1. I have had no experience with art or drawing and find it even difficult drawing a stick figure! How will the Learn to Draw lessons or Painting Workshops benefit me?
The lessons are specifically designed to meet the needs of students like yourself. In fact many of our students have come to us for lessons because of our advertising "No Natural Talent Required!" logo. All lessons and workshops are taught with step by step instructions. You are given individual attention . We teach a special technique that enables you to build the pathway from your left side of the brain to the right. Not everyone has this pathway when they are born, but you can develop this pathway by using our easy to learn techniques, very quickly.
2. Art lessons I have been to at other art school put me off as I didn't get shown how to draw anything, I was literally left on my own to work things out and then the teacher would come along to critique it. What do you do that is different?
We work with you on an individual basis. Both Richard and Diana circle the class, problem solving with more advanced students, and with beginners, giving them step by step instructions. Often we will be doing the same drawing or painting at the same time to show you how things are done.
We only have 10 students at a time to ensure quality lessons.
3. Will I need alot of expensive art materials?
To start off with you will only need a few essential items eg: A3 Acid free paper, pencil, eraser, and ruler You only need to bring your lunch to the Painting Workshops & Drawing Workshops.
4. What style do you teach?
We teach Realism. Realism is the only style of art that you can build a pathway from the Left side of the brain to the Right Side of the Brain. The Right side of the brain is your "artistic" side. Some people are born with this pathway already established. If you are one of these people, you are very lucky. If not, you can use realism to build this pathway. All other styles of art will not create this pathway. If you can master realism, you can master any style.
Both Richard and Diana paint and draw in a variety of styles. However realism is mainly taught in the classes.
5. I hear you use reference. Isn't this just copying?
To build the pathway to the right side of the brain it is essential to have reference. It is easier for a beginner to have photo reference than drawing from life. Once you have built that pathway, we will encourage you to draw from life as much as you can.
After drawing a subject several times, often you will no longer need to have anything specific to draw from. But initially we highly recommend you use photographic reference. Most well known realistic artists will use some sort of reference.
6. Do you use grids or projectors for drawing?
No. Absolutely not. We teach you lots of different drawing techniques, however, we do not teach you to draw with grids. We want you to be independant with your drawing skills and to be able to draw from life when you have all the necessary skills to do so.
7. How long does it take to be drawing pictures like I have seen on your website.
Every student is different. Some come with no natural talent and within 5 weeks they are drawing beautiful work on their own.
Others may take less time and some may longer. We work with establishing a pathway from the left side of the brain to the right. This process is enhanced by the specific way that we teach. So often results happen very fast.
We have taught over 2000 students here and Australia, and there hasn't been one student that hasn't improved 100%.
