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Detail of student work created in the ACX Kids class Drawing the Clothed Figure.
Detail of student work created in the ACX Kids class Drawing the Clothed Figure.

feature / artcenter-extension / faculty / illustration
January 28, 2021
By Solvej Schou
Images courtesy of Gabriella Carboni

ACX KIDS CLASS DRAWING THE CLOTHED FIGURE TEACHES KIDS ABOUT SHAPE AND FORM

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. ACX Kids is ArtCenter’s extension program for students in grades 4 through 8.

For inspiration, students in Drawing the Clothed Figure 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. It’s 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, there’s a critique.

“Students choose their favorite piece and share a photo, and everyone is given a chance to discuss the work,” she says. “This has been a great opportunity for students to share work, create conversation and show support for their peers.”

ACX Kids faculty member Gabriella Carboni.
ACX Kids faculty member Gabriella Carboni.
Student work created in the ACX Kids class Drawing the Clothed Figure.
Student work created in the ACX Kids class Drawing the Clothed Figure.