One-on-One Tutorial #1
Such a wonderful, inspirational discussion with Jonathan today.
I had absolutely no idea what to expect, also because Martina replied “it’s different for everyone” when I asked her, so - lovely!
I guess I went in with a few expectations - perhaps some structure, perhaps I MYSELF should bring some structure, so I thought I would at least get my brain into Study Statement gear.
In addition to this, I shall go into much more detail this weekend about the rest!
So I have now taken the time to sit down and watch all of the videos and subsequent videos in the same channels, as part of my new research.
Actually, I love researching and have to learn new concepts, tools, market updates and trends every week, in order to keep my teaching super up to date.
Just this week, I am teaching a 500+ slide presentation on the history of luxury from the Megalithic era aaaaaall the way through to today! Absolutely fascinating reminder about so many exciting things though: Babylon, Ancient Greek & Roman Empires, Egyptians, Dark Ages, Middle Ages, Renaissance, and everything leading up to now. So, in different ways, research has very much been part of my routine since studying at Warwick in 2007-2010, from Philosophical and Psychological resarch to Marketing research at Heineken, L’Oréal, Machefert Group, then with all of my clients, and all of my schools.
Resarching for art is different though, it feels like I am back in the school library or art room - Time disappears and I lose myself in a good way. I am writing this at 1am and I have to wake up at 7am, but I am not tired! It is fascinating how this does not feel like work, although I know that the Study Statement and accompanying documentation have to be very structured by the time I submit it, so it will be work.
Going back to the videos. It was very liberating to draw from the shoulder. It felt like drawing with my left hand, or taking deep breaths to prepare meditation. It was a very mindful way to draw, and I am looking forward to trying it on even bigger sheets of paper when I am home in Paris (in Geneva all of this week and all of next week, then I will finally have some time to create in peace!)
Below is a step-by-step guide to my notes for the first Richard Smitherman video:
As a self-taught artist, it is absolutely fascinating to actually LEARN how to draw, as opposed to just try and see what happens!
There are techniques, there are ways to do things, and they actually work. Sounds ridiculous, but I just did not know.
Yes, I have seen videos, followed tutorials, created with other creatives, but I also realise that this is different.
Just following these videos already allowed me to draw the most anatomically correct figure I have drawn in years.
Here are a few of my life drawings images from school and from university (where I managed the life drawing sessions of the ART SOC for a while!)
Here’s to more life drawing, anatomical studies, et al!
