Just a heads up about a great resource I encountered out there on the web -- JustSketch.me has digital mannequins that you can bend into whatever pose you like. Continue reading
Self-taught artists face many challenges. What do you study next if you don't know what you don't know? How do you ensure you aren't practicing bad technique? What is the normal rate of progression? Use these resources to find the knowledge, inspiration, and ideas for homework you can assign yourself to keep improving.
First time here? We recommend starting with our interactive drawing tutorial.
Other resources: How to Include live art models in classes via Zoom
Betsy & David Art Models have prepared a document for art teachers who are using Zoom (or other video streaming services) to get models into online classes. Continue reading
Fellow students: HornetOfJustice's practice journey
After seeing her inspiring practice-makes-progress regimen and her thoughtful, thorough critiques for other community members, it was clear to me that HornetOfJustice was a natural fit for rebeginning the fellow student series! I think you'll see why HornetOfJustice embodies #practicegoals - despite no formal education in art aside from "indifferent public school teachers" who may have done more harm than good, she has found a growth mindset that's allowed her to train herself, largely through online resources like Line of Action. Continue reading
Improving technique: Sticking to your drawing goals
To avoid your drawing goals becoming another forgotten resolution, here are some ideas for setting yourself up for success. Continue reading
Improving technique: Designing better drawing resolutions for 2019
What practice goals and plans do you have for 2019? Please, share them in the comments of this post, so others can be inspired, expand and refine their plans, and create measurable goals. Continue reading
Deeper understanding of anatomy: Animal leg anatomy cheat sheet
We've spoken before about that oh-so common artist's mistake of believing that some animals have "backwards knees." But in that original post, we only discussed "digitigrades." Digitigrades are animals that walk on their toes, with the "sole" of their feet off the ground, like cats and dogs -- this leads to the common myth that they have "backwards knees," as their ankles are easily mistaken for knees... Continue reading
Fellow students: ArtByCe's Line of Action tutorial
We got featured on ArtByCe's Youtube channel! I love this video not just because Ce says some very complimentary things about the site ;), but because she shows her whole sketching process. This is different than the technique I personally use and recommend for 30 second drawings, but is just as valid. I hope watching her work gives you ideas for your own practice sessions. You'll note that she very... Continue reading
Improving technique: What happens if 30 seconds isn't enough?
Reconsider what "enough" means. Many artists get caught up in this idea that they need to produce a "sketch" in each 30 second window of time, and this becomes an impossible goal if in your mind a "sketch" is actually a semi-complete picture in pencil. Relax; you are doing just fine. Almost no one can actually get a "complete" drawing done in 30 seconds. That's actually the point — by giving... Continue reading
Other resources: Is talent a myth?
If you've ever felt discouraged that other artists are more "talented" than you, I want to call this article to your attention. Continue reading
Other resources: Overview of life drawing techniques and methods
Paintingdemos.com just published an article that gives a bird's eye view of many different common life drawing techniques. Their overviews link to more in-depth explanations of each technique, so if one appeals to you, you can quickly find more information. They even mentioned this site and referenced one of our articles! Check it out at http://paintingdemos.com/life-drawing-techniques-and-methods/... Continue reading