Artworks by Debora, Drawing Academy student
Drawings in graphite pencil I made these still life drawings of cylindrical objects using one point perspective. At the same time, I practice hatching and trying to make interesting compositions.
DrawingAcademy
What technique did Da Vinci use to depict smooth skin?
Question from Yasmin, Drawing Academy student
Dear Natalie and Vladimir,
Every time I see a drawing or painting made by Leonardo, I’m in awe of how he managed to achieve such smooth transitions in skin tone. I was wondering if you could shed some light on how he did that and what technique he used.
In this drawing (image attached) for example, I don’t see any traces of cross hatching. My guess is he used charcoal on top of sanguine and then did lots of blending, but for me, these mediums always produce much harsher marks, and the transition between light and dark can never be so smooth. What was his secret?
Drawing by Tain
Innocence
Hi, my name is Tain. I stay with my parents in a small village.
I loved drawing very much since my younger age. My interest in drawing developed after I was introduced to an art competition in our area. I was not able to draw anything then.
I always wanted to take an art class or any drawing course but was not able to take one but I always kept practicing on my own. I spend a lot of time everyday watching and learning online drawing tutorials on YouTube, reading blogs post and many other things that would help me improve my drawing yet I still have a lot to learn and develop.
Artwork by Kat
A Wish, a Dream, a Passion
I am someone who loves art but wasn’t given the talent for it. I grew up watching cartoons and reading books like every other kid and I guess that’s how I fell in love with art. I fell in love with how lines and colors can make the impossible possible. Since then it has been some sort of portal through which I can view and shape worlds that don’t exist anywhere else
Art is mainly a hobby that I’ve had ever since I was old enough to hold a pencil. I was never any good at it, but I loved it nonetheless.
Drawing by Luzardo Lopez
Luzardo’s World
Hi, my name is Luzardo. I’m from Venezuela but currently I’m living in Lima – Peru. Since I was a kid I really like to draw every time I could, but when time has passed on and I didn’t have the knowledge or a path that indicate how to live from art and I wasn’t such a bad student in a regular normal high school (with math, chemistry, physics, literature, English, etc.) I continue with that path in the university and even when repeatedly times during the university I was feeling that something was missing and I didn’t know what was the thing that i need it and that makes me angry, frustrated and down. I took refuge on my drawing.
Probably you’ve read it a million times, but it’s what get me going through the day, the thing that woke me in the morning and make me want to finish my office hours (I work in a telecommunication company in an administrative desk that has nothing to do with art). So, since the day begin I want to finish because when I’m done with the office I run to my flat to draw through the night.
Apocalypse and Peace
Apocalypse and Peace
I am 46 years old and just starting my art “career.” My art is about the spiritual life of human beings, the inner processes we go through as we grow and mature and gain wisdom. Sometimes this brings pain and trial, but there is also winning through. My work is about this process.
Art is both my refuge and my voice — where I go to explore, and where I communicate my findings. At this point, I’m interested in the Academy because like many contemporary artists, I never learned classical traditions, and as a result, my representational skills are quite limited. My skill in rendering the human figure is no where near what I’d like it to be.
Artwork by Enerida Lama
en_s_drawings
Hi there!
I’m Enerida and I’m 16. I was born in Albania and I still live there. Art is a very important part of my life. Whenever I want to feel relaxed or happy I try to draw something. I have always been praised of how much talented I was, but for me it was never enough. I have always wanted to progress more.
Do you need photos to study drawing?
Question from Elmar, Drawing Academy student
Hello. I was pretty convinced that I would definitely receive some high-quality educational materials in the Drawing Academy. And I wasn’t mistaken! However, as I continue to advance with the lessons, I can’t help but notice that some of your videos lack photographs of the objects that a learner is supposed to draw. Can you please clarify how to study in the Drawing Academy course?
Artwork by Ed, Drawing Academy student
Toned paper project
This is my attempt at the toned paper lesson – live drawings of two whale skeletons in a nearby museum. To give them proper scale, I chose a full sheet of 140 lb Arches paper split horizontally.
I wanted to convey the immense size of these creatures as best I could. I used masking fluid to provide stark contrast between the background and bones. I prefer the profile drawings over the earlier three quarter views, but I am glad I did them first as I learned much from them.
Drawing Academy review by Amrita Verma
Story and artworks by Amrita, Drawing Academy graduate
Hi, my name is Amrita. I’m a designer and illustrator and having good drawing skills is very important for my career.
Despite receiving a diploma in animation, I actually didn’t get any education in fine art and was unable to do realistic drawings; I only had cartooning skills.
About two years ago I enrolled in the Drawing Academy course. This was a very smart decision because I was able to learn at home what was missing in my art education. I have learned how to draw portraits and figures, landscapes, and everything I want. Now I understand a human anatomy and have a good knowledge of body proportions. This enabled me to create realistic portraits and draw natural landscapes.
