In addition to gaining an understanding of the human body and its proportions, my students' figure drawings show an emphasis on relating the figure to its environment. This better prepares students in the long run for integrating the figure into a composition.
Figure in Environment, charcoal on paper, 16"x20"
In this very well structured Freshman Drawing, there is a strong sense both the figure and its place in the setting. Figure/Ground attentiveness can be felt everywhere.