Dynamic Illustration with Ramon Hurtado

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Have you ever wondered how to move from a single figure study to a fully staged scene that feels alive and dynamic? This class breaks down the process into clear, repeatable steps, giving you the tools to stage characters as actors—with intention, emotion, and real physical presence.

We’ll explore how figures interact with props, animals, and each other, how to build groups and crowds without chaos, and how to make environments feel like active participants in the story. Along the way, you’ll learn practical strategies for lighting, mood, and cinematic framing, using simple setups and clear choices to control complexity without getting lost.

By the end, you’ll have a fully staged plan for a narrative illustration—scaled, lit, and framed—ready to take further in your own medium and style.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to sketch scenes with confidence or an experienced artist searching for a reliable framework, this class will help you create work that feels intentional, cinematic, and alive.

We’ll Cover:

• The Chessboard – and why it’s the key to everything
• Figures as actors – body language, intention, and emotion

• Props, animals, and physical tension in scenes
• Groups and crowds that are clear, energetic, and dynamic
• Environment, light, and framing as storytelling tools

Week 1: Intro
Week 2: Acting in Space
Week 3: Props & Animals
Week 4: Groups & Crowds
Week 5: Environment as Actor
Week 6: Lighting & Mood
Week 7: Framing the Scene
Week 8: Final Project & Critique

Duration: 8 weeks
Date & Time: Saturdays at 2:00PM Eastern starting November 1, 2025
Skill level: All skill levels welcome
Tiers: 12 Critique spots – Receive feedback or unlimited spectator spots without homework feedback
Format: 4-5 hour live class with combination of lectures, demos, and feedback. Recordings are typically provided within a couple days of each live session.
Materials: Any digital or traditional mediums. Paintovers will be done digitally.