Figure study 28.04.2026

Done as a part of 30 minutes class, last bit - 10 minute figure study. Looking for some general suggestions on what primary focus on during this short time and what to try to extract from the study. As well maybe some experiences/hints from others how to approach from the materials point of view. Atm I'm doing A4 paper. But that feels a bit small, for example to draw hands. How you guys usually approach a bit longer 5-10 minute studies? Would appreciate some feedback on the topic!

Jcmlfineart April 28, 2026 6:03pm

Pantmurino,

Try using A2 or A3 paper. Printer paper is a cheap and easy find in the A3 size, and it is about the size of a large laptop, so it's easy to carry with you. These sizes are great for working from your shoulder and elbow, so your strokes are more dynamic.

I'd also suggest getting some toned sugger paper for the longer poses. This allows you to work from both highlights and lowlights, which regular white paper can't. It's cheap, cheerful, and lets you create a drawing with a lot more value.

Neither of these options is archival, so if you want to work on a more serious piece, I would suggest using hot-press 180lb paper. Hot press does not have that canvas texture, and if you have never worked with something with that texture, it can pose a new shading challenge.

If you have any questions about drawing/painting media, I'd be happy to help.

All of the best,

JCML Fine Art

Pantmurino April 30, 2026 1:26pm

Jcmlfineart, thank you so much for such a detailed and thorough explanation! I will give those paper options a try. Tbh it does feel that A4 is a bit small to practice figure drawing, maybe I should reserve those for finer pieces or/and different medium.

Jcmlfineart April 30, 2026 5:31pm

Printer paper comes in A3 size, which is 1/2 bigger than A4.

Here is a quick link

A4 is the size of an average sheet of printer paper

Take two A4 sheets and put them side by side, portrait style, and you'll get a landscape version of A3. Same with an A2-A3.
An A2 size is 1/2 bigger than an A3. So basically, the smaller the number, the bigger the paper.

See

Sugger paper, any kind of toned and Hot press paper comes in all these A sizes. Have a gander at any art store, and you'll find some. Try Cass Art, Jerry's Art, Utrecht, Jackson Art...You get the idea.

I hope this helps and clears up what I am sharing with you.

All of the best,

JCML Fine Art

Nix960 April 29, 2026 2:11am

hey, getting the form done in an determined time slot is plenty helpful as it builds your visual library. what you can gather after finishing a study is to see if you placed landmarks correctly. don't be afraid to take a minute or two to observe the body as you want to properly draw the line of action. take breaks if your doing longer studies you will burn out, good luck!

Pantmurino April 30, 2026 1:29pm

Right, practice, practice, practice! :)
Ah, doing a review after the session, that is actually a good idea! Since line-of-action provides such a feature, should be easy to add it to practice routine.