Learning to See

William Whitaker · 03-15-2003, 11:22 PM

This is a drawing shown underway. It was completed and posted on the school

Sharon Knettell · 03-21-2004, 06:18 PM

I can not agree with this more!

When I went to art school, considered a fine one, The Boston Museum School, the ghosts of Paxton and Benson had long fled. The school was in the full throes and still is, of abstract expressionism.

We did have still life set ups, figure drawing, and anatomy, but it was so vague, It was almost like the school felt it was under some obligation to dust off these old chestnuts and offer them to the students. More emphasis was placed on expressing yourself, just how we were able to do that without the neccesary skills was not apparent. Those of us ( me) that were interested in learning the more traditional forms of art were basically ignored and left to flounder. I went to the movies instead.

It took me a long time to learn anything, going to libraries, museums, anything to get any hint at how to draw properly, how to use paint etc.

There were no ateliers, no internet, then. I was young and figured that fine art was all this ugly stuff and that if I wanted to do what I loved I better teach myself. I did not even know what an atelier was!

There are so many wonderful workshops, schools and teachers today that can be taken advantage of.

A lot of the problems I see on this site, and encounter in my own work is a weak underpinning of basic good and thorough drawing skills.

Sincerely,

Kimber Scott · 04-28-2004, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharon Knettel

More emphasis was placed on expressing yourself, just how we were able to do that without the neccesary skills was not apparent.

My university drawing instructor told me, "I can teach you to render an object in a couple of hours, but what you really need to learn is how to express yourself."

She taught me nothing.

Dianne Gardner · 06-12-2006, 02:31 AM

Quote:

My university drawing instructor told me, "I can teach you to render an object in a couple of hours, but what you really need to learn is how to express yourself."

This sounds so much like my youth. I think it may have been that generation. I was told my work, and my ambitions, were too 'old fashioned' in college. I too learned nothing. Now, after having raised seven children I am trying desperately to get back to where I wanted to be back then. Thank you for this inspiration Mr. Whitaker! I had the opportrunity to see some art students working on similar pieces using a grid (something I had never even heard of until a couple of years ago). Although I have never done these exercises, nor have I worked with a cast before, I am seriously considering finding one to work from. I feel there is so much to learn and so little time left for me! Work indeed it is laborsome but such a joy to do.

Dianne

Mari DeRuntz · 06-13-2006, 01:58 AM

I'm glad this popped back to the top - had forgotten where Bill had posted Lauren's drawing of Ariadne - it's a real pleasure to see it again.

Dianne, excellent casts can be purchased from Guist Gallery online.

Most academies start all students - no matter what experience level - with two-dimensional copies - the Bargue drawings are compiled in an excellent book by Gerald Ackerman, the "Charles Bargue Drawing Course." This establishes a common language for critiquing the work based on absolute observation.

Enjoy your studies!

Dianne Gardner · 06-13-2006, 10:40 AM

Mari, thank you for this source of information.

Dianne

Heidi Maiers · 06-13-2006, 07:55 PM

I love this exercise idea and plan to give it a go. I've got plenty of sculpture busts sitting around to try to draw!

Jason de Graaf · 06-23-2006, 11:13 AM

When I was in school taking illustration & design courses they tried to teachtoo many varying subjects in too short a time to get really in depth. Looking back now what I really wanted was some solid life drawing. I did, however, manage to borrow two plaster casts the school had of Michelangelo's David (one of the nose and one of the mouth).....and I have yet to return them 10 years later.

Sharon Knettell · 06-23-2006, 02:18 PM

Jason,

Are you still working from them?

Ilaria Rosselli Del Turco · 06-24-2006, 10:14 AM

A question : I am getting ready to go home to Italy for the summer, where I was planning to start working on Bargue's plates.
Will I have to work standing with messy charcoal or can I just work in pencil at a table?
I understood that instructions on copying are very precise, and the course is only worth doing if done properly.
I wasn't planning on travelling with the easel but I can anyway.
Ilaria