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 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 draw along 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 serve as models as we explore traditional and contemporary drawing techniques for representing the internal and external structure of hands, perhaps even honing your own individual style. The instructor provides direct feedback and guidance, encouraging students to practice mindfulness, patience, open-mindedness, and creativity. Students leave the course with an understanding of the basic drawing process and of anatomical depiction in an anatomical lab.