I understand that many artists are intimidated by the figure...

I understand that many artists are intimidated by the figure. One reason it's hard to see the concrete human figure separate from its abstract liveliness. So it can become an undertaking to try and "SEE" the gestalt in the Human figure as a collective mass of many tiny aesthetic forms and shapes intelligently organized into one corporative entity.

I believe to capture both the abstract liveliness and spirit of the subject and to draw with aesthetic accuracy; the artist must be able to separate the figure’s physical identity form its metaphysical identity. Physical is physical and Spirit is spirit; Concrete is concrete and Abstract is abstract; and Now is now and Then is then. etc.

Once you acknowledge the differences in each component's identity then you will be able to "create" a successful relationship, experience, or moment between the two on your canvas. The art creating process can be academically aesthetic in its representation as well as artistic in its expression. Art occurs when all the separate elements sing as a chorus making One song or play together making One team. I believe if the Artist respects and acknowledges each element "separately" then each element will contribute its all to the whole artwork for the Artist.

The Art in Separation is the creation of "Oneness" by utilizing the natures, contributions and individual traits that exist in each unique element. In "life Drawing" or "Figure Drawing" academically representing the physical concrete figure and artistically expressing the abstract figure together without drowning out the one or the other will permit the artist to create the "Living Figure.”