Drawing Workshops    

LECTURE: Leonardo da Vinci Decoded, Instructor: John Whelan, M.D.
The Anatomical Drawings and How They Reveal the Artist’s Approach to Art & Life

Friday, 4pm-5:30pm, Durante Gallery

   January 25  (Course # 1829)

$ 15 members, $ 20 non-members

Among Leonardo da Vinci's many and varied pursuits, the study of anatomy was arguably the most profound and intense. He returned to it time and again and considered it the key to understanding nature, life, and art. In this illustrated lecture, Dr. Whelan will trace the development of Leonardo’s anatomical works and how they affected everything else he did. In addition to his own anatomical study as a physician and artist, Dr. Whelan has twice received grants to examine the anatomical drawings of Leonardo da Vinci in the Royal Library at Windsor Castle. He has given numerous lectures and seminars on the artist and his work.


Creating a Portrait Workshop, Instructor: John Whelan, M.D.
Saturday-Monday, 9:30am-4pm, Community Studio

   January 26, 27, 28  (Course # 1836)

$ 335 members, $ 385 non-members

Additional Fee: Model Fee Paid to Instructor (approx. $10/class)

Day one will cover the basics. Working from the model, we will begin by exploring the basic structure of the head and neck, including the important landmarks of the skull, the key muscles of expression and the features of the face. The approach will be from the artistic perspective and the goal will be to gain a practical knowledge of how to “build” a convincingly solid, representational and expressive portrait. Day two will cover portrait variations. Each of us is unique, with a likeness that gives testament to our personal lineage and life’s history. On days two and three, again working from models, we will explore the ways in which the human head and neck varies from person to person, especially how it is affected by age.


LECTURE: Masters of Figurative Anatomy from the Renaissance to Modern Times, Instructor: John Whelan, M.D.
Tuesday, 4pm-5:30pm, Durante Gallery

   January 29  (Course # 2238)

From the workshops of the early Renaissance, through the academies of the 18th and 19th centuries, up to the modern resurgence of classical realism, figurative artists have recognized the importance of studying the structure of the human body. In this illustrated lecture, Dr. Whelan will trace the history of artistic anatomy, highlighting selected masterpieces by Michelangelo, Rubens, Ingres and others, as well as the major contributions of such great artist-teachers as Adolphe William Bouguereau and Dr. Paul Richer.

$ 15 members, $ 20 non-members

Essentials of Anatomy for the Figurative Artist, Instructor: John Whelan, M.D.
Tuesday-Wednesday, 9:30am-4pm, Community Studio

   January 30, 31  (Course # 2239)


Day 1:  The Torso

After a general overview of anatomical principles, we will focus upon the important skeletal and muscular components of the torso, from the shoulders through the pelvis. Special attention will be given to how these structural elements contribute to the dynamic and expressive potential of the figure. Both male and female models will be used.

Day 2:  The Limbs

The great 19th Century academician, William Bouguereau, said, “drawing is the joints.” In other words, to create a convincing figure, one must understand how the parts interact, both structurally and dynamically. Nowhere more is this more critical than in the arm and hand, and the leg and foot, with their subtle forms and intricate movements. During this day of the workshop, we will focus upon the important skeletal and muscular components of the limbs. Several models will be used.

Drawing sessions will be supplemented with demonstrations, anatomical illustrations, and historical examples from such masters of the figure as Michelangelo, Pontormo, Rubens, Ingres, and Degas.

Supply List

24” x36” rough newsprint paper (approximately 50 sheets)
18” x 24” tracing paper  (12 sheets)
Pencils (B or softer)
Extra soft vine charcoal (12 sticks)
Compressed charcoal (3 stick)
Kneaded and gum eraser
Sketch board

$ 235 members, $ 285 non-members