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Information About Christopher Sia's Pencil Portrait Course

I am not an artist myself, but while doing research for my wife, I stumbled across what seems to be a very good pencil drawing course. It has been designed by an art teacher named Chrisopher Sia and approaches the subject of learning to draw in this medium from a different angle.

A review of "Realistic Pencil Portrait Mastery" has been posted here.

Realistic Pencil Drawing

By L M Serra

Not too long ago, I wanted to try my hand at drawing a portrait of my son by copying his photograph. Naturally, I could never expect him to sit still long enough, nor could I draw fast enough to capture everything. I chose a nice close-up photo of his face and began to draw. I wouldn't have given this delightful project a second thought without some help. I learned how to draw a realistic pencil drawing and I want to share some tips with you.

I did a little research online and found lots of tutorials. I found that you can learn the basics of drawing for free on many sites. But the free tutorials I found online were limited in what they could teach me. To some degree, it was all very mechanical. I wanted more.

When it comes to drawing a human face, for example, there are some basics such as determining the shape. Is it oval, round, square or heart shaped? Next, imagine the face divided into 4 quadrants. If you need to, draw a faint line down the center vertically and then one horizontally. This will help you get the dimensions right.

Now, here is where most people go wrong: the eyes. Contrary to what most folks may think, the eyes should be placed on the middle, horizontal line. There are a few basic eye shapes that will guide you to the most realistic portrayal: oval, round, slanted, slit. Then, place the nose directly in the middle of the eyes, about half-way down from the middle horizontal line, creating an imaginary upside down triangle between the eyes and nose.

Place a short, straight horizontal line under the nose, halfway down, for the mouth. Then add the ears, making the top of the ear line up with the eyes. There are also basic techniques for outlining a nose and a mouth, whether smiling with lips opened or closed. Keep the outer edges of the mouth in line with the center of the eyes. Realistic pencil drawing takes practice and it takes a good teacher.

Good tutorials will teach you how to add some detail to the eyes and mouth. Shading and techniques to add texture and playing with light and darkness really brings a portrait to life. Be patient. Remember, it will take some practice to get it right.

There are basic elements and methods that artists use to draw realistic faces. Once you learn some of the secrets that reputable artists use, you, too, will create realistic pencil drawings and portraits.

To learn more about realistic pencil drawing visit http://www.DrawAPencilPortrait.com

Article Source: Realistic Pencil Drawing

Life Drawing - 10 Do's and Don'ts of Drawing a Nude Model

By Russell Steedman

Do

1 - Do Arrive Early

Due to the popularity of life drawing classes (I can't imagine what for?) even large-sized classrooms can easily become packed out. No one cares for the slacker turning up late, clambering over everyone's easels, elbowing people in the face. Being a latecomer won't make you popular. Also it is embarrassing for everyone concerned when you start asking to borrow a knife to sharpen your pencils or masking tape to stick the paper to your board. Yes - make sure you get all that chit chat and material pilfering over with before the model even disrobes.

2 - Do Draw The Whole Model

Although this isn't a problem for the serious artist, when I attended art college it was surprising the number of people who chose to either eliminate areas of the model's naked body, or concentrate too hard on one specific 'region'. Unless it is your raison d'être and master plan for world domination, it probably doesn't serve your masterpiece well to do a tiny doodle or a huge close up of the model's breasts (or whatever your favorite part is). You will appear amateurish and slightly foolish. Another good tip for impressing the tutor is to begin drawing your drawing from the inside-out rather than just focussing on the outline of the body. Although Picasso got away with it in his awesome nudes the Van Gogh 'crazy marks everywhere' approach is more artistically engaging.

4 - Do Draw Negative Spaces

A good way of convincing everyone that you aren't simply there to act like a deviant and behave badly - and, more importantly, learn something about drawing - is to focus on drawing the spaces between the figure. Doesn't sound like much fun does it? However it is often the case that by filling in the background as much as the figure itself, a stunning drawing can be achieved, especially if you draw a silhouette of the figure -- perhaps basking in the shadows as the daylight fades from the room. Another reason to draw in this style is because a nude is far more alluring and atmospheric when details of the body are suggested as opposed to rendered in full, resplendent detail. This sometimes also has the dual benefit of making your drawing easier to do. Why make it hard on yourself? Knock everyone's socks off with this clever trick.

3 - Do Remember Sketching A Nude Figure Is The Same As Any Other Drawing

It sounds obvious but some people get carried away with the fact that they are drawing a naked human being. Keep it real. Artists have been focussed on using the nude as a subject for centuries and not all of them slept with their models. It is unlikely to go down well if you form an unhealthy stalker-like fixation on the model. Also, if you join a class which runs for a full semester, it is likely the actual model will be switched around and you never know who will turn up. It will become very suspicious if you suddenly vanish when the seventy year old, bearded man makes and appearance but start hanging around for ages before the class when there are rumors of the twenty-five year old naked Swedish girl being 'on' this week.

5 - Do Pay Attention to Foreshortening

If you look at any object from different angles it has a different eclipse. The nude human figure is no different. You are trying to create the illusion of depth which is no easy feat. Foreshortening is quite like perspective and can either be used as an excuse to show off - for the well practiced and talented - or a very easy way to display your shortcomings (and perhaps give you away as a voyeuristic intruder). Just keep the faith and move around the room, taking advantage of the versatility you can obtain by drawing multiple poses. Before long you will be as good as some pompous renaissance artist.

Don't

1 - Don't Dictate The Flow Of The Class

Some novice life drawers are surprised when the tutor suddenly goes all hyper-active and starts ordering the class to carry out quick 'familiarization exercises' such as doing lightening-quick charcoal sketches and frustrating fifteen minute poses in which the model is told to change pose when you are just getting started. It is outrageous to vent your frustration in such a situation and you may even risk being banned from the class for being a troublemaker.

2 - Don't Forget To Use The 'Thumb and Pencil Method' When Drawing The Face

Although you may feel somewhat self-conscious standing there with your arm outstretched, the thumb-and-pencil-method is a sure way to make certain that everything balances up. Become aware of seemingly irrelevant facts such as how many human heads fit into the nude human body and how you can line your pencil up with the top of the model's head and slide your finger down until you get to the chin. This is a basic unit of measurement which you can use to figure out the rest of the proportions in the body.

3 - Don't Be Afraid Of Drawing Yourself

When not in class the enthusiastic can use whatever spare time they have to keep up the good work. All you need is a mirror to draw yourself. The bold can take their work into the class next week or you can stuff your sketches in an old drawer. It doesn't really matter. The point is that you are developing as a figurative artist. Many famous artist's such as Van Gogh and Rembrant have used their own bodies - or at least their faces - in their paintings. One good exercise is to look out some old photos and choose a few where you are in a situation that brings back positive memories. Start blocking the background from the photo into your drawing or painting and simultaneously use a mirror to draw yourself in the present moment. The cheerful associations from the photo will affirm everything that is sanguine about yourself and art in general.

4. Don't Look Down On Online Virtual Figure Drawing Galleries

There are many portals on the internet where models - such as onemodelplace.com - pose using full frontal nudity in the name of art. Some sites are composed of glamour models as well as artist's models but you can usually find a good array of figures, shapes and forms. Choose someone who arouses your interest and draw them repeatedly for several weeks then move onto another model. Some 3D computer artists post their animated models online which allow you to turn the model's body around in three dimensions. This can be particularly helpful when learning foreshortening and how to draw accurate proportions.

5. Don't Go Out With The Model

Although it may be fine to date the tutor if they are a part time lecturer it is a no-no to hit on the model. Some classes meet in coffee shops and bars after the class but it isn't usual for the model to attend. Conflicting signals can be sent by entirely liberated models who skirt around the class during rest breaks without putting their robe back on. If confronted by the large breasted naked Swedish exchange student complimenting your drawing whilst smiling at you in the afternoon sunlight try to see that as enough without also asking her to accompany you on a dinner date.

An honours graduate of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in the UK, Russell Steedman is Creative Director of Almond Design. With plenty of graphic web design experience in the UK, Russell has worked with design agencies, cultural entities in the UK and Australia, has been involved with magazine design and he has worked in the airline industry. He is highly attuned to the needs of professional bodies having worked as a specialist in producing corporate annual reports. Having been involved in graphic design (via his mother's career) since he was a small child, Russell enjoys the buzz of graphic design and knows the design world inside out.

Visit his website - http://www.almond-design.com.au

Article Source: Life Drawing - 10 Do's and Don'ts of Drawing a Nude Model

Learn Pencil Drawing Online - Shading

Pencil Drawing - Use Shading in Your Pictures For Maximum Results
By Murtaza Habib

Whilst there are many important facets within the art world for artists to master, when pencil drawing, shading has definitely got to be a crucial skill to develop. Shading can make such a huge difference to any drawing; it can certainly make the subject stand out and affords the artist the opportunity to develop it more. There is a great deal that you can learn just by observing the environment around you but by following these five points, you will be able to start achieving maximum results.

* There is light and shade everywhere we look. If you have a computer for example, notice the shadow from your monitor on the wall. If you have a cup near you, notice the shadow that is cast from the handle. Look at the face of someone near you; notice if they have any shadows on their face, shadows caused by their hair? Alternatively, even under their chin?

* In order to bring your pencil drawing to life, shading has to be an integral part of your practice but in reality, your ability to be able to incorporate shading into every picture depends how good you understand how light works. As artists, we have to see the bigger picture, see how light and shade adds depth to our work.

* The technique of how to shade is of equal importance to being aware of light and dark is an important one to learn.

* The depth of your sensitivity when using the pencil is paramount as this can portray a much deeper, darker area when shading, or it can be too light. Shading does after all, range from blacks, dark and middle grey through to light. How much pressure you put through the pencil to shade in a specific area is very important.

* You also need to learn how to blend in your shading so that it looks like one stroke in contrast to many.

Of course the only way to become proficient at shading and blending is to practice. Take a thorough look around you and see other shading opportunities and after awhile, you will be extremely proficient in this important technique.

Are you able to bring your creativity on to your canvas? Will you take action step by step, if I help you to learn drawings and paintings until you succeed? Grab 6 lessons on Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Fabric Painting, Pencil Drawing, Color Theory. http://www.paintonmycanvas.com

'Murtaza Habib' has helped hundreds of newbies to start their painting courses, now you can do it too...

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Murtaza_Habib http://EzineArticles.com/?Pencil-Drawing---Use-Shading-in-Your-Pictures-For-Maximum-Results&id=1531064

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Click here to learn more about shading.

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Learn Pencil Drawing Online - Spheres

Pencil Drawing Fundamentals - Drawing Spheres
By Remi Engels

Any scene can initially be seen as a composition of a series of forms that are all related to four basic geometric solids: the brick, the sphere, the cylinder, and the cone. In this article we concentrate on the sphere, i.e., we will detail its properties and its place in the overall scheme of a drawing.

Besides the obvious, perfect spheres that form the structure of, for example, a there are also those objects which are almost a sphere such as an egg or a cup. The anomalies from the perfect sphere can sometimes be quite radical but the idea is to see that they are built on such spheres. Once you see this you can make use of your ingrained sphere drawing skill. This makes the drawing of a football (which consists of a sphere with a cone at each end) or a light bulb so much easier.

At first, when drawing an object that has an underlying spherical shape, it is good practice to draw the complete sphere first. Afterwards, you can always make the necessary modifications to render the actual object. With practice you will finally be able to dispense with the preliminary sphere and draw the spherical object immediately. After you draw the initial sphere you should then ask yourself where the anomalies (bulges, less curved portions, etc.) are located and add then to the perfect sphere.

To start practicing, gather a few spherical objects and draw them in any size you wish. But try not to use too small a piece of paper. Make sure you can swing your arm from the elbow and even on larger paper from the shoulder.

A sphere is of course a three-dimensional object and therefore occupies a given amount of space. That means that it is not a flat object. Therefore you should try to convey the bulk of the object. Because you are drawing on a two-dimensional sheet of paper, the three-dimensionality of the sphere will be an illusion. Such an illusion is created mainly through the appropriate shading.

Because in this article we only talk about line drawing we will convey three-dimensionality with a different kind of illusion. This illusion is created by adding to the sphere some of the ellipses that lie on the surface of the sphere.

It helps to draw the lines of symmetry of the spherical object you are drawing. If you lightly establish the lines of symmetry you will get a better idea of how to proceed with drawing the sphere and particularly how to proceed with the perspective. Do not forget that spherical objects, just like any other kind of object, comply with the overall perspective of the scene. Circles become ellipses with just the right amount of curvature so that they seem to go to infinity in a natural manner.

Some objects have only part of a sphere in their form. Nevertheless, it is often beneficial to lightly sketch in the entire sphere. This is particularly so if the object has neighbors that overlap. The presence of the entire sphere often makes it a lot easier to see exactly where all the objects should start overlapping.

As mentioned before, in a line drawing (i.e., a drawing where we do not explicitly use shading) depth or the third dimension is suggested by adding lines, ellipses, circles and other extra curves to the outline of the object. But, eventually, you will also learn the skill of applying different values. In the end, this will be the ultimate way of creating the illusion of three-dimensionality.

In fact, if you think about this for a while, you will realize that values (i.e., darks and lights) are the only things that exist in a black and white scene. There no such thing as a line. In essence, a line is created because two neighboring spaces have different values, i.e., one is lighter than the other, and only because of that do we discern what we call a line.

This is all you need to know about rendering line drawings of objects that have the sphere as their underlying geometric form.

Remi Engels is a pencil portrait artist and oil painter and expert teacher. Check out his Pencil Portrait Course and his Portrait Print Package Special

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Remi_Engels
http://EzineArticles.com/?Pencil-Drawing-Fundamentals---Drawing-Spheres&id=1716531

Learn Pencil Drawing Online

Learn Pencil Drawing Online - Exercises

Pencil Drawing - Quick and Easy Drawing Exercises
By Murtaza Habib

A good pencil drawing can be easily achieved if the artist is willing to invest a lot of time and effort into acquiring the relevant techniques. Even those who feel that they have little or no drawing talents at all can very quickly ascertain how to produce a fine pencil drawing.

There are many good ways of learning these techniques such as attending an art class, joining an online art course and of course, reading or watching books and cd. Alternatively, trial and error with some quick and easy drawing exercises can help to kick - start the learning process.

Try these drawing exercises:

1. Have a look around your house and see if there are any items which you would like to draw. It should be something that you are visually attracted to, a flower for example, a ring, or picture frame? Make your choice and then allow yourself ten minutes to be able to draw it. Once you have attempted your pencil drawing, evaluate your work and be honest but fair about the result.

2. Now find a photo in a magazine that you are drawn to. This could be an image of a person, a place or an object. As you flick through the pages, think about how you would try to draw the images on the pages in front of you. Once you have made your choice, try to connect with the picture and then commence your drawing. You have ten minutes to complete the project, and after you have finished, conclude by evaluating how you did.

3. If you have any animals then your next exercise is to draw the family pet. Once again, allow yourself ten minutes to quickly see if you can capture the likeness whilst drawing quickly. Focus on your pencil drawing and pay special attention to the fur or feathers for example. There is no need to draw everything painstakingly, simply draw what you need to be able to capture the likeness.

4. Now find something else in your surroundings and this time, allow yourself half an hour to focus not only on the drawing but to work on light and shade. By allowing yourself a little extra time, you will be able to work on the pencil drawing and watch it develop. The previous exercises will allow you to feel relaxed and be in touch with your drawing technique and this will ensure that you can then produce your best work.

Are you able to bring your creativity on to your canvas? Will you take action step by step, if I help you to learn drawings and paintings until you succeed? Grab 6 lessons on Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Fabric Painting, Pencil Drawing, Color Theory.

http://www.paintonmycanvas.com

'Murtaza Habib' has helped hundreds of newbies to start their painting courses, now you can do it too...

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Murtaza_Habib
http://EzineArticles.com/?Pencil-Drawing---Quick-and-Easy-Drawing-Exercises&id=1568508

Learn Pencil Drawing Online