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Capturing the Human Form: Live Figure Studies in Oils

byJuhi KumarShips original artwork across IndiaStarts from₹3,000 Per ArtworkView full gallery

Live figure studies are all about catching the energy of the moment. Whether it's the fall of light on a pose or the raw gesture of the human form, these sessions are where I feel most connected to my craft.

This oil on linen figure study was completed over a weekend session with a wonderful Spanish model. I focused on capturing her relaxed pose and the way the light fell across her form, with the pink fabric adding a pop of color.

A standing figure study from the same two-day session. This piece was about capturing the form and weight of the figure in a simple, direct way using oil on linen.

A view of the model's back, painted in oil on linen. This pose was a great challenge for studying the muscles and structure of the back.

Our group of artists with our finished works from the figure study session. I'm so grateful to everyone who painted together. There is so much to learn just from seeing each other’s work.

Another group photo from our weekend figure study. A big thank you to our model, who sat for us with so much grace and patience.

The final oil painting from a full-figure session at the Uchhan art gallery. Our model, Rama, was posing for the first time and did an amazing job. This piece is all about the mood created by the dramatic red background.

Here you can see the model Rama posing next to my finished painting. It's always interesting to see the artwork right next to the source of inspiration.

The initial block-in for the figure painting of Rama. This is the first stage, where I establish the composition and the big shapes of light and shadow.

This is an oil on linen study of the human figure, practicing what I learned in a recent workshop. This is the underpainting, done in a monochrome brown. I plan to add color to it later.

A figure drawing in charcoal on paper. This is a practice sketch, focusing on form and shadow, based on a reference from the Florence Academy of Art.

About Capturing the Human Form: Figure Studies

When I paint a figure study, I typically work in the alla prima style, which means wet on wet, to capture the model's energy in a single three to five hour session. There is no room for second-guessing here, but that intensity is exactly what makes the process rewarding. I usually work on primed linen, as it holds the texture of the oil paint and the richness of the shadow tones beautifully.

Original oil figure studies painted live — Approved by the tribe
J

Juhi Kumar

Ships original artwork across IndiaStarts from ₹3,000 Per Artwork

I'm Juhi, a Delhi-based artist who thrives on the energy of live painting. You will usually find me with a brush in one hand and a sketchbook in the other, constantly trying to capture the human form in a way that feels honest and real.

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