Courses

Based on the Art and Anatomy courses for Stanford medical students, this course is a unique opportunity to explore the human hand with the eye of an artist. We will begin with an overview of the historical, anatomical, and fine art practice of medical illustration, along with an introduction to the terminology of art and anatomy. Then, as the instructor demonstrates the practice, students will draw along, step by step, on paper. During the remaining class time, students will work on their own drawings of hands. Plastic models, dry bones, cadaveric specimens, and digital images will be our models as we explore traditional and contemporary drawing techniques for representing the internal and external structure of hands, perhaps even honing our own individual style. The instructor will provide direct feedback and guidance as we work, encouraging students to practice mindfulness, patience, maintaining an open perspective, and creativity. Students will leave the course with an understanding of the basic drawing process and of anatomical depiction.