The Structure & Mechanics of the Human Machine • Sept 26-30, 2025

A 5-Day Mentler Méthode Master Class

In life drawing, one should avoid being seduced by surface detail; details are never the draughtsman’s friend. They are a distraction from the Mass Conception. To effectively incorporate observable surface information into drawing of the human form, it’s essential to understand the underlying structure.  This workshop focuses specifically on this task.

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About Muscle & Bone Drawing Workshop

The adult human form typically has 206 bones and over 600 muscles, with skeletal muscles alone accounting for more than 650 named muscles. That is the bad news for those who want to study human form; the good news is that only a small number of bones are visible on the surface, and only about a dozen muscle groups come into play. Thus, if one does not see them, there is no need to study them. Memorizing Latin names will help one get through med school, but will not enhance one’s drawing skills. It takes more time to learn how to draw a convincing human figure from observation, than it does to learn the principles of figure structure. Once artistic anatomy is understood, the figure construction becomes second nature.

On the other hand, understanding the key aspects of figure structure on surface appearances is critical. One cannot draw something unless one knows it exists. The Maestro will present the essentials and eliminate the trivia. He will demonstrate how to construct a simplified skeletal armature and how to group muscles via function.

In this figure drawing workshop, attendees will learn how to construct human figure from imagination. They will practice from life model during workshop to solidify what they have learned. However, with enough practice attendees will learn to draw figure from pure imagination.

“Who is so barbarous as not to understand that the foot of a man is nobler than his shoe, and his skin nobler than that of the sheep with which he is clothed, and not to be able to estimate the worth and degree of each thing accordingly?”
— Michelangelo —

“I have always endeavored to express the inner feelings by the mobility
of the muscles.”
— Rodin —

Workshop Schedule

This workshop will follow a general schedule of demonstrations and lectures in the morning and then practice with critique in the afternoon. After lunch, practice session includes drawing from live model or casts. Critiques are given upon request, if you don’t feel like getting one that’s okay. However, we strongly suggest taking this opportunity and getting tips and recommendations from such and experienced artist. If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of the apprentices or Michael for help.

• 9:00 to 11:30 – Lecture and Demonstration by Michael Mentler
• 11:30 to 12:30 – Lunch break
• 12:30 to 3:30 – Attendees work from a live model or plaster casts
• 3:30 to 4:00 – Summary

Lunch Break

You are welcome to bring a snack or beverage. We have coffee, sodas, and water available. We have a fridge and microwave in case you bring your own lunch, or we pick up food from local bakery La Spiga.

What to bring

All drawing materials and equipment will be provided for in-studio use. Please bring a notebook and a writing instrument to take notes during the demonstrations.

Workshop Attendee Discount

“Michael’s sketchbooks are masterpieces, he is a modern-day Leonardo.” 
– Richard Schmid –

“Richard’s Right.” 
– Dan McCaw –

“Michael’s intense study of the teachings and works of Bridgman and Robert Beverly Hale make him a natural progression of that linage with the added twist of his own dynamic personal style.” 
– David Kassan – 

“Michael wields a pen like a Renaissance Virtuoso.” 
– Sherrie McGraw – 

“Michael Mentler’s wildly magical line reaches into the shadows of history, generating astonishing insights for our own century.” 
– Dan Thompson – 

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