Figure Fundamentals Volume 3
Drawing the Female Head with Van Arno
Description
Head drawing is tricky for both beginning and experienced figurative artists. This is because we have preconceived notions about how features should look, and this undermines our ability to let observation of the model drive our composition. As in all figure drawing, striving to make things look how we think they should look interferes with our ability to draw what we see. This difficulty is multiplied when we draw the head due to our many misconceptions about its structure. In this lecture, Van Arno focuses on head proportions and the understanding that the cranium and jaw respond differently in perspective. This allows us to render accurately at progressively more ambitious angles. Van then expands this knowledge with short poses of facial expressions and longer poses that focus on tone and likeness. As usual, students are encouraged to draw along with the instructor to solidify the concepts discussed.
Duration: 3h 25m
Format: HD 1920x1080
Van Arno
Painter
Van Arno (1963-2021) was a Los Angeles–based figurative painter whose work has been exhibited in the U.S. and internationally for nearly 20 years. With a diverse background spanning illustration, amusement park design, 2D and 3D game art, animation, and character design, Van brought a unique perspective to the art world.
His paintings have been featured in Juxtapoz magazine and included in national surveys of Lowbrow painters. Fascinated by the imagery of propaganda and the heroic figure, Van focused on the power of the human form to captivate and engage viewers. His work continues to be admired for its dynamic, compelling figures and the way it blends narrative, emotion, and visual impact.
