Academic drawing is the foundation of visual arts; it is a structurally sound way for teaching students how to draw forms, perspective, and proportion. Unlike the casual sketching seen in old drawings, academic drawing values precision and purposeful practice– it enables artists to gain a profound understanding about what is going on all of those lines and shapes. Proficiency starts from looking carefully at models in nature, and recording accurately the impression they gives one, by drawing and painting deliberately. This mindful observation will teach the brain to see small differences in color, light and composition building a solid ground for all future artistic developments.
Beginning with lines, students are taught how to use them for control, rendering and achieving uniform shading, then shown how to understand consistent proportions among subjects. Initial exercises are usually base on simple geometricity, still life and basic anatomical studies to give students a clear and easy framework for mastering skills. Through leveling, the principles of structure and proportion are internalized allowing students to approach more complex forms with confidence. The mental discipline of practicing such technically demanding exercises are also a way to develop patience and respect for the minutiae – something that all artists must come to grips with if they expect to enjoy a long career.
How to Draw Effectively Part of academic drawing is knowing perspective and how things relate, spatially. Drawing classes teach how to see the world in 3 dimensions and convincingly translate it onto a two dimensional surface. Learning to draw vanishing point, 2-point and even 3-point perspective allows artists to add depth and detail to their illustrations. This technical skill is combined with teaching in proportion and anatomy so that human figures, objects, and environments are depicted realistically. With regular use, these methods become an unconscious part of the artist’s repertoire and can be applied freely to creative expression without obstacle.
Despite the randomness of shadows, shading and tonal studies are also an important aspect of academic drawing. They begin students in how to observe and use light and shadow to create volume, texture through the use of gradient. Exercises focus on observation of natural light, hatching and cross-hatching techniques and the use of various materials. Knowing how light behaves and affects surfaces, students learn to break mood, dimension and realism into their work. It’s not only technical, but can also be profoundly expressive: artists use it to bring life and subtlety to their drawings.
Finally, the skills and insight acquired from academic drawing teach students to use their knowledge of form without being tied down by it, allowing for greater technical mastery and creative expression. Going through a sequence from observation and simple shapes to finished compositions and tonal studies helps students to grow in confidence. It’s this confidence that lets them have fun with their voice but still do what they’re supposed to. It’s an ongoing journey, every exercise builds on the last and reinforces what has been previously learned so that you end up with a complete toolkit as opposed to one trick ponies that do not provide good service over time or meet the imaging need of your personal expression. Academic drawing is not just technique, it’s a way of seeing, understanding and creating art that will last you a lifetime.