I was never into sports. The closest I ever came was figure drawing class. It felt like a sport because my teacher was like a tough, grizzled coach, barking at me to lean in to the easel, look at the model while my charcoal is on the paper, draw “from the inside out.” It was tough, but it was also the best thing ever for me to understand how to communicate form and dimension on in two dimensions. It’s a mental and physical workout.

Why am I reminiscing about figure drawing? Mr. Momo Picklebelly of the Forest to Shore Gallery in Stratford has announced a series of six summer figure drawing sessions.

The sessions begin 7-10 p.m. July 10 and continue every other Tuesday until September 18.  As always, individuals of all skill levels are encouraged to attend. The cost is $10 at the door or $50 for all six sessions.

“We aim to offer a comfortable and laid back evening where friends can gather and hone their craft,” they say on their website.