Fundamentals of Figure Drawing with Charcoal
A course by Mildred HankinsonArtist and Instructor
A course by Mildred Hankinson, Artist and Instructor
Learn how to draw the human figure using charcoal by exploring sketching techniques to create a detailed, full-length portrait
Figure drawing offers us a way to represent the innate beauty of the human form in all its shapes and colors. Artist and instructor Mildred Hankinson uses charcoal pencils as a way to achieve this in an expressive and rhythmical style. She has over 90K followers on Instagram and has taught at numerous renowned art institutions in California since 2013, including Sadie Valeri Atelier.
In this online course, Mildred teaches you the fundamentals of figure drawing using charcoal. Learn how to develop a full-length portrait, combining lines, complex 3D shapes, and anatomical details. Explore the intricacies of the human body and portray it with elegance.
What will you learn in this online course?
15 lessons & 16 downloads
Materials
12 minutes, 30 seconds
Drawing Guidelines
9 minutes, 10 seconds
Gesture
7 minutes, 57 seconds
Shape
18 minutes, 31 seconds
Quick Sketch
10 minutes, 0 seconds
Quick Sketch with Value
15 minutes, 12 seconds
What's included in this course?
Start the course by getting to know artist and instructor Mildred Hankinson. She tells you about her professional journey and shares some of the biggest influences on her work.
Dive into the materials needed for the course and how to use them correctly. Mildred explains some drawing guidelines, then advises you on how to work with a model and choose reference photos.
Learn how to establish the gesture of the human form, then transform your lines into simple shapes and nuanced contours. Mildred demonstrates how to apply these techniques through some quick sketches.
Look how the figure can be broken down into three-dimensional forms and developed into a more complex structure. Then, practice with more sketches, working with value to create the illusion of volume.
Talk about the basic anatomical landmarks and masses, then concentrate on the torso. Mildred wraps up the course with a final demonstration, tying in all the elements taught throughout the course.
What is this course's project?
Create a full-length portrait, combining lines, 3D, and anatomical details.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in figure drawing.
Requirements and materials
You don’t need any specialist knowledge to take this course, but some basic drawing experience is recommended.
As for materials, you need: • Charcoal pencils and a sharpening blade • Sandpaper and tissue paper • A kneaded eraser • Smooth newsprint paper • Blending tools, like a tortillon (or your finger)
Reviews
- 24 days ago
I have been doing figurative and life drawing for around 18 months. I usually use pencils, but wanted to explore charcoal, so thought I would try this course, which I really enjoyed. It is well structured with short videos that take you through the process of life or figurative drawing using charcoal. The instructor, Mildred, starts off with the basics, so I would say that this is suitable for beginners.
- 5 months ago
Fue hermoso
- 5 months ago
Objetivo
- 7 months ago
Excellent and easy to follow. Recommended if you enjoy working with charcoal.
- 9 months ago
Un peu déçu car dans ce cours nous faisons que regarder. Nous ne pouvons pas suivre le dessin car nous n'avons pas le même angle de vue
Since then, Mildred has taught at various renowned institutions throughout the Bay Area. She eventually opened her own studio and ventured into online teaching which is what she does today. Her workshops focus on all aspects of figurative art, from drawing and painting to working with digital tools.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Preparation
- Materials
- Drawing Guidelines
- The Model
- U3
Finding the Shape
- Gesture
- Shape
- Quick Sketch
- U4
Constructing the Form
- Basic Form
- Complex Form: Planes and Values
- Quick Sketch with Value
- U5
Adding Anatomy
- Anatomy
- Torso Study
- Final Demonstration 1
- Final Demonstration 2
- FP
Final project
- Fundamentals of Figure Drawing with Charcoal
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FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for beginners and covers foundational techniques, tools, and concepts for figure drawing using charcoal and other materials.
You will need charcoal pencils, a kneaded eraser, sandpaper for sharpening, tortillon for blending, peel-away charcoal pencils, and smooth newsprint paper.
You will learn expressive drawing techniques, gesture and contour drawing, building figures with basic forms, using light, mastering composition, and developing your own artistic style.
No prior art experience is necessary; the course starts with basic concepts and gradually builds up to more advanced figure drawing skills.
Gesture drawing is a technique for capturing the movement and flow of the human figure. This course covers gesture drawing extensively, teaching you how to create dynamic, expressive poses.
The course teaches how to optimize your drawing environment, including lighting, props, model posing, and backdrop setup for accurate figure observation.
Yes, you will learn how to sharpen, handle, and maintain charcoal pencils, use kneaded erasers, blend with a tortillon, and prepare your materials for expressive mark-making.