When should I start learning perspective?

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Question from William

Hello,

I’m sure the Drawing Academy content is wonderful, but I was wondering about a couple things. (I have no experience in art)

I was surprised to see perspective introduced so early in the lesson plan for month 1, and I’m wondering if 45 lessons are enough introductory instruction for such a deep subject matter.

My interest stems from looking at possibly investing time in 3D digital art, probably using a tool like Cinema4D. I realize that it’s just a tool, and the main thing is to have an excellent art foundation first or along with trying to make digital art. Another interest of mine is sculpture, but I think I could have a better chance doing something professionally with digital art than any other medium in my case, as a mid-life late-bloomer.

Cordially,

William
Anaheim, California

Feedback from Vladimir London, Drawing Academy tutor

Hi William,

Many thanks for your questions.

I understand where you’re coming from, and it makes me sad to hear again and again how the Western education system belittles people’s abilities to learn basic things. Somehow people are made to believe that anything slightly above elementary is difficult to study.

Here’s the example they won’t tell you about: Children who wanted to become artists in the Soviet Union were starting professional art education at the age of nine. In the very first year of the five-year art school curriculum, students were introduced to the concept of perspective and constructive drawing. This is as basic as it could get for a fine art student. All realistic drawing principles are based on this, so it is pointless to teach drawing without giving the foundation.

I’m sure you are very much capable taking on perspective and surpassing in learning a nine-year-old beginner.

Yes, you are correct about digital drawing; it doesn’t matter what tools you use – the fundamental rules of realistic drawing will be the same.

I do not see the dilemma about digital drawing and sculpture. Do both. Achievements in one will help the other.

Coming back to the children’s art school example, an average art school had six subjects:

drawing
painting
composition
sculpture
art history
decorative arts

All subjects started from year one and continued for all five years. There was no choice; every student had to go through all subjects, becoming well educated in various fields of arts.

Here’re some pictures by children in such schools:

When should I start learning perspective?

The Western system is different; it is designed to give an education with gaps in knowledge. And it is unfortunate that people are made to believe they have to “specialize” in one field to become “masters.”

A master is someone who knows more than one small thing, digital drawing, for example. Yes, you can have a passion for a particular medium, but it should not stop you learning other things.

Doing sculpture is not just making three-dimensional works of art. It is a way of thinking in 3D. This ability is very important when coming to two-dimensional arts like drawing and painting. That is why learning art must include sculpture as well.

I hope this clears your doubts.

Best regards,

Vladimir London
Drawing Academy tutor