Most aspiring artists share a common desire: to create beautiful drawings in their own distinctive style. However, for those of us who are drawn to modern illustration styles, the idea of learning traditional drawing foundations may initially seem boring. Self-taught artists in particular tend to skip over these initial building blocks because they seem irrelevant. I get it, I've been there too =x
What I learned the hard way
Through my personal art journey, I've come to realize that skipping over the foundations can eventually limit our artistic growth and hinder our ability to fully express ourselves. It's a lesson I've learned the hard way, time and time again.
The Eight Drawing Foundations
Once we understand the value of mastering basic techniques, these foundational skills become far more intriguing and worthwhile.
Here are the 8 skills I've found the most fundamental:
- Observation - Seeing like an artist, accurately and without preconceived notions;
- Line - Drawing with artful lines that reflect what is observed or imagined;
- Shape - Constructing drawings with building blocks and shapes;
- Value - Seeing and grouping lights and darks with intention and clarity (this was the most important key for me!);
- Form - Communicating the form of an object, including texture and mass;
- Color - Seeing and understanding the use color for both accuracy and expression;
- Light - the ability to render light and harness illusions in color; and
- Composition- Guiding the viewer's gaze and framing an image with intention, utilizing depth and perspective.
Knowing how to use these skills and adjust them to your liking is like learning how to cook and then starting to make your own recipes. You'll be able to express yourself as you wish, instead of simply copying others. It's a magical feeling.
Make It Fun
Ok so there are no shortcuts, you really do have to learn the foundations at some point :) But it doesn't have to be boring.
When I created the Drawing Foundations class, I designed it with what I would have wanted as a beginning artist, incorporating aesthetic and enjoyable exercises while teaching with a gentle, mindful approach. I focused on the 20% of learning that led to 80% of my own progress, so you'll see quick improvement with practice.
Go Further
Embark on an engaging journey toward mastering the fundamental skills. Whether you're a beginner or seeking to enhance your current abilities, our Drawing Foundations class offers a fun and exciting learning experience. Learn more about the class here and begin your drawing adventure.
🙏 M
