Learn to Draw With Confidence with David Kitler
With this drawing instruction DVD you will learn to draw as David N. Kitler shows you how to use basic shapes, locate important value shifts, understand the role of different pencil grades to create depth, locate and accurately plot objects on a page, and properly position the parts of any object, be it animal or plant, to relate to the whole. David combines these drawing techniques and the fundamentals of how to draw with confidence to help you develop a center of interest and to lead viewers’ eyes around your composition.
David Kitler reviews basic drawing concepts and then demonstrates drawing the entire process by completing a life-like, fully textured drawing of a ground squirrel.
David Kitler is an internationally known wildlife artist known for his accuracy to the subjects he draws and paints.
Sale ends Tuesday, 9/16/08
From Behind the Camera – Drawing Transfer
When I use an opaque projector, I think I’m denying myself the opportunity to become more familiar with my subject. Additionally, manual transfer of an image adds that little bit of distortion that is part of the artist’s style.
If freehand drawing is not for you, there’s a way to transfer an image and keep the YOU in your painting, without the use of modern technology.
The drawing GRID works well for complex subjects. It’s a time tested method when working with two dimensional reference materials. The idea is to make the areas you want to draw small enough to be manageable. Divide your resource in half and half again, and do the same on your larger sheet (horizontally and vertically). Continue to make the areas smaller, on both sheets, until you feel you can manage the information in each box. The vertical and horizontal grid lines act as reference points.
Make sure both your reference and you larger sheet are the same proportion, otherwise their respective grid boxes will be different shapes (square/rectangle). Click here for a quick way to check proportions.
A view finder can help provide the same reference points when you are drawing from life. Basically, you look through a mini-frame to your subject. You can sub-divide the scene by stretching wires or threads across your viewfinder to make a grid pattern as you would with two dimensional reference material. Divide your paper accordingly and transfer your image.
There are many ways to make your drawings more accurate, but I will leave that for another day. In the mean time, David Kitler’s DVD, DRAW with CONFIDENCE: From Basic to Brilliant with David N. Kitler, is an excellent way to learn.
Cheers,
Lynn Powers
Janie Gildow on COMPOSITION
CCP e-Newsletter June 10, 2008
Cold chills. Sweaty palms. Plummeting vital signs. Brain shut-down. Don’t worry; it’s just what happens when someone mentions the dreaded word: “composition.”
I’ve taught composition for a great many years and it really isn’t scary at all. Once you see how it works, you’ll find out that it’s simple, straightforward, and so very easy. All it takes is for someone to explain it in easy-to-understand terms with picture illustrations and you’ll be proficient in no time.
And as you read on, keep this in mind: composition is extremely important and your knowledge of it absolutely vital. All the technique in the world won’t make up for bad composition.
Design Elements - the tools of the artist. First of all, if you’re going to do any kind of job, you need the proper tools. Just as the carpenter uses saw, hammer, and nails; as an artist, your “tools” are the design Elements you employ and manipulate in order to create a work of art.
Line - the handwriting (or mark) of the artist.
Shape - the area within a closed line or edge.
Space - the area that gives the eye a rest and emphasizes active areas.
Texture - a dimensional quality that can be actual or implied.
Value/Contrast - value: the range of nuances from light to dark.
– contrast: the difference between light and dark.
Color – the frosting on the cake that adds depth, interest, and enrichment, and is highly personal for each artist.
Good composition consists of an orderly and purposeful arrangement of the Design Elements.
Your Goal: Unity and Oneness
The aim or goal of composition is to develop a piece of art that exhibits planning and forethought. It should look finished. Its elements need to relate to one another in order to create a feeling of oneness of unity. And unity is what gives the work a sense of rightness. Correct implementation of the Design Principles (the laws that govern the use of the tools or Elements) generates good strong composition.
That said, let-s get right to the nitty gritties…
THREE great drawing workshops!
Make drawing second nature!
Three excellent workshops: Carl Dalio’s Sketching in Perspective – Drawing and Composition for Artists,
David N. Kitler’s Draw with Confidence, from Basic to Brilliant and
Craig Nelson’s Drawing a Duotone Portrait. You will learn skills that are integral to fine painting and drawing. Check it out!
THREE great drawing workshops!
Make drawing second nature!
Three excellent workshops: Carl Dalio’s Sketching in Perspective – Drawing and Composition for Artists,
David N. Kitler’s Draw with Confidence, from Basic to Brilliant and
Craig Nelson’s Drawing a Duotone Portrait. You will learn skills that are integral to fine painting and drawing. Check it out!
Preview all of our drawing DVDs
Congratulations to David N. Kitler!
David has again been recognized for his truly excellent work. David’s “Harpy Eagle Montage” was awarded first place in Artist’s Magazine’s, The Year’s Best Art (December 2007) in the Animal/Wildlife category. His piece is a combination of graphite and acrylic on a toned board.
David camped out for three weeks under a harpy nest in the Panama jungle observing and drawing their every move. He has since been a guest lecturer at the Cornell School of Ornithology as a harpy ‘expert’. David’s Creative Catalyst drawing workshop teaches his quick method of documenting accurate information. His acrylic workshop will be released next year.
Craig Nelson’s Drawing Workshops
Build a solid foundation in the visual arts with Craig Nelson’s drawing workshops. Nelson draws with a variety of media (pastel, conte, charcoal) while he demonstrates and discusses the issues he has discovered are most important to success in drawing and painting. His incredible teaching style comes from years of experience as a professor at Art Center College of Design (Los Angeles) and the San Francisco Academy of Art College where he is currently the Department Director of Fine Art.
Drawing with Pastel & Charcoal
Drawing a Duotone Portrait
Drawing Gesture in Charcoal & Pastel
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