Nitram charcoal on Roma paper. Copy after Charles Bargue
Charles Bargue was a French painter, lithographer, and great draftsman known mostly for designing an intense drawing system. Plates contained in his course depict varied classical sculptures increasing in difficulty and complexity. They are now a part of the curriculum of many ateliers and academies around the world focused on classical realism. The goal is to copy the plate as carefully and accurately as possible. They serve as an introduction to representational drawing and help to gain observational skills, precision, and from my experience mostly… patience😉 This course offers step by step approach to the grammar of drawing, how to efficiently tackle the myriad difficulties of drawing from life. The eye is trained to accurately see and reproduce nature, as well as to grasp a deep understanding of the mechanics of light and shadow.