Figure Drawing Class Brings Creative Visions to Life

October 15, 2026

In Perpich’s Figure Drawing class, students bring their artistic visions to life through extended poses, creative themes, and the opportunity to work with a professional model.

Visual Arts Instructor Kathryn D’Elia brings in professional model Elle Simmons each year to pose for students. Simmons has worked with Perpich classes for four years, giving students the chance to develop their observational drawing skills and explore more detailed compositions.

For this two-day pose, students created more involved drawings or paintings inspired by a class-selected theme: a flowing “princess” dress paired with a sword. Other poses throughout the class featured a pirate, a politician, and a baggy streetwear look.

The extended poses give students time to move beyond quick sketches and focus on the details, movement, and character that make each artwork unique.