Undrawing is an observational approach to drawing the figure using triangulation and expressive marks. Undrawing requires no prior figure drawing experience. With minimal training you'll learn where to start, what to look for, and how to capture even the most complex and challenging poses.
The basic premise of Undrawing is that we have an innate sense of spatial geometry that can be leveraged to allow us to draw from life quickly and accurately. Rather than abstraction of the body, as in classical art training, Undrawing is about seeing simple relationships. Whether you're a first-timer or have years of experience, your observational skills will improve.
Level: Beginner to Experienced
Materials:
For the workshop on Saturday, Sept 5, 2026, materals are provided. Each aspect of Undrawing is demonstrated with a live model.
The Undrawing Workshop has been developed by artist Alex Alford (@AlexDrawsLife on Instagram) and was originally offered in partnership with the awesome Brooklyn Figure Drawing meet-up group. Alex has taught Undrawing, in its various incarnations, in Paris, London, Dublin, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, and from his studio in Asheville, NC. Alex has been drawing the figure for over 40 years and is delighted to share these techniques with artists of all skill levels.
I spent decades certain that I couldn't draw—until I attended Alex's Undrawing workshop. I did it for research purposes only—what would it be like to explore a creative practice that demands attention rather than imagination? I had zero hope that I'd actually like anything I drew. But Alex put a pastel in my hand, gave me 10 minutes of teaching, and what a surprise! Drawings that I am genuinely proud of. Plus, three hours of enjoyment, and a permanent boost to my confidence in trying new things. What else might I be able to do? -- Allegra Huston, author of Write What You Don't Know: Imaginative Storm Writer Training
The “Undrawing the figure” workshop was such a valuable experience. Alex taught many insightful exercises and techniques that I still often use in my figure drawing practice. Beyond just helping me become better at drawing what I see, the methods have also taught me how to see the figure in a more holistic way— shapes, forms, shadows, and relationships as parts of the larger body landscape. His approach to understanding the figure has really changed the way I think about drawing and has helped me to grow as an artist. I am very grateful for everything I’ve learned here and the lasting impact it’s had on my art! -- Kennedy, Asheville, 2026
What an incredible experience! Can't wait to see where your technnique takes in my figure drawing journey. :) -- Nichole, Los Angeles, 2026
I strongly recommend that if you get a chance to take the Undrawing Workshop with Alex, that you do so. We took it and it substantially improved not only what we drew, but how we saw. -- Perry Fischer, Asheville, 2025
