Drawing the Figure: Volume 2 | The Gnomon Workshop

In this second title of the Drawing the Figure series, Jack explores the properties of structure. Here, he introduces the basic elements required to create the illusion of 3-Dimensional space and form as they apply to the human figure. By constructing simple forms, exploring overlap and translating the complexity of the human body into its simplest, most basic forms, we can begin to understand the process of converting a 3-Dimensonal, real world form onto a flat, 2-Dimensional surface that an observer can understand. Jack will demonstrate how to see the forms and draw through them without losing the gestural quality described in his first title.

7 Lessons

01IntroductionFree

This workshop focuses on a systematic approach to figure drawing that builds from simple to complex. Jack shows that by starting with quick gestural exercises and breaking down the human form into basic shapes, artists develop a solid foundation for structure.

Duration: 5m 6s

Introduction

02Quick Gestures – Defining Rhythm and VolumeFree

Gesture drawings are a foundational discipline for figure artists, and Jack explains how to quickly perceive and capture the essential character of a pose. By working under time pressure, artists develop the ability to make rapid decisions about form and action.

Duration: 5m 24s

Quick Gestures – Defining Rhythm and Volume

03Basics of Form – Spheres and Cubes

Jack teaches artists to see the human body as a collection of simple geometric forms rather than overwhelming anatomical complexity. By mastering basic shapes like spheres and boxes, artists can build a solid structural foundation for more detailed figure work.

Duration: 10m 38s

Basics of Form – Spheres and Cubes

04Simplifying Complex Forms with Basic Shapes

Successful figure drawing requires understanding simplified geometric construction, a principle Jack demonstrates by breaking the body down into basic volumes. By training the eye to see interconnected spheres and cylinders that twist and stretch, artists develop a solid foundation for creating three-dimensional forms.

Duration: 16m 4s

Simplifying Complex Forms with Basic Shapes

05Integration of Structure and Gesture

Figure drawing requires flexibility rather than adherence to a single method, as Jack emphasizes interpretation over rigid rules. Artists learn that viewing the body as organic curves or geometric structures depends on the subject and artistic choice.

Duration: 11m 2s

Integration of Structure and Gesture

06Combining Shapes – Simplification with Cylinders

Jack emphasizes that by mastering fundamental building blocks like cylindrical limbs, artists can tackle foreshortening with greater confidence. These simplified approaches are not shortcuts but essential foundations that make the ongoing journey of learning anatomy more manageable.

Duration: 21m 57s

Combining Shapes – Simplification with Cylinders

07Using Structural Elements in Complex Forms

In this final lesson, Jack breaks down how technical drawing skills should evolve from mechanical exercises into intuitive knowledge. Through dedicated practice and the study of form, artists can transcend literal geometric construction to create work that expresses genuine personal observation.

Duration: 5m 12s

Using Structural Elements in Complex Forms

Skills Covered

anatomy drawing graphite & charcoal

Who’s this Workshop for?

This workshop is designed for intermediate-level artists seeking to advance their basic figure drawing skills and understanding of three-dimensional form. Jack Bosson's training is perfect for illustrators, animators, and fine artists wanting to strengthen their foundational skills in figure construction.

Beginners with some drawing experience will also benefit significantly from this structured approach to understanding form and space. The workshop provides essential skills for anyone looking to create more convincing, dimensionally accurate figure drawings, while maintaining expressive, gestural qualities.

Learning Outcomes

After finishing this workshop, artists will have developed essential skills for constructing three-dimensional human figures with structural accuracy while preserving gestural spontaneity.

Key skills include:

How to break down complex human anatomy into simple, basic geometric forms.
How to create convincing illusions of three-dimensional space on flat drawing surfaces.
How to use overlapping forms effectively to establish depth and spatial relationships.
How to construct figures using fundamental structural elements and building blocks.
How to draw through forms while maintaining the essential gestural quality.
How to translate real-world three-dimensional observations into compelling two-dimensional representations.

Instructor Jack BossonArtist

Jack Bosson is a practicing and exhibiting fine artist and freelance illustrator with a career spanning over 35 years. He has taught drawing and painting at institutions including Cornell University, College of New Rochelle, University of Southern California, Otis College of Art and Design, Gnomon School of Visual Effects, and Woodbury University, among others.

Early in his career, Jack worked briefly as a background painter at Hanna-Barbera before joining Disney in 1995 as a trainer in Feature Animation. In 1999, he continued as a training consultant to Disney while teaching at various institutions, eventually establishing the Animation Department at Woodbury University, which he chaired for three years. He retired from his role at Woodbury in 2012 as Professor Emeritus but continues to remain active in the art world, creating and exhibiting work, and mentoring emerging artists.

Jack earned his Diploma of Design from The Cooper Union, studied painting and drawing at the École des Beaux-Arts on a Fulbright Fellowship, and received his Master of Fine Arts Degree from Cornell University in 1966.

"I only wish that Gnomon had existed when I was a kid. It's that brilliant nexus of imagination and practical reality; a place where dreamers learn to realize, share and bring to life the visions in their heads. The latest and greatest technology is meaningless without inspired instruction."
- JJ Abrams
CEO, Bad Robot Productions
I only wish that Gnomon had existed when I was a kid. It's that brilliant nexus of imagination and practical reality; a place where dreamers learn to realize, share and bring to life the visions in their heads. The latest and greatest technology is meaningless without inspired instruction.
- J.J. Abrams
CEO, Bad Robot Productions

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