Art Practical: Women and their Bodies: Drawing at the British Museum

In this course, we will spend time closely observing and finding creative ways to depict the shapes of female themed forms at the British Museum from different ancient cultures and continents. We will look at Greek pots, caryatids, busts, fertility figurines to columns, Asian temple dancers and various goddesses capturing the texture of carved wood, marble, ivory, terracotta or painted surfaces on which they appear.

You will be guided on different techniques to capture the forms in both line and tone drawings, studies or sketches of 20 minutes or so. We will be studying elements or details; clothed or nude form, in movement or static and symbolic, and differing styles of representation of the female form. It is recommended to bring a couple of A4 and A5 sketchbooks, as well as dry materials including pencils (graphite and coloured), pens and pastel pencils.

Through these focused studies we will become more aware of the many ways the female form and feminine inspired theme has evolved through time and in different cultures. This will enable us to discuss at the end of each session the differences and similarities, evolution of style and representation from around the world, and explore the possible purposes of such objects.