Three biggest mistakes artists make… Julio Labra

Julio Labra

Kline Academy Instructor

Foundations in Drawing and Painting

Every Saturday 10am to 1pm

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3 of the biggest mistakes artists make in creating their art in my class...

1. Resolving the measuring stage of the drawing. Making the drawing as accurate to the subject matter in simple line before moving into shadow and form. It's essential to have a handle on the placement on the objects shape and angles before progressing into the final stages of a drawing. Painting can be a little more liberal with the drawing, but an accurate drawing is the key to gaining a keen reproduction of what is observed.

2. Pressing too hard with the drawing materials and creating dark hard lines. These are hard to erase, and make it difficult to make corrections. If the artist wishes to apply a heavy hand to their mark making that is all and well, but I will advocate a soft patient hand in the beginning for accurate drawings.

3. Sitting for too long. I believe that drawing and painting is a very physical undertaking, and should be approached as a physical activity. Stretch, breathe, and move around during your practice. Keep the blood flowing so that the drawing doesn't suffer from loss of focus. Keeping your mental and physical self alert and healthy are key to the practice of drawing and painting.

3 things artists can do to create better drawings and paintings…

1. Study other painters. Learn how they solved problems that you are facing in your own work, and don't limit it just classical painters. One can find many new ideas and solutions in any form of painting. 

2. Remember to step back and observe what you've done. It's great to be absorbed by what your painting, but it's nice to get the big look from time to time. You might find something needs to change that otherwise is lost from being too close to the work.
3. Paint what you want to. The passion for painting must come from the love of what you are doing. If you do this it will show through in your work. 

To learn more about this class, visit our website at www.klineacademy.com or come by the studio and see the quality of art our students are learning to create in our non-competitive, creative environment.