DrawingAcademy

An outsider learning

April 2, 2014September 30, 2018

by Edward Setien

They (the critics) tell me I am an outsider artist because I never went to art school or had have an art or training education.

My passion for painting was like the Big bang theory, it just exploded in my brain one day that a friend gave me some art supplies and I started splashing the canvas with brushes and oils. I got hooked from the beginning. All the time I wanted to be a writer but it was complicated and time consuming, painting was faster and free my spirit to express my emotions in a way that did not need translation like a book does.

It became an obsession and a quest to paint in a way never done before. I created a Non-forgeable technique in a studio-gallery I had in Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach. My drawing skills are still naïve and child-like, that is way I would need some lessons to improve my artworks and my life…

Make the Best of Every Medium

April 1, 2014November 5, 2025
2 Comments

By Lucy Chen, Drawing Academy graduate

“Do NOT smudge graphite pencil!”

Now every time I grab my pencil, I hear Vladimir’s voice, “this is an amateurish mistake.”

Some people may disagree, and think that we are the creator or maker of our work, and we can do whatever we want with our material. And I agree.

However, as a skilled artist, it is our responsibility to bring out the best and the unique quality of the different materials we use.

For graphite pencils, it is the crisp marks. For smudging, we have charcoal…

Barguetastic

April 1, 2014September 30, 2018
1 Comment

By GERRY O DONNELL

Hi,

I have been drawing all my life. Self taught, I have have no formal training. I mostly read books on art and now with YouTube, I scan for tips and tricks. I have always wanted to be a true artist, and would love to have a formal training that would take me to the next level. I currently live in Scotland with my wife and 2 children…

Please critique my portrait drawings

April 1, 2014September 26, 2018
2 Comments

From Anna Festa

Hello,

I want to thank you again for picking me to be one of the winners for last month. I am enjoying it thoroughly. I would like to submit a before and after sketch to see if there is any improvement. I did one a week before I started your class, and have done several since. I never knew smudging was not accepted in the school of higher learning, but I must admit cross hatching although a challenge makes the picture look a little more realistic.

I go to a portrait group once a week, and they told me that this method is making my pictures look like I am an illustrator. This is what I came up with for an hour and a half working at it. I went home and worked on it a little more. I will send you the revised one shortly. How to make this drawing realistic? It looks cartoonish to me. The child is naturally crossed eyed. I think the portrait doesn’t look realistic. How can I improve? I am not quite getting three quarter view, the eyes look wrong…

Drawing Equipment vs Drawing Skills

April 1, 2014September 26, 2018
1 Comment

Question from Ryan

Hi Vladimir,

I have a question regarding ergonomics when sketching or drawing using a drawing board. Prior to doing the Drawing Academy course I was only used to drawing on a flat surface using the three-finger writing grip. I have a somewhat shaky hand and tend to grip quite tight on my pencil, and I constantly have to rest my hand or arm whilst drawing.

Not sure if this is a bad habit developed from childhood or a hyperextension issue. I find such a grip quite restrictive, especially when bringing the stroke to my body.

Since completing the Drawing Academy course, I have found that drawing on my easel in more vertical positions has so many advantages, such as being able to work larger, creating broader strokes with a wider gamut, and being able to step back and view the work. It’s easier to check perspective and mistakes, so that’s a huge bonus.

When I watch you drawing in each video, no matter what grip or what media you use, you have complete control and mastery of your craft.

I hope I can resolve this problem as I feel it’s the number one issue that’s stopping my progression. I’m thinking of buying a good drafting table to see if this will help, or maybe I just need to practice more often. Not sure if any other students have these issues or if it is just me – any help on this matter would be greatly appreciated…

Great Courses!!

March 31, 2014September 27, 2018
1 Comment

By Norsky, Drawing Academy graduate

I have taken tons of courses online and in person and I can tell you that this was very structured and had a lot of tricks that helped me greatly to improve my artwork. I would tell others who are frustrated to sign up for this course and take to heart all that is offered here so you can become a professional.

I already have two orders for portraits and that is something since I couldn’t quite get the right likeness of the model but now I can nail it!

Thanks again I appreciate all you do!

How does one deal with GREEN in nature?

March 30, 2014September 26, 2018
10 Comments

Question from JayC.

I think this is my biggest problem. Greens in nature are so varied, but I rarely stumble upon good combinations for getting the warm greens, the cool greens, the very bright greens of spring, the grey greens, etc.. Any tips would be appreciated! …

How to protect the underpainting from smudging?

March 30, 2014September 26, 2018

Question from Susan

How do you protect the underpainting from being absorbed or altered when rubbing off the brush strokes?

I am starting to paint again after many years, and remembering what I learned in school is tough. Thank you for being here to assist! I may eventually take some classes to help develop my technique and create interesting paintings that last. I do not always do classic prep, but when I do I refer to Web Art Academy…