This course provides an introduction to figure drawing and composition for beginning students in all majors who want to develop sound drawing and observational skills. Anatomical observation focusing on an understanding of skeletal structure and musculature, as well as mechanical function and forshortening is highly stressed, and composition and lighting are highlighted during class discussions and demonstrations. Attention is given to the role of drawing in conceptual development (rough, comp, finish), and art history is used to contextualize in-class assignments.