James Martin Master Workshop – August 12 & 13, 2023

This August 12th & 13th, Miano Academy of Art is delighted to welcome artist and educator James Martin for a weekend of drawing the figure. This unique two-day workshop is geared towards exploring the fascinating rhythm of the human form and developing your artistic voice.

Program Highlights

• Discussions with an industry professional

• Lessons on the Reilly Approach

• Utilizing the Notan

• In-person demonstrations

• Draw from a live model

• Individualized critiques

• Gain artistic confidence

• Connect with fellow artists!

During this special weekend workshop, Martin will highlight the Reilly Approach, a technique that prioritizes line, shape, and value control. Through understanding the rhythmic relationships inherent in the human form, artists learn how classic patterns inform the artistic process. In addition to technical lessons on anatomy, lighting, and the hierarchy of edges, Martin will discuss how to soulfully capture hair, drapery, and a muses individual spirit.

Each day will start with a discussion on principles and practices with a demonstration from Martin. Students will then be able to practice drawing from a live model while receiving individual feedback. Starting with the lay-in process, artists will gain experience capturing a range of pose lengths -gestures to an hour-long study- and learn how to utilize a Notan.

What is the Reilly Approach?

The Reilly Approach -conceived by legendary artist Frank Reilly- is a way of drawing the head, hands, and figure where construction prioritizes line, shape, and value control.

What is a Notan?

The Notan -which translates to “light-dark harmony-” is a Japanese design concept using arrangements of dark and light to explore composition in art. It enables artists to view a piece in terms of black and white -and sometimes grey- shapes, without distraction from details such as color or texture.

About James Martin

As an illustrator, painter, and draftsman, Martin’s signature style has been developed over years of creative exploration. He’s worked as a storyboard and cover artist for comic books, designed for Mattel toys, been a freelance contributor for studio giants such as Universal Pictures and Paramount Pictures, and been contracted by notable individuals such as Steven Spielberg, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, and James Cameron. Working as a visual developer for Walt Disney Feature Animation and Dreamworks Animation, Martin painted backgrounds for classic animated favorites including Hercules, Tarzan, and How to Train Your Dragon.

Throughout his professional life, Martin took time to continue his education and studied extensively alongside artists such as Steve Huston, Burne Hogarth, and Fred Fixler. Inspired by rhythm and beauty, Martin is noted for his magnetic figurative work which includes his signature tumbling tresses, soulful eyes, and rich drapery. Having taught and designed graduate-level courses around the country, Martin now instructs in Illustration at the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota. Still prolifically creating personal work, Martin recently published Muse, a collection of fine art illustrations that celebrate the female form.

Workshop Schedule

Day 1:

-Introductions

-Discussion of tools and processes

-Intro to Reilly method. Handouts of rhythms of the figure and head

-Demo from life, emphasis on lay-in process, gesture, and abstraction of the figure

-Quick sketches from life 2-5 minutes

-One on one critiques

-Finish day with 10-20 minute poses

Day 2:

-Discuss lighting principles, use of the Notan, hierarchy of edges, and simplification of value

-Sharpie Notan demo

-Value demo, including drapery

-20 to 60-minute figure drawings

-Head drawing demo covering rhythms and structure of the head

-20-60 minute head and/or figure drawings

-Individual critiques

-Wrap-up discussion