In this lesson, instructor Leo Mancini-Hresko 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. As Leo blocks in the contours, you will often hear the term “visual cone”; it reminds you to step back from your artwork in order to see the drawing more clearly and make necessary adjustments.

This lesson belongs to the course Bargue Plates and Plaster Cast: Sight Size Method. In this 8-week course, Leo Mancini-Hresko will introduce you to the Size-Sight drawing method. With many years in training and teaching at the Florence Academy of Art, Leo will show you how to execute Charles Bargue plates and plaster casts. You will explore all the necessary materials popularly used for this technique. After this course, you will have a fundamental understanding of Size-Sight drawing and be able to apply this method in your artwork.

Throughout this course, you’ll have access to the NMA community for feedback and critiques to improve your work as you progress.