An Observational Approach

Instructor: Alex Alford

Max: 25 Students

LOCATION: Valley Art Workshop

Saturday August 1st, 2026 / 2-6PM

(Please arrive 20 minutes early. Parking is residential and easy. )

Undrawing is an observational approach to drawing the figure using triangulation and expressive marks. Undrawing requires no prior figure drawing experience.

The basic premise of Undrawing is that we have an innate sense of spatial geometry that can be leveraged to allow us to draw from life quickly and accurately. Rather than abstraction of the body, as in classical art training, 

That said, Undrawing is not at odds with classical training; Undrawing is simply about seeing simple relationships. Whether you're a first-timer or have years of experience, your observational skills will improve.

Alex has been teaching Undrawing, in its various forms, for the past six years. He’s led workshops in Paris, London, Dublin, New York, San Francisco, and many points in between. His favorite part is when a student has an “aha!” moment and exclaims out loud; his least favorite part is dropping a pastel stick on the floor.

THE WORKSHOP WILL INCLUDE:

I. Introduction (~15 minutes)

Everyone draws a quick pose as best they can, then saves it for later. (~5 minutes)

Alex explains the premise of Undrawing and does a few quick demos of poses from 20 seconds to 2 minutes. (~10 minutes)

II. Marks (~45 minutes)

Alex demonstrates three basic marks - lines, swaths, gradients - and explains the goal of seeing the model through the lends of these marks. (~5 minutes)

Students repeat these marks until they come naturally. (~15 minutes)

Students practice using the marks to capture parts of the model in a variety of very short poses. (~25 minutes)

SHORT BREAK (~10 minutes)

III. Triangulation (~50 minutes)

Alex gives a quick demo on how to establish proportions using triangulation. (~5 minutes)

Students do a brief exercise in tracing contours in the air to help focus their gaze. (~5 minutes)

Students draw portions of the model using internal triangulation to determine proportions. (~20 minutes)

Students draw portions of the model using external triangulation. (~20 minutes)

SHORT BREAK (~10 minutes)

IV. Starting Points (~40 minutes)

Alex does a short demo on drawing from different starting points. (~5 minutes)

Students practice starting from different points - as chosen by Alex - from a series of short poses. (~15 minutes)

Students continue to draw portions of each pose, finding their starting points. (~20 minutes)

SHORT BREAK (~10 minutes)

V. Putting It All Together (~45 minutes)

Students draw a series of short poses. If requested, Alex will give individual demos on applying the approach to drawing hands, faces, foreshortening, etc.

VI. Conclusion (~15 minutes)

Students draw the same pose as at the beginning while Alex talks about how they can integrate Undrawing into their own practice with their favorite media. (5 minutes)

MATERIALS TO BRING: 

Suggested materials are inexpensive, square, soft pastels and a full pad of 18’’ x 24’’ newsprint. Tables are preferred over easels, standing over sitting. Undrawing is a full-body practice, and students are encouraged to alternate using their non-dominant hand in the exercises.

If you need to cancel - Please contact us at least 3 days beforehand.