The focus of this on-going class is the human figure and how to draw or paint from life. Through this observation-based approach, we will examine long-held artistic principles of light and human form and how to best apply these principles while working from the life model.

The course is organized so that the first few lessons are based on a set of exercises that illustrate particular principles regarding proportion, shapes and the key of light. The intent is to have students draw or paint from the long pose as soon as possible. During the long pose students will explore human structure and anatomy, study portraiture, and learn how to create the illusion of form with pencil or oil paint. The long pose provides students the opportunity to work toward finishing a drawing or painting.

The class is flexible enough to accommodate students of any level. Students may join at any time, work at their own pace, and study either drawing or painting.

Prior to enrollment to ensure there is a space in class, students must contact Dennis at dwcheaney@hotmail.com. You may visit Dennis’s website: www.dennischeaney.com.

Download Class Materials List (doc)

Instructor Bio:
Dennis received his BA in Mathematics from the University of Southern California (1995) and his MFA from the New York Academy of Art (1998), where he was an Andy Warhol Foundation Scholar studying under Edward Schmidt. He has continued his studies in the Loire Valley, France with the eminent artist and portraitist Ted Seth Jacobs, at the Water Street Atelier in New York with the noted artists Jacob Collins and Michael Grimaldi and at the Art Students’ League with Dean Keller and Peter Cox. Dennis has exhibited in New York City, San Francisco, Boston, Texas, France and Canada. He received the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant for figure painting. From 2003-2009, Dennis was director of New England Realist Art Center in Boston, MA. Additionally, Dennis has taught classes at BACAA (CA), Copley Society of art (MA), Academy duCret (NJ) and the New York Academy of Art (NYC).

Take advantage of one of the best north light studios in Manhattan. This class will be uninstructed with a maximum of 10 people per room per figure model. Draw and paint from life with poses ranging from 3-hrs, 1-day to 4-day poses (12-24 hr poses). You must register by sending an email to info@januscollaborative.org or calling 917.492.1923 to RESERVE a spot.
NOTE: Only prepaid slots are guaranteed a spot so please make sure to call/email for registration instructions before showing up at the door.