I AM A FAN OF THE HUMAN BODY

Gabriela Handal (MFA 2015)

When I was looking to further my studies, one of the things that was extremely important was the study of the human body, anatomy classes, drawing and studying from life. I serendipitously found the Academy and ended up in Dan Thompson’s class in my first semester.I think he is probably one of the best teachers the Academy has.

In class drawing by Gabriela

Everything about Figure Drawing Intensive in my first semester and Anatomical Drawing in the second semester has been incredibly enriching.  As a teacher, there is no end to Dan’s generosity.  I’d never experienced such attentiveness from a teacher and I don’t think any other teacher has ever inspired me as  much.   His enthusiasm, hunger for learning, and love for what he teaches are contagious.

Anatomical study of Maya by Gabriela

Generally, class starts with a lecture or a demonstration or both and then we set up our easels and do some drawing and analysis of our own work.  During this time, Dan invests time with each student, giving feedback and assisting us with our drawings. His teaching is really what I expected from the Academy.  

The study of the human body is enriched with a great instructor.

As for models, having a fellow human lend him/herself for our study is a real privilege. We take our bodies for granted and are in denial of them.  Seeing the nude model standing proudly in front of the class like an elegant statue for us to observe and learn, is an incredible practice. In observation, simple things like the model's breath or shifting their position becomes amplified and very beautiful.

Drawing by Dan Thompson

Specifically with Anatomical Drawing, we are meant to do studies of what we see in the model, next to a more finished drawing. We conceptualize what we see, to better understand what is happening in the pose that the model has taken. Transverse plane, cubes, cylinders, rotation, inclination, turning away from you, turning towards you, medial, lateral, muscles, bones, perspective, light, shadow, volume, depth, convex, concave, bony landmarks, muscles, and the model stand. Everything affects what you see and how you see it.

In this class, there is a special kind of awareness and study, not just of the body, but of its surroundings.  I am fascinated and more aware of the vessel that carries me and everything that I am. I find myself further amazed by the machine that is the human body.  It is an exquisite organic form and we know so little about it. I am extremely lucky to be able to study it the way that I am doing right now at the Academy.

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Closer by Gabriela

To learn more about Gabriela Handal (MFA 2015) and her work please visit her website: gabrielahandal.com

For more details about the Dan Thomson and the Academy's anatomy track please visit the Academy's website: nyaa.edu/nyaa/gradprogram/anatomy.html

Final Weeks and Final Crits

By Ian Factor (MFA 2014)

It's the final week for many students, the 2nd year's final crits are this coming weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and many of us are working around the clock getting our work together for the end of the year presentations, first and second years alike. Though some classes will be held after this weekend, most of the work needs to be done in the next 10 days or so.

Students working on large paintings in room 201.

Before I get into the photos, here's a brief quote from Robert Henri, the great American painter and teacher, one of the founders of the Ashcan School and the author of The Art Spirit, one of the most important books about art and living the life of an artist ever written. He's always a good source of insight and perspective, especially at times when the artist's emotional mind is at battle with the rational mind ... which is so often.

This is for all the students at the Academy and specifically the second year students getting ready for your FINAL CRITS this weekend. Kick ass!

"If you want to know how to do a thing you must first have a complete desire to do that thing. Then go to kindred spirits—others who have wanted to do that thing—and study their ways and means, learn from their successes and failures and add your quota. Thus you may acquire from the experience of the race. And with this technical knowledge you may go forward, expressing through the play of forms the music that is in you and which is very personal to you."

--ROBERT HENRI

My studio during the MFA open studios.

Sleep and exercise are taking the back seat as I see the impossible task ahead of getting all my pieces done in this limited time. It's strangely like the final push before a solo show, but also much different in so many ways. Different pressure and different expectations. Trying to let go of any expectations at all, it's still difficult, and every day is an emotional roller coaster. I'll just do the best I can, knowing that most of my pieces will have to be "finished" this summer.

More progress on my history painting, "Seppuku", 80" x 96."

In Progress detail of main figure, "Seppuku."

People's nerves are running thin, and the intensity is as dense as the morning fog over the lake in Maine that I'm longing to be relaxing at right now. But even with the stress, there is still a smile and a friendly, helpful and enlightening conversation to share with a fellow student going through similar experiences. The community here at the Academy is beyond special and unique.   

Tatiana Ortiz Rubio with her newest painting.

It's interesting that in the midst of all this stress, anxiety and self doubt, I had a bit of a breakthrough in my drawing, which has been an ongoing challenge this year. Once the semester is over, I'll be posting more explicit details on some of the learning and realizations I've had this semester...I'll need some time away from school to digest and process it all before I try to put it to words. In the meantime, here are a few more pics of new work and scenes at the school ... hope to see you soon!

Graphite sketch for my drawing class with Harvey Citron.

Anatomy homework

More anatomy homework

Underpainting for a new piece on the movement topic.

Charcoal sketch for the new movement series.

Maria Teicher on the other side of the camera!

Maria at work

Sam Detch self portrait

Sam Detch head study

Roberto Osti teaching anatomical drawing with his great in-class demo work.

Wade Schuman with his color charts...
and my samurai sword...
No pressure!

Jessica Benjamin in front of her history painting.

Chris Law with his history painting.
 

Martin Saar with his horse Ecorche.

Ian Factor (MFA 2014) has been blogging here throughout the academic year about his first year at the Academy and moving to New York City. Check the label "First Year Experience" or "Ian Factor" for more posts about his first year at the Academy.