Abstracting the Figure
- Teacher: Ruthie V.
- Course Length: 8 week session
- Start Date: Saturday, November 2
- Time: 2:00 – 6:00 pm
Abstracting the Figure:
This 8-week course focuses on abstracting the human figure using live models, with an emphasis on Hans Hofmann’s Push/Pull Theory of using value, color, and shape to move elements forward or back in space. Working with oil or acrylic, students will explore how to create dynamic tension and depth through contrast in color, tone, and shape. Participants will learn how these interactions influence spatial perception, making their figures “push” and “pull” within the composition.
Each session will cover different elements of art—and how these can be applied to abstract figure painting to create or compress space. Through guided practice, students will explore techniques to simplify, distort, and reimagine the human body. The course focuses on breaking the figure down into its essential components and using abstract strategies to create energy and movement within the painting, moving beyond traditional realism.
This course is ideal for artists looking to expand their approach to figurative work by incorporating abstraction and spatial depth in their compositions.
Materials
TBD (artist’s choice: oil, acrylic, gouache, or watercolor paints, plus a variety of random materials for play)
Artwork by Manuel Neri
