Here we build off our "LTL" strategy to begin mapping the major planes of the head.
Once we understand the major and (after the next couple of lessons) the minor plane changes, we understand that the values on any given head change at the corner between any two or even three planes.
Suggested Homework:
1. Pr...
2023-02-10 19:55:00 +0000 UTC View Post
In this lesson, we double down on our last lesson, but with a more nuanced look at the secondary planes on a front and 3/4 position.
On of the goals of a well constructed head is to find a way for the face construction to flow back into the skull constructions.
And the forehead and cheeks to flow down into the mou...
2023-02-10 19:43:04 +0000 UTC View Post
Here were we dig into the rendering of costumes as well as exploring how the same Fold Structures we've been exploring in costumes also applies to the Nude Figure.
Your Suggested Homework:
Try to find the Diaper Folds in relaxed Stomachs and Hips, and Knees.
And continue rendering vignettes of the...
2023-02-03 21:18:41 +0000 UTC View Post
In this continued training on drapery and costuming, I focus in the fold structure in Light and Shadow - leaning heavily on our Box Logic Strategy from several earlier lessons in our Patreon Library.
Your Suggested Homework--
From the reference portfolio provided, pick out small vignettes of various fol...
2023-02-03 20:05:03 +0000 UTC View Post
Here, I pick up wear I left off explaining The Interlocking Fold Structure and how to call out critical landmarks of the body under even very loose drapery and costuming.
Your Suggested Homework:
Keep sketching all the various fold structures, including now Interlocking folds.&nbs...
2023-02-03 19:11:22 +0000 UTC View Post
This lesson got cut short by a Montana Snow Storm. But, there will be several more trainings to come in the series.
In this one, we add the Zigzag Fold to our vocabulary of drapery structure.
As in all fold structures, this one is built on the foundational ideas of Support and Grav...
2023-02-03 17:35:01 +0000 UTC View Post
Here I show you how to apply the structural idea of Box Logic to Constructing the Head.
In this lesson, I take my simple "LTL" strategy as explained in Lesson #3 and apply to a few dynamic Head Positions along with the placement (if not construction) of all the various features.
Learning to use "LTL" w...
2023-01-20 22:17:00 +0000 UTC View Post
In this special livestream, I interview an artist I've mentored for several months as I ask her about her unique journey from engineer to artist.
Hearing the stories of others is one of the very best ways to find ourselves.
Suggested Homework Assignment In 3 Steps:
1. Do a little journaling refl...
2023-01-20 21:31:23 +0000 UTC View Post
Continuing our use of "LTL" from lesson #2, we explore I more detail how to construct a solid Head to set us up for success when we dive into much more finished and advanced techniques.
Suggested Homework Assignment:
Practice from the reference images provided and/or from your imagination to ...
2023-01-06 20:12:03 +0000 UTC View Post
In this lesson, I show you how the simple Intuitive way of using what I call "LTL" to get the foundation of a 3-D head onto the page or canvas without any confusing theories of Structure.
Suggested Homework Assignment:
Practice from the reference images provided and/or from your imagination to build a S...
2023-01-06 19:24:24 +0000 UTC View Post
In this peek into one of my client's only lessons, I explain how to get a stable Figure that ties into it's environment in a beautiful and believable way.
And how the Feet are one of the very best ways to do that.
Suggested Homework Assignment:
Using the port...
2023-01-06 18:57:07 +0000 UTC View Post
In this lesson, I explain why the Head is both so difficult and important. Body language has a pittance to tell about mood and emotion compared to the head.
So, understanding the opportunities the head provides us as artists is critical before diving into the challenging set of skills requited to get onto page or ...
2022-12-23 22:22:37 +0000 UTC View Post
While attending the only class at Earth School (once I realized I’d signed up for it) I learned that I’m a bit of a mess.
I learned that every soul on this planet is enrolled with me,
And that each of them is all a bit of a mess too.
I learned that I’m in class to understand exactly what my...
Tubes and Triangles. These are the basic design elements of all folds. And when we understand how to use them, we can draw anything from a loose sheet hung out on the laundry line to a fully costumed Shakespearian actor.
Suggested Homework
Look at reference or masterworks to find the many kinds of folds...
2022-12-17 18:52:50 +0000 UTC View Post
Good Structure, like a good Story, needs a beginning, middle, and end.
This lesson, Steve explains the power of the Rule of Three (think Goldilocks: too hot, too cool, and just right) and exactly how he uses the rules of good storytelling to get great Structure in his work.
Suggested Homework:
Pra...
2022-12-17 17:05:28 +0000 UTC View Post
This is the second of our two part series on the hips.
After a brief recap of part one, I take you through the basic construction of the hips for both male and female, as well as from various views.
Your Suggested Homework Assignment:
Practice drawing the simple, yet characteristic stru...
2022-12-10 00:54:40 +0000 UTC View Post
Imagination is the beginning of creation.
George Bernard Shaw wrote that.
We create our world one decision at a time.
We all have goals.
Those that succeed have goals.
Those that fail do to.
We all have...
2022-12-08 16:52:18 +0000 UTC View Post
[I'll be adding a new training each day this week to make up for missing two livestreams in a row. It does look like all computer and internet issues have been resolved. So it should be smooth sailing. Thank you so much for your patience!]
They are several powerful ideas to a well constructed compo...
2022-12-05 18:22:37 +0000 UTC View Post
I apologize for the long delay in getting a new training to you. We were having no end of trouble with both my computer and my internet speed.
We believe we have it solved. In the meantime, I'm uploading several new stream to reward you for your patience.
I really appreciate it! 2022-12-03 23:39:25 +0000 UTC View Post
THE HIPS are the foundation, the fulcrum, and seat of power for our entire body.
They are unique.
And so, it's critical to get them right...
In this training, I take you back to the foundations of what Art is meant to be in addressing the human condition -- in ad...
2022-11-19 20:05:11 +0000 UTC View Post
Here's a simple tip many folks forget...
When drawing or painting a full standing figure, make sure the Center of Gravity (or as a short cut, use the Head as a substitute) is between the two feet or, at least over one of the feet.
This will insure that your figure doesn't not feel like ...
2022-11-14 17:04:31 +0000 UTC View Post
We, humans, are world-class creative beings by design.
We have an internal drive to become more.
I believe, Art is not primarily measured by terrific craft. It’s measured by connection.
Does the work speak to us? Does it move us? Does it pull us in as a sweet embrace?
...
I use the Rule of 3 a lot.
This lesson is a good example. If you can find three ways to connect the Head and Neck to the Torso, it will have a much better chance of ringing true!
Here's your suggested Homework...
Using the Reference provided, practice finding those three conn...
2022-11-11 20:04:01 +0000 UTC View Post
What if the Body was made from Boxes?
Could you find the corners?
Could you find several corner planes that face the same way?
Could find all the same planes and give them the same value?
Could you teach us to see the world in a new way?
To make the most of a drawing, I like to tell a story about the forms I render.
And then...
...not tell a soul what the story was.
Mayber I'll think of a flock of sheep on a country road.
As my car moves forward, the flock separates to either side -- only to rush back together tighter than ever as I pa...
2022-11-09 18:03:21 +0000 UTC View Post
What if that Back of the Knee you’re drawing on the page or painting on the canvas was the crimped and folded trunk of a magnificent Beech tree?
(see the posted image to the right of this one)
Personally, I practice my Art with the certainty that is a beautiful, wondrous idea… 2022-11-05 14:26:22 +0000 UTC View Post
We can't just look and copy our way out of the difficult of drawing the human body, not without lots of frustration and even more hours.
I've found, it's way more fun to simplify our way to success. In this Figure Drawing Lesson, I show you how to do just that. <...
2022-11-04 18:50:28 +0000 UTC View Post
What’s your definition of a creative figurative artist?
Because a teacher and friend of mine, Harry Carmean, once told me that his definition of an artist is “someone with extra energy”.
At the time, that statement seemed like a throw away answer. But the more I’ve thought...
2022-11-02 15:52:27 +0000 UTC View Post
But, don't forget the GESTURE!
Have fun!
I finally got to your DFL member critiques from our drawing challenge a few weeks back.
Sorry for the very long delay. Even though it's Halloween, I won't bother to share the many horrors I face.
But it's here now!
....yay...
Congratulations to --
Jeetika Dua
Mario Nuñez
Jeff Royiwsk...
2022-10-31 16:29:11 +0000 UTC View Post
