Thursday, April 10, 2014
Free Online Figure Drawing with Craftsy
Colossal: Get instant lifetime access to step-by-step instruction by Patricia Watwood, a world renowned artist who has twice landed the cover of American Artist magazine. Enjoy success as you progress from a simple block-in sketch, to a gestural drawing, to a polished piece with depth and dimension. As a bonus, you’ll even learn how to make custom toned papers to add a unique touch to your work.
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6 comments:
I'm very happy that I happen to find this article. I think this such a great idea that has the potential to become huge. Craftsy is a site were craft people can go and watch tutorial videos on a wide variety of of topics. They offer sewing, photography, knitting, drawing, painting, jewelry, paper making, and so much more. I bookmarked this page almost immediately, and started looking through the classes. Cant wait to spend more time on this site and take some online "classes." They are not so much classes as they are thoroughly done tutorial videos.
Although this is obviously not going to be a useful as having a real teacher who can give you feedback on your work, this seems like a really great way to get a basic understanding of techniques. I know I learned a lot from those "how to draw" books when I was younger, and this is an even clearer way to learn if you don't have access to or time for art classes. It would also be useful for brushing up on skills over the summer or when you have free time, since you can watch the videos at any time.
Meh. I like this as much as I like reading books on Kindles... which is not a lot. The sanctity of drawing in a classroom is something that I believe to prove very helpful in honing your skills as an artist. In that same vein, the feedback I receive that's specific to my art is what really helps me grow. Anyone can teach you how to draw lines, but if they can't help you as an artist improve, than what is the class teaching you? Like Sarah, I learned a lot from the "learn to draw" books, but I outgrew them at some point. This is the same thing. It's a great idea, I just would never use it. Ever.
I think this is a pretty cool idea that could really let a lot of people gain some more artistic knowledge.
Granted, as Sarah said, it's not the same as going to a class and getting critiqued, but it definitely would help anyone who is just getting started and maybe doesn't have the time to attend regular classes. Being able to re-watch videos and pause them would also let people work at their own pace. Also, it's great that the videos are accessible to just about anybody with internet access.
I think this is a really cool idea. I mean, personally I would prefer doing it all live. Having it on a screen makes it all 2D. It's like drawing from a photograph. I once talked to someone and they were able to say "hey was this drawn from a photo?" Ever since then I started noticing the difference from when something is drawn from a photo or drawn from observation. What I think, use the videos and lessons as a teacher and then go to a place that has nude models (or go to the beach! or the park!) and practice there. Or, pull a Titanic, and draw your loved one! So romantic!!!
This looks cool and is great because you can learn at your own pace on your own time. However, some methods used for figure drawing are not for everyone. In the figure drawing class that I am currently in at CMU, the teacher has shown a variety of ways to draw the human figure. Though some people find one way easier, others find another way to be a better style for them. In addition, the teacher has the ability to walk around the room and critique individuals on what they need to work on. If everything is computerized, it makes it difficult to know what needs improvement.
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