An Introduction to Figure Drawing
Instructed by Mark Hanavan
Tuesdays, 6-9 PM
October 27 - December 15, 2026
Registration Deadline: October 24
[ *** REGISTER HERE *** ]
Description
The human figure is one of the most challenging—and rewarding—subjects in all of art. Introduction to Figure Drawing is designed for students who are new to drawing the figure or looking to strengthen their understanding of the fundamentals. Working from a live model, you’ll learn practical strategies for capturing the body’s proportions, structure, and gesture with clarity and confidence. Through guided exercises, you’ll explore how to break down complex forms into simpler shapes, how to measure relationships across the figure, and how to draw what you actually see rather than what you assume. You’ll be introduced to the basics of anatomy, gesture drawing, and composition, while also learning how to use line, value, and edge to bring your drawings to life. This course is approachable, but rooted in serious skill development—it’s not about stylization or shortcuts, but about learning to see the figure with accuracy. Whether your interest lies in fine art, illustration, animation, or just improving your drawing, this course lays a strong foundation for working with the human form.
This class will cover the following topics:
• Gesture Drawing as a way of Exploring Posture, Balance, Form, and Energy
• Contour Drawing and Line Weight
• Proportions - A Simplified Approach and General Canon
• Perceptual Tools: Measuring and Angling
• Basic Skeletal Structure
• Anatomy for the Artist
• Light and Shade
• Composing the Picture Plane with the Figure
Tuition: $390
Class Size
Minimum: 5
Maximum: 12
Materials List: (link to printable PDF)
Level of Study: Beginner
No experience? No problem. Or, perhaps you're returning to art after a hiatus. Beginner-level courses are designed for individuals with little to no prior experience in making art. These courses focus on building confidence, developing foundational skills, and encouraging creative exploration. They are ideal for anyone curious about art—whether you're picking up a pencil for the first time, returning after a long break, or simply looking for a structured, supportive environment to begin your creative journey.
Suggested Prerequisites: N/A
LOCATION: Unless otherwise specified, all courses are hosted at Manifest's new facility at 'M1' in Clifton at 3464 Central Parkway (see map and directions below). Manifest's new facility provides multiple studio classrooms, private lesson space, a darkroom, a film processing room, a state of the art printmaking wing, and a multi-purpose lecture and class meeting space as well as on-site parking, grounds, and exterior spaces in which to relax, discuss, and make art. The studios are outfitted with professional equipment, furniture, and study aids.
Map to Manifest's M1 Studios | Studio Calendar | Darkroom Calendar
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Degas
Mark Hanavan
Scott Ramming
About the Instructor
Mark Hanavan is a native Cincinnati artist who resides in Middletown, Ohio, with his wife and three
children. Mark earned his MFA in Painting from the College of Design, Art, Architecture and
Planning at The University of Cincinnati. Currently, he is an Assistant Adjunct Professor, teaching art
and design for The University of Cincinnati, Clermont.
Mark has also worked on multiple public mural projects, including “The Lefthander for Life,” a mural in
Hamilton, Ohio, honoring the great baseball player, sports announcer and philanthropist, Joe Nuxhall. He
was a teaching artist on Artworks mural celebrating the Cincinnati YWCA, located on the side of the
Manely and Burke law firm in downtown Cincinnati.
Mark is continually developing his own personal body of work and shows that work in local and regional
galleries and venues.
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