Line and Gesture: An Expressive Approach to Figure Drawing

Line and Gesture: An Expressive Approach to Figure Drawing

The line is a fundamental element of drawing. While creating line work is often perceived as a simple activity that people engage in throughout their lives—requiring minimal manual or cognitive skill—it is also a profound and expressive undertaking that conveys complex emotional states.

In this course, we will investigate line not only as a technique but also as a form of artistic expression. Participants will develop a direct relationship with visual perception and the observation of the human figure in its unrefined state. Our exploration will incorporate both traditional and unconventional artistic materials, emphasizing innovation and creativity. Students will have the freedom to choose their preferred materials and will practice various techniques to cultivate a personal artistic style that reflects their unique interests and personalities.

Note: students will be working from a live model for each session.

Saturday Afternoons from 1-4pm

June 13, 20, 27 and July 4, 2025

Location: Cocker Fulton Studio

$210 + materials

Maximum of 10 students

About the Instructor:

Awadh Baryoum is a visual artist whose work brings together studio practice, research, and critical thinking. Rather than focusing on a single style, his practice is driven by long-term investigation and curiosity. He approaches art as a way of thinking—using images, texts, and concepts to explore how ideas take shape and how they can be questioned or reworked.

Baryoum’s work is informed by his background in the humanities, theory, and studio art. His projects often develop through close reading, archival research, and sustained experimentation. Process plays a central role in his practice, with an emphasis on asking questions rather than offering fixed conclusions.

He holds an MFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design and has received a Fulbright scholarship as well as a research grant from the Canada Council for the Arts. His work has been exhibited widely across the United States.

Materials:

-          Graphite pencils: HB, 2B, 4B, 8B and/or charcoal

-          Kneadable eraser

-          Gum eraser

-          Drawing pad, 24”x 18”

Additional materials for subsequent classes may be identified by the approach and interest of the student.