Artists have a special way of looking at the world. Visual artists, in particular, see the world as a source of inspiration, a raw material that unfolds with an abundance of colors, shades, shapes and sizes.
When observing an object or a scene, most people tend to glance, label, then move to the next one.
Artists look at the world in an entirely different way. They study the colors, shapes, proportions, and textures with the curiosity of a child. Visual artists know that labeling stands in the way of deeper perception.
Seeing like an artist is a skill that can be learned under the guidance of an experienced artist. The world is fast-paced, but if you want to learn to see it as an artist, you need to slow down and spend more time looking and studying what you are drawing.
Developing accuracy in angle, line, form, volume, and value requires excellent attention to detail. As an artist, the more you observe something, the easier it is to draw it correctly. With practice, your perception will become more subtle, and you'll have a sharper eye. That requires proper guidance, training, and dedication.
One of the first things we tell our students is to stop identifying and labeling everything they see. We teach them to see scenes as compositions of shapes, lines, shadows, and contours. It will greatly help them create three-dimensional, more realistic sketches, drawings, and paintings.
During this stage, our students will complete various art projects and work primarily with still life, landscape, and animals. They will also learn to see the differences between their work and the subject. Learning to see like an artist will help our students build their artistic skills and confidence to use their creativity and creative imagination.
What we teach in our classes:
