In this recorded figure drawing course, Michael Mentler demonstrates a figure construction technique using his proprietary Cranial Index System. He covers the basics of this proportion system, then dives into each block of the figure, such as torso, pelvis, various muscle groups, arms, and legs. By the end of this course, students will gain understanding of human figure construction, how to recognize visual cues when drawing from a live model while practicing, and finally how to build a human figure without relying on an actual model. That last part might take a while to master, but that’s the ultimate goal of this course and Michael’s drawing system.
About this Figure Drawing Course
This intermediate-level course is a recording of one of Michael’s 5-day figure drawing in-person workshops. It is organized into 4 lessons with reference pictures, full outlines, and assignments. We recommend spending a week on each lesson. This includes watching Michael’s demonstration and then practicing each assignment. It is a full set of tools for self-study that can be paused, re-watched, and fully comprehended. Please consider taking notes and even sketching along for maximum understanding of the material. There’s no assignment critique currently included in this workshop.
Understanding Structure Rather Than Copying
There are lots of techniques that rely on meticulous drawing of the reference materials, which in reality is simply copying. Learning medical human anatomy is not what this course is about. Here Michael will demonstrate functional muscle groups without the need to memorize names of each muscle. He provides a proportion system that works for every body type as it’s based on the bony structure rather than the flashy parts. With this figure drawing course, students will be able to construct a human figure from scratch and without relying on the model.
Benefits of Recorded Drawing Workshop
Attending a workshop in person gives one the opportunity to ask questions, receive critique, and to see all of the in-between moments. Michael still holds in-person workshops once or twice a year. However, recorded lessons are incredibly beneficial as well. The main advantage is the option to pause and re-watch, and of course all of the additional high-quality materials such as photographs of the demo drawings and reference pictures. With this in mind, even those who attended Michael’s workshops in person would benefit from this online self-study course. For everyone else, the virtual workshop saves travel costs and vacation time, which are both enormous benefits.
What You Will Get
- Four intermediate-level lessons with drawing demonstration videos
- 8 hours of high definition video
- Mentler Proportion digital booklet
- Four assignments for self-study
- Art supply list
- Course outline with video chapters – easily jump between sections
- Lifetime access – study and re-watch as many times as you need
- Instant delivery – start learning right away!
All sales are final, no refunds on digital products.
About Instructor
Michael Mentler
Artist and TSOFA Studio Owner
As a master painter, sculptor, draughtsman, designer, photographer, and author Michael Mentler’s creative journey has covered a polymathic array of artistic endeavors.
Born in the small mid-western town of Jacksonville, Illinois Michael’s visual sensibilities were observed and nurtured at an early age. Later, he was mentored by Howard Sidman, which led to his first solo show at the age of fourteen. Michael continued his formal education at Layton School of Art in Milwaukee and Washington University in Saint Louis, where he became a protégé of Barry Schactman and Werner Drewes.
Along with winning over a hundred awards, including ‘Best of Show’ and ‘Gold Medals’ from some of the most distinguished juried venues, Michael’s works are included in many private collections, including the Pulitzer, the Mead Library, and the Dallas Museum of Art.
He is Founder and Director of The Society of Figurative Arts, where he mentors select Apprentices. His work has appeared in publications such as; American Artist, American Artist Drawing, American Artist Workshop, Graphis, Communication Arts, and numerous others. He is also featured in Juliette Aristides books on drawing. The Book of Bones, which he authored, is in art school libraries throughout the world.