Ask Tutors Questions Archives - Drawing Academy

Is it too late to re-learn drawing properly?

On 31 Mar, 2023 With 0 Comments

Hello!

I have recently discovered the harm of learning to draw from photos on DA’s homepage. And I read that it could make it impossible for me to learn the proper way, from live models if I ever try that later.

Now – I started drawing a year ago with the intention to become a more skilled artist and have been using photos as reference (and art books).

As a full time working father (I am 38) to a 4-year old I haven’t had the time to attend life drawing classes with real models.

Do you think the year I spent on learning proportions and drawing from photos has been too damaging for me so that I cannot re-learn from live models? perhaps a silly question but I am a bit worried.

I wish you teachers the very best!

Regards
Richard M

How do you locate the 2 vanishing points?

On 3 Jan, 2023 With 0 Comments

Question from Kira, Drawing Academy student

Hello,

I’m attempting to draw a vase standing on a square plinth. The circular vase is rather easy, but as soon as I get to the square base problems start.

If I draw the square base straight on (so that the front of it is parallel to the horizon) it works fine, but when I draw it slightly rotated everything goes a bit wonky and round part sitting on the square plinth looks at a funny angle relative to the other eclipses in the drawing.

Maybe the problem has something to do with me not knowing how to establish the two vanishing points? But I’m not sure if that’s it.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you
Kira

What make a good piece of art?

On 26 Dec, 2022 With 0 Comments

Greeting professor,

I have done thousands of sketches and drawings, but I have always had this question in my mind. What make a good piece of art?

Thank you very much for your time

William

Is it too late?

On 29 Nov, 2021 With 1 Comment

Artwork and questions from Lois

Hello,

I’m Lois. I have been on the planet for nearly 66 years now, and for most of those years art was in the background as a fun thing to do, then something to learn about and pursue with intermittent enthusiasm but, mostly it remained in the background. Ballet was my first love and what I ended up “doing” as a career. Now I am a ballet teacher in Tucson, Az.

I have attended art classes privately and in several workshops and open studios and my father was a sculptor who encouraged in me a great interest in sculpture. I think because “once a dancer always a dancer” figurative work has always captured my attention the most.

I have made arrangements to spend a month this coming summer in NYC attending open classes at The Art Students League to ignite a desire in me again and I am trying to prepare for that experience by starting over, but I am having trouble with beginning yet again. Is it too late for me?

This is the last piece I attempted. It was discarded before it was finished. Obviously.

I feel I need help, and am hoping for guidance from the tutors at the Life Drawing Academy. How does the Correspondence Course work please?

Sincerely,
Lois

Is there such thing as talent in art?

On 16 Nov, 2021 With 1 Comment

Question from Carmen, Drawing Academy student

“How can you spot talent or aptitude in a person or an artist? I mean: were artists like Michelangelo or Da Vinci talented in what they do or is it just because they worked harder than others?

I have a Russian art teacher to whom I go to twice a week. I am passionate in art and want to make it a profession for me.”

The best paper size for learning drawing

On 23 Aug, 2021 With 0 Comments

Question from Qui, Drawing Academy student

Is it really important to draw on A2 size paper? Do I need to use a drawing board or drawing on a desk is acceptable?

I would like to learn classical drawing

On 22 Aug, 2021 With 1 Comment

Question from Thomas

Hello,

I would like to learn classical drawing techniques and have some questions regarding this drawing course.

Do I have to complete all the assignments within 3 months?
Should I study drawing in the sequence of this course videos?
Do I have to study daily or weekly?
Is it compulsory to draw from life or reference photos will be provided?
Can I pay monthly for this course?

Thanks and best regards
Thomas

What should I draw for practice?

On 21 Aug, 2021 With 0 Comments

Question from Brian

If drawing from photos is not good then what should I draw for practice?

Artist’s Mannequin, a Useful Reference Tool?

On 17 Jul, 2021 With 0 Comments

Question from Emily, Drawing Academy student

Hello.

I have been having a lot of trouble lately with drawing figures in different positions and at different angles. I’ve attempted many times to depict figures in a scene from imagination, and almost every time I have had to erase and re-work an area multiple times and still not have the angles or details correct. I have practiced drawing human figures and am able to depict them with overall accuracy, but unless I have a clear reference for a particular pose, it seems that I just can’t visualize the lines for drawing it. I would like to become more proficient in drawing figures from imagination, but in the meantime, I have been considering getting an artist’s mannequin to use for a reference. Are these a good tool to use? Or is there a better means for drawing figures accurately?

Thanks!
Emily