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Introduction to Figure Drawing


Learn how to expressively and accurately draw the human figure. This four-week course is ideal for anyone looking to learn the basics of drawing people both from life and reference, as well as those looking to improve their ability to draw dynamic and complex forms.

The course begins by teaching how to capture movement through rapid gesture drawing and then progresses by exploring how to block-in shapes, what to look for in a pose, and what you as an artist can add or leave out to achieve a strong resemblance. 

Under the guidance of the instructor, you will work from both master-copy references and photographs. From understanding starting lines to mastering basic measuring techniques, you'll develop a keen eye for weight distribution, proportion, and detail. By exploring shadow shapes, light effects, and rendering methods, you'll learn to breathe life into your drawings of the human form. 

By the end of the course, you will have a number of figure drawings for your portfolio.  

What you will learn:

✔ Capture the dynamic movement of the human figure through gesture drawing      
✔ Accurately depict the structure and proportions of the human body      
✔ Develop a keen eye for detail to enhance the accuracy and realism of your drawings      
✔ Use rendering techniques to infuse depth, texture, and mood into your drawings to strengthen their emotional impact and visual appeal

Join our visual arts classes online and take your skills to the next level.

Prerequisite skills:

  • Completion of Drawing Basics, or equivalent knowledge and/or experience
Next Session

October 26-November 22, 2026

Teen and adult sections

VIEW ALL DATES

Tuition

$399

Save $100:
Lock in current rates before tuition increases on Oct. 26.

Ages

Teens: Grades 6-12

Adult Learners: 18+

Expert guidance
Receive direct, personalized feedback from a professional artist.
Learn on your own schedule
Explore meaningful instruction in about five hours a week, over four weeks.
Collaborate
Work with your instructor and peers through messaging or optional real-time weekly classes.
Real growth
Develop artistic skills and projects that are important to you in 30 days.
  • Computer or mobile device with Internet and camera. Internet speed must be at least 1.5Mbps download and 800Kbps upload. For students using a mobile device, download the Canvas mobile app and select “Interlochen Online” as your school.
  • 2 packs of vine or willow charcoal
  • 3 general charcoal pencils
  • 8.5” x 11” drawing paper or sketch book
  • Kneaded eraser
  • 1 piece of sandpaper
  • 24” white string (try not to use thread as it is too thin!)
  • Masking tape
  • Drawing board, at least 20" on the long side

No, course sections are designed for their respective age groups, either for adults (students 18 and older) or young people (students under 18).

Yes, there are eight sessions of courses per year. View the academic calendar for more session dates.

Interlochen Online certificateThis is one of three courses needed to complete the Drawing Fundamentals certificate program.

After successfully completing all three courses in a certificate program, you will receive a physical certificate and a shareable digital certificate.

Eligible students may also earn academic credit:

✔ Middle and high school students receive an official Interlochen transcript awarding 0.5 high school credit.

✔ Adults and high school students may request an official college transcript awarding 3 college credits.

High school credit is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS), while college credit is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Credit may transfer to thousands of institutions nationwide.

Interlochen Online's Learning Experience

World-class. Inspiring. Flexible.

Alec Zemper

Meet the Faculty

Alec Zemper

Instructor of Drawing & Painting

Questions? Speak with an Advisor.

Email: online@interlochen.org 

Phone: 231.276.5990 

You can also schedule an appointment.

Sharpen Your Artistic Skills

Get access to How to Fine-Tune Your Perspective Drawings, an exclusive guide developed by Interlochen Online faculty.

A hand drawing a building with a pencil