Draw inspiration from the art around you.

Join us in the Main Gallery—surrounded by The Feminine Spirit exhibition—for a hands-on figure drawing workshop that blends technical guidance with creative energy. Sketch from a live model in a setting designed to inspire.

Workshop Overview

This figure drawing workshop is designed for artists of all levels who are eager to build a stronger understanding of the human form. Students will explore how to break down complex anatomy into simple shapes—cylinders, spheres, and boxes—to better grasp proportion, gesture, and structure. Through guided exercises and live model drawing, participants will learn to create more confident, dimensional renderings by seeing the figure as a collection of forms in space. This approach serves as a foundation for both expressive and realistic figure drawing.

Techniques Covered

• Gesture Drawing – Capture the movement and energy of the figure using quick, expressive marks that lay the groundwork for structure.

• Constructive Drawing – Learn to build the human form using simple shapes like spheres, cylinders, and boxes to understand proportion, volume, and spatial relationships.

• Proportion & Landmarks – Identify key anatomical reference points to improve accuracy and consistency in figure drawing.

• Form & Light – Explore how light defines basic forms, using tonal value to suggest depth and solidity.

• Foreshortening Fundamentals – Apply basic shape construction and perspective techniques to tackle challenging angles and dynamic poses with clarity.

Meet the Instructor

Robert Keith IV is a seasoned artist and educator with over a decade of experience in fine arts. Robert has dedicated his career to helping students unlock their creative potential by mastering the fundamentals of drawing. 

In the classroom, Robert is known for his patient and encouraging teaching style. He believes that every student has the potential to develop their artistic skills, regardless of their starting point. His classes are structured to build confidence and technical ability, with a strong emphasis on observational drawing and the principles of perspective.

Robert O. Keith IV is a native Coloradan, now happily residing in Huddleston, VA. He received a BFA at Colorado State University and an MFA at the University of South Carolina, and currently teaches drawing courses at Radford University.

Teaching Philosophy

As someone who has loved drawing since I was a child, I believe deeply in its power to transform lives and build connections. In my workshops, I aim to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where participants feel encouraged to explore, make mistakes, and grow. My goal is to demystify drawing and help people see that creativity isn’t about perfection—it’s about learning to see, to feel, and to express. Whether someone is picking up a pencil for the first time or returning to a long-lost passion, I meet them where they are and help them move forward with confidence, curiosity, and a sense of community.

Materials List

To get the most out of this workshop, you'll need a few essential tools: a drawing pad (11”x14” or larger), a variety of pencils, kneaded and plastic erasers, and charcoal in various hardnesses.

Tabletop easels and clipboards will be provided, but feel free to bring your own easel—just let us know in advance.

Don't have supplies on hand? No problem! For just $28, Riverviews can provide all required materials through our partnership with The Art Box in downtown Lynchburg.

Additional Information

For questions or more information email us at gallery@riverviews.net.