Gesture Drawing Fundamentals
This workshop is a deep dive into the most elusive and mysterious element of figure drawing: gesture! Through a series of exercises and a guided figure drawing session, you'll explore the gestural energy that gives life and movement to all figure drawings. We'll start with a series of exercises designed to define gesture and practice seeing and drawing gesturally, followed by a guided drawing session with an unclothed model. During the session we'll continue to practice gestural exercises with direct feedback and encouragement. By the end of the workshop, you'll have the knowledge and exercises needed to develop confidence and fluency in gesture drawing in your figure drawing practice from short poses to long studies.
Educator Kevin McGillivray is a contemporary representational oil painter and draftsman based in Appleton, Wisconsin. He trained in drawing and painting under the mentorship of Wisconsin artist and educator John Gordon during his time as a student at St. Norbert College and the Gordon School of Art. McGillivray's practice focuses on portraits, figures, still life, and landscapes studied from direct perception. His work has been featured in solo exhibitions at Cupola House in Egg Harbor and group exhibitions including the 63rd Annual Juried Exhibit at The Hardy Gallery and Art of Water IX at James May Gallery in Milwaukee. His work is held in private collections in Wisconsin, California, North Carolina, and the Faroe Islands. Since 2024, McGillivray has organized the Appleton Drawing Club, hosting weekly life drawing sessions and special events that have brought together over 150 artists in the Fox Valley. He has taught workshops at Richeson Gallery & School of Art and regularly leads drawing instruction focused on foundational skills and direct observation.
