Figure drawing "Class"?

[Pixeldragoon]

As some of ya' may know, I live not too far from the Ringling Campus. After school, as some who attend may know, they usually have a Figure Enhancement WorkShop, aka FEWS. It's not a "class", more of an extracirricular activity. It's not much, 45 dollars per YEAR (30 bucks per semsester or 5 dollars per day), and they have it every weekday.

Once I get a car, I am more than likely going to start attending.
The alternative, which is slightly closer, but not by too much, is a community college that has a Figure Drawing COURSE.

So the real question is, for those who have taken a Figure drawing class before;
Is there any real value in taking a class (Paying about 62 USD per credit hour), as opposed to going to open sessions that cost ALOT less? Are there things I can't learn in a book or from other students that I CAN learn from a proper teacher?

[JessicaNoel]

Hey I've never been to Ringling's FEWS. But I will tell you that in St. Petersburg at the Art Center every Saturday morning from 9:30-12 they have something that sounds like fews. What it is, is paying $5-6 for entry, and drawing a nude model for 2.5 hours. It's a great feeling b/c you're just drawing and getting into the drawing. You're not listening to anyone you're just constantly studying, expressing, eyeing, assessing, and creating a peice of work. There are local artists there and veterans that you can ask for tips and who are talkative and nice. But if you want instruction, you won't necessarily find it TO THE DEGREE you're looking for at a figure drawing session. If you're paying for the class it's ok for you to be inquisitive and ask a lot of questions. Most times artists are at those workshops to improve their own skills and relax. If you want to learn I'd suggest the class. HOWEVER get other advice from students who've taken FEWS and RSAD classes and you should be good. But the one in St. Pete is open to anyone and I've seen an RSAD kid or two there.

[Pixeldragoon]

St. Petersburg is waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too far for me to go each day. Ringling is much closer. But what I kinda want to know is- What can the instructors there tell me that I can't learn elsewhere, for free? I know of plenty of books that I am keepin my eyes on, and I know books can only teach so much through reading, but that coupled with all the art students there who are actually taking the classes, I'd think I can absorb just as much. But thanks for the response.

[Storyboard Dave]

I think part of it is that during those freebie sessions no one is obligated to tell you anything. From the sounds of it, it's more of an informal get together of sorts where a group of folks hire a model and sit around and draw. The formal class is where the instructor is being paid to tell you something- whether that "something" is of worth to you depending on your level & expertise remains to be seen. You could get a total hack or a skilled master at the figure.

Part of it for me is just my personal exploration of the figure now. Do you feel as though you need to brush up on the figure?? If you do, I'd suggest paying the extra few bucks for a mouthpiece to crit you over your shoulder. If not, skimp and go for the cheaper class. Do realize that every time you draw the figure, with or without an instructor breathing down your back, you are getting better. Although with an instructor they might be able to see something of yours you don't.

Either way I can't see how you can lose.

[Mirana]

Wow....weekend, all-day life drawing sessions are free at SCAD. You'd think that if you paid that much for school, the least they could do is provide free models. :P

[Storyboard Dave]

Wow....weekend, all-day life drawing sessions are free at SCAD. You'd think that if you paid that much for school, the least they could do is provide free models. :P

It's still a business. If they can make a buck off of you, believe me...they will!