Quick Figure Gesture Sketches done while teaching my class at Mt. San Antonio College

Here are some sketches I finally compiled into themes. Some were done this year and others were done over the past several years.

They are super quick sketches (usually around a minute) meant to quickly capture gesture, movement, character and personality. They are all done from exceptionally talented models/actors/dancers who we've had the pleasure to work with in the classroom. Many of the classes are based on a theme that includes not only the costuming on the model but music and existing artwork for inspiration.

Tripp Pickell in a STAR WARS theme. Tripp is a huge Star Wars fan (who of us isn't??) and he brought his passion for the films to his many classes that we did with this theme. He is extraordinary in his ability to engage with the students and the response has always been overwhelmingly joyful. Tripp is a true Jedi!

Pirate Day is always a hit in the classroom! I've been fortunate to find not one, but THREE great models for this popular theme. Sketches here are of Pam Blackwell, Jana Blackwell and the newest crew member, Barry Morse. Excellent scoundrels, all! Well, not really scoundrels, but they play them well!

Here is a selection of different Greek and Roman themes. Terrific models Keith Klanderud, Pam Blackwell and Lenard Nissenson all have amazing costumes that bring history to colorful life.

Jade Kaufman is a fairly new model to grace our class model stand. Here are sketches of her both in street clothes and as a fairy. Absolutely delightful!

 
Jill Carol is an excellent model (and photographer!) who I was recently able to work with again after a long break due to schedules. Pure joy!

Barry Morse in a Western Cowboy theme. I always wanted to do a Western theme in class and finally found a model with a great variety of cowboy gear. Barry modeled for my Winter session 2018 class several times and asked if my students were getting tired of him. Never! They adore this model so much!

 
David Mingrino has done some wonderful work in my class. His acting background is immediately apparent when he comes up with his masterful poses portraying everything from a street thug to a song & dance man.

Tripp Pickell makes an excellent Indiana Jones. He has brought all of the energy, excitement and adventure of the Raiders movies into the classroom.

Jana Blackwell does lovely work as a Renaissance Peasant. I love the personality, dignity, energy and sense of dance that she puts into this theme.

Paul Hernandez has some of the most amazing vintage clothing I've seen in person. He models several different themes. Here are some sketches of him in his Victorian costuming. It's a great theme and it's always enhanced by Paul's knowledge of history!

Trace Devai does an absolutely amazing tribute to Michael Jackson. His skill as a musician/dancer is wonderfully channeled into his smooth, thrilling and dangerous poses!

Tripp Pickell managed to create some great poses using a theme that was essentially "a suit". Not an easy task but successfully done! I'm not too surprised...Tripp is an excellent actor. I've been fortunate to not only work with him in the classroom but to also have him perform in some of my playwriting theater work!

 

Here's a selection of a variety of models doing some amazing figure work. Where would we be without these talented artists on the other side of the drawing pad?