Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to make quick sketches incorporating core-shortening. The teacher might ask the model to strike a pose that clearly demonstrates foreshortening, or use a diagram. Students are encouraged to focus on the illusion of depth.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils attempt to draw the foreshortened pose, applying the principles discussed.

Learning Point: Applying core-shortening

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What is human figure drawing?
2. How many “head units” tall is a typical adult figure?
3. Explain the term “core-shortening” in figure drawing.
4. Mention two ways to achieve accurate proportion in figure drawing.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding figure drawing principles

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the meaning of human figure drawing, proportion, and core-shortening into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of observation, proportion, and core-shortening for effective figure drawing. The teacher encourages students to continue practising.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and prepare for the next lesson.

Learning Point: Reinforcing figure drawing concepts

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Practice Exercise

Instruction: Draw a human figure from observation (e.g., a family member posing, or a figure from a photograph) applying the principles of proportion and core-shortening learned in class. Pay attention to the overall form and anatomical relationships.

1. Draw a standing human figure, ensuring correct head-to-body proportion.
2. Sketch a figure in a seated or reclining pose, demonstrating an understanding of foreshortening in the limbs.

Lesson Keywords

• Figure Drawing – The artistic representation of the human form.
• Proportion – The relative size and relationship of parts within a whole.
• Anatomy – The study of the structure of the human body.
• Head Unit – A measurement used to determine the proportions of the human body in drawing.
• Core-Shortening (Foreshortening) – A technique used to create the illusion of depth by depicting objects or body parts as shorter than they are in reality when angled towards the viewer.

Differentiation

Support: For students struggling with proportion, provide simplified diagrams and guide them with step-by-step construction lines. Focus on basic shapes before moving to detailed anatomy. Provide more direct guidance during practical sessions.

Extension: Encourage advanced students to experiment with different drawing media or to draw figures in more complex, dynamic poses that require a deeper understanding of foreshortening and muscle structure. They can also research different artists known for their figure drawing skills.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, search on YouTube for:

• “Human figure drawing proportions SS3”
• “Foreshortening in art explained”
• “Basic human anatomy for artists”