Photo of artist Gabriella Carboni

Drawing the human figure is important training for all artists. In the ACX Kids class Drawing the Clothed Figure, taught by artist Gabriella Carboni, students learn about form, proportion, shape, composition, the human skeleton and simplification. For inspiration, students study art created by everyone from the Old Masters to contemporary artists. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while teaching remotely, Carboni has reworked her lessons, and uses different online sources for figure drawing poses.

“I’ve been using online videos of compiled, timed poses,” she says. “I’ve incorporated film stills. This has been an exciting approach. It gives students the opportunity to choose a pose, rather than everyone drawing from the same pose. It allows me to include very detailed costumes and backgrounds, which is fun for the students, with images from movies such as Mary Poppins, Little Women and Night at the Museum. At the end of the term, we have a critique. Students choose their favorite piece and share a photo, and everyone is given a chance to discuss the work. This has been a great opportunity for students to share work, create conversation and show support for their peers.”