Life and Portraiture Studies - III | Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi

Course Type	Course Code	No. Of Credits
Discipline Core	SCC2VA120	4

Course coordinator and team : Dr. Kshama Divedi

1. Does the course connect to, build on or overlap with any other courses offered in AUD?

This advanced course consolidates and extends prior learning in figure drawing, portraiture, and contemporary practice. It complements advanced studio courses, professional practice modules, and portfolio development components by refining anatomical precision, tonal depth, and conceptual interpretation. The course does not overlap but synthesizes technical mastery and research-based inquiry to support advanced studio work and independent practice.

2. Specific requirements on the part of students who can be admitted to this course:

students and related disciplines Basic familiarity with drawing, painting, or visual analysis Ability to engage with historical texts and visual material. Willingness to undertak research-based and practice-led inquiry

3. No. of students to be admitted (with justification if lower than usual cohort size is proposed):

1The limited intake is necessary due to the intensive nature of visual analysis sessions, close reading of manuscripts and paintings, seminar-based discussions, and individualized feedback on research and practice-based projects.

4. Course scheduling:

(winter/mansoon course; semester-long course; half-semester course; workshop mode; seminar mode; any other ) Winter Semeste, Semester-long course, Studio and Seminar Mode

5. Proposed date of launch:

Proposed for launch; submitted for review and approval

6. How does the course link with the vision of AUD and the specific programme(s) where it is being offered?

The course embodies AUD’s vision of critical inquiry, creative autonomy, and practice-based research. It supports the Visual Art programme by fostering professional studio discipline, conceptual clarity, and independent visual language. Through research engagement, reflective processes, and portfolio development, the course prepares students for professional practice, higher research, and interdisciplinary artistic engagement in alignment with NEP 2020 and contemporary art pedagogy.

Course Description:

This course advances the study of life drawing and portraiture through rigorous observation, anatomical precision, and conceptual engagement. It emphasizes structural clarity, tonal depth, psychological expression, and personal interpretation of the human figure and head. Through sustained studio practice, live model sessions, and research-based inquiry, students refine technical mastery while developing an individual visual language. The course integrates experiential learning, critical reflection, and interdisciplinary awareness in alignment with NEP 2020, encouraging creative autonomy and professional studio discipline.

Course Objectives:

The course aims to develop advanced observational and analytical skills in studying the human figure and portrait, deepen understanding of anatomy, proportion, structure, and movement, and refine tonal, spatial, and material handling in figurative representation. It encourages exploration of psychological presence and expression in portraiture while fostering experimentation, personal visual language, and research-oriented, experiential, and reflective studio practice in alignment with NEP 2020.

Course Outcome:

CO 1. Demonstrate advanced proficiency in life drawing with accurate anatomy and structural clarity.
CO 2. Produce expressive portraits reflecting character, emotion, and psychological depth.
CO 3. Apply tonal, spatial, and textural techniques for convincing form and volume.
CO 4. Develop an independent visual language and conceptual understanding of figurative art.
CO 5. Exhibit critical thinking, research ability, and reflective studio engagement.
CO 6. Present a cohesive and professionally executed portfolio of advanced life and portrait studies

Module Structure

Module 1: Advanced Anatomical Construction and Structural Dynamics

Focus: Skeletal–muscular relationship, structural construction, balance, weight, and dynamic posture.
Description:
This module emphasizes deep anatomical study and structural understanding of the human body in complex poses. Students analyze skeletal and muscular systems to construct accurate and dynamic figures, exploring balance, tension, and body mechanics through sustained and analytical drawing.

Suggested Readings:

Eliot Goldfinger — Human Anatomy for Artists
Gottfried Bammes — Complete Guide to Life Drawing

Module 2: Tonal Modelling, Surface, and Material Sensibility

Focus: Light and shadow, tonal gradation, texture, surface quality, and spatial depth.
Description:
Students explore advanced tonal modelling to create convincing volume and atmosphere. Emphasis is placed on light direction, tonal transitions, and material sensitivity using charcoal, graphite, ink, and mixed media to achieve both realistic and expressive outcomes.

Suggested Readings:

Joseph Sheppard — Drawing the Living Figure
Juliette Aristides — Lessons in Classical Drawing

Module 3: Psychological and Expressive Portraiture

Focus: Character, identity, emotion, gesture, and psychological presence.
Description:
This module investigates portraiture beyond likeness, focusing on emotional and psychological expression. Students engage in long and short portrait studies, exploring facial anatomy, expression, and individual character while experimenting with interpretative and expressive approaches.

Suggested Readings:

Richard Schmid — Alla Prima II
Andrew Loomis — Drawing the Head and Hands

Module 4: Contemporary Approaches and Personal Visual Language

Focus: Conceptual interpretation, experimentation, interdisciplinary approaches, and portfolio development.
Description:
Students integrate technical knowledge with personal exploration, engaging with contemporary figurative practices. The module encourages experimentation with scale, abstraction, mixed media, and conceptual narratives, leading to the development of an independent body of work and professional portfolio.

Suggested Readings:

Nicholas Bourriaud — Relational Aesthetics
John Berger — Ways of Seeing

Teaching Method:

Studio-Based Experiential Learning: Regular studio practice with live model sessions to develop direct observation, anatomical understanding, and hands-on engagement with materials and techniques. Emphasis on learning by doing and sustained visual inquiry.
Demonstrations and Guided Technical Workshops: Step-by-step demonstrations by the instructor focusing on anatomical construction, tonal modelling, portrait structure, and material handling. Guided workshops help students refine technical skills and studio discipline.
Visual Analysis, Critical Discussion, and Reflective Journaling: Analytical study of master drawings, portraits, and contemporary works followed by group discussions. Students maintain reflective journals to document observations, learning processes, and evolving ideas.
Peer Learning, Group Critiques, and Collaborative Feedback: Interactive learning through peer review, group critiques, and shared studio dialogue. Encourages critical thinking, self-assessment, and collective learning.
Field Exposure and Visual Documentation: Educational visits to museums, galleries, exhibitions, and artist studios. Students engage in visual documentation, sketching, and contextual understanding of figurative art practices.