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Course Description

Artwork by Bella K. 

Interpreting the Figure

The figure is an enduring source of inspiration in expressing the human experience. Through gesture and symbolism, artists use the human body to tell stories about identity, life, death and beauty. This drawing-focused course begins with proportions of the human body and key anatomical landmarks. Then, it leads students in how to layer and abstract the form to create expressive drawings. Supplement your anatomical drawing lessons with readings and discussions. Move beyond conventional lessons on the skeleton into cultural and historical interpretations of the figure. By the end, you will be able to create figurative drawings that are rich with meaning. 

This course may use anatomical images of the human figure. These images portray nude bodies to build understanding of kinesthetics and anatomy of the human form. In-person courses may also involve figure drawing sessions that feature a nude or lightly clothed model.

Learner Outcomes

  • Capture accurate proportions using landmarks of the human body. 
  • Produce expressive gestural drawings. 
  • Convey meaning through creative decision making. 

Foundations

No matter what media an artist or designer specializes in, it all starts with design and drawing. This course teaches both areas to accelerate your learning. Express your ideas through impactful visual communication. Create compelling images using the design elements and principles. Generate interest with mark-making, texture and other drawing techniques. Skills developed in this course will complement your coursework in your concentration. RISD's approach to these concepts will challenge you, regardless of your experience with design and drawing.

Learner Outcomes

  • Achieve rich drawings using charcoal and other media.
  • Implement design elements and principles to create effective compositions.
  • Integrate drawing techniques with design principles.

Notes

By enrolling for this course you are enrolling in two separate courses, an Interpreting the Figure concentration course (Wednesdays) and a companion course focusing on the foundations of art and design (Mondays).

Course times listed are Eastern Time.

An application to the Pre-College Online program is required upon registration in these courses. At the point of checkout you will be directed to the application.

Prerequisites

These courses are part of RISD's Pre-College Online, a program for students ages 14–18 in grades 10–12.

Instructors

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Section Schedule
Jun 22, 2026 to Jul 30, 2026
Type
Online, Live Sessions
Days
M, W
Time
12:30PM to 3:30PM
Dates
Jun 22, 2026 to Jul 29, 2026
Type
Online, Asynchronous
Dates
Jun 22, 2026 to Jul 30, 2026
Schedule and Location
View Details
Contact Hours
36.0
Delivery Options
Online  
Course Fee(s)
Tuition non-credit $4,500.00 Click here to get more information
Service charge(s)
  • 3% Service Fee  
Drop Request Deadline
Contact precollege@risd.edu to request a drop from this course
Transfer Request Deadline
Contact precollege@risd.edu to request a transfer to another course
Withdrawal Request Deadline
Contact precollege@risd.edu to withdraw from this course
Instructors
Necessary Supplies

Students are responsible for purchasing their own art supplies, equipment, software subscriptions, and/or books. Each course has a separate supply list. These will be available on each course site in Canvas two weeks before the class start date. Depending on the course and instructor, you can expect to spend approximately $150-$250 per course (total estimated $300-$500).

Once you have received your enrollment confirmation and logged in to Canvas, navigate to Upcoming Courses on the left-hand side of your dashboard. Supplies will be listed on your course homepage under the supplies heading. Some or all of your course supplies are available at the RISD Store.

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