The Torso 2 - The Pelvis

The world’s great masters all had one thing in common: they combined what they saw with what they knew. They first learned from studying the masters that came before them. Secondly, they observed the nature of things and acquired a useful knowledge base. Thirdly, they observed the particulars of the things themselves. They took nothing at face value without judging it based on what was known.

Before one can truly master the art of drawing, painting, or sculpting the human head, a thorough investigation of the bony structure of the skull is a must. It’s not enough to just know the basics, further study of the muscles of mastication and expression is required to truly begin the journey of mastery.

Next comes the features, one must master the nose, the mouth, the ears, and the eyes.

Many mistakenly believe that drawing purely from observation reveals what lies beneath the surface. However, no master draughtsman has ever worked solely from observation..

What one draws directly relates to what one knows; drawing is an intellectual business that incorporates the brain. The Master draughtsman views the world through their mind, not their eyes.

The Mentler Method

The Mentler Method utilizes incorporates the principles of Architecture, Mechanics, and Motion. The structure of the skull determines outward appearances (Architecture), the muscles of mastication modify that appearance (Mechanics), and the muscles of expression give the face character (Persona).

This Lab prioritizes function and form over Latin names. It builds from the inside out, discarding the envelopes and contours used by observation-oriented practitioners.

“You Can’t Paint A House Until It is Built.” – George Brandt Bridgman –

Schedule

• The Maester will demonstrate and pontificate from 10:30 to 12:30
• 12:30 to 1:45 Lunch break (We have a fridge and microwave in case you bring your lunch, or we pick up food from La Spiga.)
• 1:15 to 4:15 Attendees work from a live model or plaster casts

Lab attendees will receive discounts on Michael’s DVDs, Books, and Drawings. Please bring a notebook and a writing instrument to take notes during the demonstrations.

About the Instructor

As a master painter, sculptor, draughtsman, designer, photographer and author Michael Mentler’s creative journey has covered a polymathic array of artistic endeavors. Born in the small mid-western town of Jacksonville, Illinois Michael’s visual sensibilities were observed and nurtured at an early age. Later, he was mentored by Howard Sidman, which led to his first solo show at the age of fourteen. Michael continued his formal education at Layton School of Art in Milwaukee and Washington University in Saint Louis, where he became a protégé of Barry Schactman and Werner Drewes.

Along with winning over a hundred awards, including ‘Best of Show’ and ‘Gold Medals’ from some of the most distinguished juried venues, Michael’s works are included in many private collections, including the Pulitzer, the Mead Library, and the Dallas Museum of Art.

He is Founder and Director of The Society of Figurative Arts, where he mentors select Apprentices. His work has appeared in publications such as; American Artist, American Artist Drawing, American Artist Workshop, Graphis, Communication Arts, and numerous others

“Michael’s sketchbooks are masterpieces, he is a modern-day Leonardo.” – Richard Schmid –

“Richard’s Right.” – Dan McCaw –

“Michael’s intense study of the teachings and works of Bridgman and Robert Beverly Hale make him a natural progression of that linage with the added twist of his own dynamic personal style.” – David Kassan –