Chapter 1 | ROBES

In the days before the invention of photography, it was quite common for artists to copy each other’s work, either as a study or for creative reuse. When it comes to garments with plenty of pleats, there are countless examples, from drawings to paintings and sculptures. Sometimes the draperies are incredibly virtuosic, but sometimes they’re worth a try.

Exercise 1: Try to draw this medieval priest and perhaps color him in. All the folds of his rather complex robe are clearly drawn with clear outlines. Think of a caption to go with it; his hand gesture makes it seem as if he wants to tell us something.

Exercise 2: The following drawings depict actors in a play. You could also copy a few figures from this and have them say something, perhaps in speech bubbles.

The 13th-century Italian Giotto di Bondone was one of the first artists to use shadow and light to give his human figures weight and volume. They are well-suited for subtly learning to draw draperies in clothing. In this mural, Lazarus (right), who had died of illness, is resurrected by Jesus.

Exercise 3: Choose a few Giotto figures to create a new piece. Think of a short text or story to go with them.