Learn to draw with structured practice

July 11, 2024 2:39 PM

I've dabbled in illustration before but have always given up, mostly because I have a lot of issues to work through with perfectionism. This year I've decided to get back into it, focusing learning fundamentals and practicing them. I think I'd do best with a structured course.

I really enjoyed a drawing course I took in undergrad as an elective. I learned and improved a lot in a very short period of time. The fact that I was doing assignments meant I had a goal, but I had some emotional distance from that goal. These weren't pieces I chose to do because I had an idea I just really wanted to get out, and therefore would get frustrated with when it didn't look "right." I actually completed them!

So I suppose I'm looking for the self-study equivalent of that, whether it's an online course, a book that's designed to be worked through, . I would like something that tells me what to draw as homework, even if there's some flexibility (like "draw a still life with a variety of objects" rather than "draw a still life using this as a reference"). Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm most interested in figure drawing but something with a more broad focus is also welcome.

Please do not recommend books that are just explanations of techniques with a few suggestions for types of exercises to do. I do have drawing books, but I'm really interested in something with a more course-like structure. I also am not going to sign up for in-person classes.

posted by Kutsuwamushi to Media & Arts (9 answers total)

I've enjoyed the classes at Make Art That Sells, even though the name is dumb.
posted by shadygrove at 3:08 PM on July 11, 2024 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I’ve heard great things about draw a box

https://drawabox.com/
posted by congen at 3:08 PM on July 11, 2024 [8 favorites]

Best answer: Alex Huneycutt/ @radio_runner (instagram) has a one year self-taught artist curriculum - $12 on gumroad or there's a free version

https://alexhuneycutt.gumroad.com/l/curriculum_for_the_solo_artist_radiorunner

https://alexhuneycutt.gumroad.com/l/free_curriculum

Youtuber ursamater has been going through the curriculum (a bit off and on) if you want to see their progress so far.

I haven't gone through it but it covers the basics pretty well IMO from what I've seen
posted by matcha action at 3:14 PM on July 11, 2024 [1 favorite]

Are there any good sites that offer help or instructions for traditional drawing, sketching,painting instead of drawing on a computer?
posted by Czjewel at 3:48 PM on July 11, 2024 [1 favorite]

Specific to pen-and-ink drawing, Alphonso Dunn has A workbook with exercises you can do in the book or on your own paper.

His YouTube channel has lots of bite-sized drawing exercises.
posted by mmoncur at 2:59 AM on July 12, 2024 [2 favorites]

Best answer: Lovelifedrawing.com is pretty great for learning how to draw figures. A lot of guided steps and homework examples. This is self-paced.
posted by ellerhodes at 7:36 AM on July 12, 2024 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: I have an art friend who says she'll do drawabox with me so we can keep each other motivated! I was really drawn in by the fact that it starts by focusing on the actual motor skills of drawing because that's something I've struggled with, having never learned it properly.

The other recs are good too! Drawabox seems pretty intense so I think it's best to focus on it alone, but I'm definitely saving this thread so I can come back and possibly do more of these courses/lessons after.
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 8:12 AM on July 12, 2024 [1 favorite]

Looks like you're well on your way with Drawabox, so down the road consider signing up for "Dynamic Sketching" at CGMA.

It's an 8 week course and might seem expensive at first glance ($699 at the time of this post) but the quality of the exercises are stellar, and the price is justified for what you receive. (I have no connection with them, just a satisfied alumnae.)

In addition to being an artist, my career over the last 15+ years has been producing online courses, and whether its the CGMA course or another one, in addition to a solid lesson plan, I looked for two main components when I was hunting for drawing courses:

1. Accountability
2. Feedback

The accountability part is what we typically call homework, you learn an thing, then you do the thing in a certain amount of time. Self-paced learning can try to do this, but there's nothing like having a human on the receiving end who is expecting your work by 8pm on a Sunday (or whatever).

The feedback is even more important in my opinion. Having an experienced artist/instructor who can look at your drawings and offer advice is the fastest way to progress. There are a few "bad habits" in drawing that can slow down your progress: something as simple as the way you hold your pen/pencil can affect your self-confidence and ability to advance, so best to get that right up front.
posted by jeremias at 6:57 AM on July 15, 2024

Response by poster: thank you for the suggestion, jeremias! the price is well beyond affordable for me right now, but i won't rule it out forever. a recommendation from someone who has actually done the course means a lot.
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 1:53 PM on July 16, 2024