Bargue Plates and Plaster Cast: Sight Size Method

In week one, Leo will go over the materials you need for the Sight-Size drawing approach. Then, you will watch an overview of things to keep in mind when using this method for measurement.

In week two, Leo will teach you the basics of academic drawing study, the Charles Bargue course. You will learn to visually analyze what you see in the most precise and simplified way.

In week three, Leo will demonstrate on an intermediate Bargue plate using the Sight-Size method. You will learn how to start your drawing with the block-in of contours and shadow shapes, using straight and simple lines.

In week four, you will watch Leo complete his drawing of an intermediate Bargue plate. You will learn to criticize your own artwork and pay attention to edge quality and value contrast as you approach the finishing stage of a drawing.

In week five, Leo will demonstrate drawing a plaster cast with charcoal. You will learn how to measure nature visually before double-checking its accuracy using a plumb line.

In week six, Leo will build upon his block-in drawing of a plaster cast. You will learn how to define shadow and light shapes, then turn them into forms. Leo will also go over the nine-step value theory.

In week seven, Leo will continue on his drawing of a plaster cast. You will learn how to further develop value contrast and value compression in your tonal drawing.

In week eight, instructor Leo Mancini-Hresko will show you his steps of completing a plaster cast drawing. You will watch him adding final touches and refinements to his drawing, as well as learn to establish the hierarchy in your artwork.