This class is best viewed as a guided "laboratory", free of  pressure to produce accomplished works. Drawings are viewed as artifacts of attempts to see. The objective of the class is to search for an authentic visual language through  experimentation.  .  Drawing the nude will be used to explore design, composition, grey-scale value,  gesture, flow, negative space and other means to achieve plastic visual experiences.   This class focuses on essentials of drawing including opposition, transition, the use of repetition, symetry and deep seeing.   Formulas, fashions, trends, or novelty are out of scope.  Issues raised by noted teachers like George Bridgman, however, may be examined.  These can include wedging, passing, and locking forms, balance, rhythm, distribution of masses, and proportions.   Although students will discuss both contemporary and historical works, mostly, they will draw, draw, and draw again.  This class is about understanding, as opposed to  copying, what has been done before as a basis for working out optical metaphors.  The Lab eschews  distinctions between representation and abstraction. Instruction is provided one-on-one and in group critiques. Various  materials are explored. All levels welcome.