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Drawing , Live Class Replay ,

Figure Drawing: Foreshortening Basics

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Shelby Abrahamsen (Foxsy)

Class Description:

Foreshortening: it's everywhere. We constantly encounter overlapping and angled objects in our daily lives, so why is it so challenging to capture that on paper? In this hands-on drawing class, I’ll reveal the secrets of foreshortening once and for all.

Join us for an immersive experience where we’ll tackle tricky joints, limbs, and more. This two-hour session will empower you with the skills to represent depth and perspective in your artwork confidently. You’ll explore the core principles of foreshortening, learning how to depict figures and objects receding into space with accuracy and flair.

Unlock the power of foreshortening, elevate your artistic creations, and gain the confidence to portray depth in an engaging and dynamic way!

What You Will Learn:

  • The basics of foreshortening and why it matters in figure drawing.
  • How to draw overlapping limbs and objects.
  • Ways to create depth and perspective in your art.
  • Practical tips for observing forms in 3D and drawing them in 2D.
  • Hands-on exercises to practice your foreshortening skills.

Supplies You'll Need:

  • Drawing paper (large enough for easy sketching)
  • Charcoal or graphite pencils (HB - 6B)
  • Blending Tools: Blending stumps or tortillons for smooth shading.
  • Erasers (both kneaded and regular)
  • Ruler or a straight edge for help with lines
  • A sketchbook for notes and ideas.

About Instructor

Shelby Abrahamsen (Foxsy)

Shelby is the co-founder of Foxsy and the creator at Little Coffee Fox. She is a professional watercolorist, letterer, and artist with a passion for teaching others to reintroduce creativity back into their lives. Shelby lives in Chicago, IL with her husband Jon and her pets Summer, Basil, and Korra.

229 Classes

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+6 enrolled

Class Details:

  • 📊Level: Beginner
  • ⏰Time: 1 Hour, 49 Minutes

Class Pass includes:

  • ✓Lifetime Access To Class

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Access Everything Foxsy Has To Offer

Be Part of the Foxsy Revolution

Join a thriving community of over 2,300 students, all united by a shared love for creativity. Together, let's paint a brighter, more creative future.

  • Access 311 classes with 250+ hours of content.
  • Work through over 400 lessons and 70+ projects.
  • Access the Watercolor Academy, Drawing Bootcamp, & Modern Lettering Academies.
  • Join weekly live classes.
  • Get personalized feedback on all projects.
  • Get real answers to your questions with Creative Support.
Access Everything Foxsy Has To Offer

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  • “As a total beginner when I started, I’m amazed at the amount of skill and knowledge I gained. There’s a wide variety of courses so you can’t get bored.

    There’s always another challenge in the next class. Really appreciated the personal feedback when I submitted projects.
    Janet G
  • “I loved the Watercolor Academy I learned so much and have developed self-confidence in my ability as a budding "artist "

    (I 'm still getting used to this lol)”
    Gail P
  • "This is excellent.

    As a chronic copier of other people's art, the tips offered here will help me with my own creative process and prevent the block that I feel with "what next"."
    Carol R
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    I would recommend (and I have) the Foxsy Watercolor Academy to others wanting to try out watercolors or improve on their skills.”
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  • "This was so helpful! I loved the way Shelby broke down the basics in a succinct way and tips to use while practicing. Lastly, I appreciated Shelby mentioning that everyone is going to have a unique bounce lettering style.

    As someone who is new to brush lettering in general, I've been copying a lot of what I see. I need that consistent reminder to avoid potential frustration, especially as a beginner!"
    Kelsey
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    The explanations were amazing and helpful and I really felt confident in doing the project. This was probably the best watercolor lesson I've ever taken and enjoyed."
    LG Woods
  • "I really enjoyed this course. Instructions and examples were clear and practical and the feedback was really kind and helpful.

    It has improved my lettering knowledge and given me confidence to keep practicing."
    Nic

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Join a thriving community of over 24,000 students, all united by a shared love for creativity. Together, let’s paint a brighter, more creative future.

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  • Unlimited creative support

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All Foxsy Memberships include:

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  • Access to exclusive weekly live classes
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  • Project feedback from Foxsy Pros
  • Unlimited creative support

Lifetime Membership

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Get Lifetime Access

All Foxsy Memberships include:

  • Access to the full 250+ class library
  • Access to The Watercolor Academy, The Modern Lettering Academy & Drawing Bootcamp
  • Access to exclusive weekly live classes
  • Fox Den Community Access
  • Project feedback from Foxsy Pros
  • Unlimited creative support

Monthly Membership

$29 / month
Go Monthly

All Foxsy Memberships include:

  • Access to the full 250+ class library
  • Access to The Watercolor Academy, The Modern Lettering Academy & Drawing Bootcamp
  • Access to exclusive weekly live classes
  • Fox Den Community Access
  • Project feedback from Foxsy Pros
  • Unlimited creative support

Yearly Membership

$164 / year
Go Yearly

All Foxsy Memberships include:

  • Access to the full 250+ class library
  • Access to The Watercolor Academy, The Modern Lettering Academy & Drawing Bootcamp
  • Access to exclusive weekly live classes
  • Fox Den Community Access
  • Project feedback from Foxsy Pros
  • Unlimited creative support

Lifetime Membership

$599 Never pay a subscription fee again.
Get Lifetime Access

All Foxsy Memberships include:

  • Access to the full 250+ class library
  • Access to The Watercolor Academy, The Modern Lettering Academy & Drawing Bootcamp
  • Access to exclusive weekly live classes
  • Fox Den Community Access
  • Project feedback from Foxsy Pros
  • Unlimited creative support
All plans come with a 30-day Money Back Guarantee.
Cancel anytime in your dashboard.
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Ratings and Reviews

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What's your experience? We'd love to know!
linda-f
Posted 1 year ago
Its all about the Mass!

Once again, Shelby shows what a great teacher she is in this course. She had some great examples and different ways to think about and approach foreshortening. It is something that you have to focus on, reminds when I was working with microscopes. I regard this as a course as learning a core skill and will look forward to rewatching it when required.

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Lois
Posted 2 years ago
Show volume!

I liked the emphasis on showing volume and the way Shelby demonstrates how to do just that and more.

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LindaH
Posted 2 years ago
Live Class Review

I watched the Replay I'm so glad I did Great Class It gave me new Understanding "Foreshortening" when I'm Drawing now

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