Ask Tutors Questions

Question from Jasmine

Dear tutors,

I am very interested in figurative art. There are works of Art that have a great deal of emotional impact, you can almost see the soul of the model(s). They make you wonder who they are or what their story is. And there are other works that just leave you cold, no matter how skillfully they are done.

What makes the difference? Is it merely in the facial expression or is there more? How should an artist convey emotions in his or her work without being too obvious?

What about narrative portraits? How many clues should you give the viewer about what is going on without killing the mystery?...

Question from Erica

What colors and techniques should I use for the beautiful, rich, dark backgrounds - like Sargent's chiaroscuro look?..

Question from Yuri Magalhaes, Drawing Academy Student

Dear Vladimir,

In the video "How to Hold a Pencil", you talk about the "writing grip". That's what I use, since I focus more on small pieces. For the rendering, should I hatch with bent fingers like you show, or is it acceptable to make each stroke from the wrist?

I notice my rendering gets too dark right from the beginning of the work, and I don't know if it is because of the hand-finger movement that I haven't been able to master the line weight.

Is there any exercise other than filling up an entire sketchbook with hatching practice to master the technique?...

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...

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! ...

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...

Question from Ryan

What is the best method of transferring an outline to a prepared paper for silverpoint? ...

Questions from Gina Rodas

How can I train my artistic memory to create visual pieces on my own?

Could you suggest special exercises to help me draw better?
Can you give me any advice on how to paint using the alla prima technique?...

From David Gospodinovski:

Hello Vladimir, I would like to know one thing. Maybe I need to answer this question myself, but I can't really. Ever since I was a kid, I have hated drawing. I have no idea how or why. I have always been fascinated by drawings of people or animals, so why don't I actually like drawing? I know it will help me with my digital art, and I am very committed to that. I have always wanted to know how the characters from my favorite games and movies are created.

I have never drawn in my life, but now I really want to start. But there is a problem: how do I start? I have books and videos, but all I see in the books are completed drawings of people accompanied by a lot of text, while the videos are time-lapse. I walk away more frustrated than before.

How long are your videos about human drawing and anatomy? Do you have any plans to make more? For example, drawing the skeleton and muscles, different body types, an explanation of the differences between female and male bodies, human versus animal / creature anatomy?...

From David Gospodinovski:

I recently found your site while I was searching some online tutorials for drawing. I have never drawn in my life, but I am interested in 3D modeling. I want to become a character artist, meaning I want to create 3D models and creatures, like in Avatar, Avengers, Harry Potter, etc.

Many people have told me to learn drawing, because it will help me.

How will these videos help me to become decent at drawing? Are these videos in real time, without time-lapse?...