Continuing from 3 Ways To Learn How To Draw, I find Brent Evistson’s The Art And Science Of Drawing: Basics Skills course an excellent choice for beginners like myself. I am satisfied with the first Basic Skills section of the course itself. How so? The quality instructions are concise and easy enough to remember and put into practical practice. Remember, this is a drawing art course so ample practice with superior instructions is paramount.
Benefits of The Art And Science Of Drawing: Basic Skills?
- Good and concise instructions on observational drawing: 3 main points and 5 important questions for repetitive mastery
- Complete beginners friendly with only basic materials to start
- Good enough to allow artists to EVOLVE into their art style!
- Easy to watch and learn. Do not overwhelm the student with unnecessary fluffs
- Very affordable, compared to some online and traditional art schools
- Option to keep practicing and be creative or continue on in the series
- Professionally experienced art instructor with clear videos presentation
How good is The Art And Science Of Drawing: Basics Skills?
There are 6 lectures in the first section. I think the first lecture is a game-changer by itself. This is exactly (or exceeded) my expectation for a good drawing course. I wished everyone learned this valuable skill this way in their early school days, the ability to create sketches and their derivatives art can be life-changing for those who endeavor.
I believe this course is this good because Eviston spent many years creating drawing art and teaching students so he understood what problems beginners faced and need to know.
For Udemy students of his course, I saw that Brent was actively replying to questions (the most recent was 3 days ago I checked). Having access to an experienced teacher can be very beneficial for a growing artist if the right questions were asked.
Can I use an iPad for The Art & Science of Drawing: Basics Skills?
Yes, according to Eviston, he mentioned iPad Pro and Apple Pencil as well.
Is observational drawing worth it?
That also depends on what you want to accomplish. In terms of creating art or a related product value, observational drawing is a proven skill with a buying market, and we do not have to be the next Leonardo Da Vinci to do it. Whether it is warming up, initial sketching, creative art, or a detailed drawing. The beauty of observational drawing is laying the foundation for any number of creative art derivatives, even unfinished sketch styles!
Is there value in unfinished drawings and sketches style?
This is subjective. Personally, I think there can be immense or increased beauty and value in unfinished or light drawings and sketches as well, in relation to the empty spaces and the suggestive prompt for our imagination to fill in the rest. Oddly, there are unfinished art pieces that are definitely more beautiful than completed works. We do NOT have to produce exact replica of the observed image for art appreciation, in fact, it may be the contrary that is true. Unfinished still life or observational drawing allows us to be creative and add imaginary details that EXCITE and intrigue the audience. Alternatively, specific details can be added in creative ways!
Is The Art And Science Of Drawing: Basics Skills suitable for creative drawing?
I read a question by a student asking about this in the Udemy questions forum for this course. Brent was affirmative about it laying the foundation for creative drawings.
What are some examples of a student’s drawings for The Art And Science Of Drawing: Basics Skills?
I am aware this is not Leonard Da Vinci’s standard. Brent Eviston did instruct us to do a lot of practice. Students should not be overly critical and discouraged if their initial drawings are not masterpieces.
At least someone may recognize what animal I am drawing for the assignment…lol.
Conclusion
The Art And Science Of Drawing: Basics Skills is a solid classic drawing course. So lots of practice is expected. And interest and passion are the indispensable driving motivation for that to happen.
Does that mean that we cannot draw artistic or interesting artwork if we do not spend days and months on basic skills foundation first? No. For example, doodling art is beautiful to me, and most or anyone can start immediately with The Art of Sketching: Transform Your Doodles into Art.
I appreciate the beauty of imperfections in certain unfinished sketches, more often than not, they strike me as more beautiful than realistic drawings and paintings somehow. I wonder if that is why Leonardo Da Vinci did not finish many of his works, intentionally or not.
Like some newbies, I am not looking for a detailed comprehensive course on the theory of still life drawing, although the instructor did include an extra almost 3 hours of bonus lecture and demonstrations (Scrub jay, botanicals, and figure drawing) in the second section.
If you like to learn drawing with a good foundation in a more classical method from an experienced instructor in a clear and concise video format, you may grab The Art And Science Of Drawing: Basics Skills.
Be wholesome.
More Information
What is observational drawing?
Basically, it is drawing what we see, thus the words observational and drawing.
Is there a book for learning observational drawing?
Brent Eviston has a book published in 2021 available on Amazon. However, his video course can be a better learning experience, for example, he shows and wants us to learn how fast he sketches the basic lines.
