Figure Painting 1 (In Person) | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Figure Painting 1 (In Person)

Learn the basics of how to work with oil paint while gaining the technical skills to render the challenging, yet infinitely rewarding subject of the human figure

Course Description

Explore anatomy and the underlying structures of the figure. Learn color relationships via color temperature zones, planar modeling and study artists who have mastered figure painting. The first half of the course examines elements of masterworks and strives to recreate them with a focus on specific elements of the original. Studying these fundamental principles paves the way for the second half of the course where students work from direct observation of live models in a relaxed and supportive environment. Develop the elemental skills of figure painting with the goals of both accuracy and individual expression. Altogether, this approach provides an excellent starting point to further figure painting exploration. / Materials fee of $74 is included in course tuition.

Open to students ages 18 and above. Review complete policies, including class cancellation policies, before completing your registration.

Course meeting details

This course meets in person on MCAD's campus.

Prerequisites

Beginning Painting or equivalent experience.

Required materials

Supplies

  • pen or pencil
  • notebook or sketchbook
  • two sheets of 22 x 30" Arches cover white paper
  • one drawing board, preferably 24 x 36”
  • one 32 oz. container of acrylic gesso
  • gesso brush
  • a roll of white artist's tape
  • one 32 oz. container of Gamsol odorless mineral spirits
  • 12 x 16" pad of disposable palette paper
  • cloth rags
  • two metal palette knives in varying shapes and sizes
  • a selection of natural bristle brushes ranging from #6-#14 (mid-range in price brushes are best)
  • oil paint, large tubes, (recommended: Gamblin 1980 oil paint):
    • titanium white
    • yellow ochre
    • ultramarine blue
    • cadmium red
    • alizarin crimson
    • phthalo green
    • cobalt blue
    • cadmium yellow light

Students should expect to spend approximately $200 on supplies in addition to course tuition.

What to wear
Clothes appropriate for messy creativity. An apron or smock may come in handy.

Class savings

Register on or before August 11 and save $25.
Register for more than one class at a time and receive $25 off each additional class (same-day registrations only).
Additional savings. Are you eligible?

Questions

Contact MCAD Continuing Education at continuing_education@mcad.edu or call 612.874.3765.

Register

Title
Non-credit Tuition
$569.00
Not Yet Open for Registration

Registration opens July 28.

  • Date:
    -
  • Time:
    6:30-9:30 p.m. CST
  • Day(s) of the week:
    Tuesday
  • Ages:
    Open to students ages 18 and above.
  • Term:
    Fall 2025
  • Instructor: Sarah Wieben
  • Location:
    In Person
  • SKU:
    2D 9339 01 FA25

Prerequisites:

Beginning Painting or equivalent experience.