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One of the most important concepts to know and understand as a visual artist is that pictures, scenes and still images are arrangements of value; light, dark and gray shapes. It’s these light, dark and gray shapes that the human mind assembles as a cohesive picture.

Being able to see the world as shapes of value, especially colored shapes and objects, is a master skill to cultivate as a visual artist. It’s important to the artist because in order to compose and arrange shapes in our pictures, we must first see and understand their inherent grayscale value.

The most basic and abstract pattern of dark and light shapes (A) is the first ‘read’ the mind makes. This happens on a visceral, almost subconscious level. As more information is processed, like details and color, the mind can then assemble a more refined and sophisticated image (D). 

How do we train our eyes to see the world in value? There are some very simple strategies we can use when we observe the world around us. The first step is to learn how to deal with color information.

To see these strategies in action, watch the video below or continue reading for the in-depth breakdown.

 
Read more…

These drawings are from the Steve Huston Workshop held @ L.A. Academy of Figurative Art.  The focus of these drawings was storytelling and composition.

Steve is huge influence on my work and philosophy. Getting a chance to draw with a world class Artist looking over your shoulder is always a tremendous learning experience.

“5 minute sketches”, ballpoint pen on toned paper

“5 minute sketches”, ballpoint pen on toned paper

“5 minute sketches”, charcoal pencil on newsprint

Is this the year that you make a breakthrough in your artwork and get the results you’ve always wanted?

Good. You’ve come to the right place.

This spring I’ll be leading some exciting new classes. The topics will include: digital painting, figure drawing, head drawing, color, composition and design.  The emphasis, as always, will be on good fundamentals and getting results.

All experience levels welcome. See below for course information.

Digital Portrait Painting

Digital Portrait Painting (DPP) is a new and exciting 8 week, in-person class in Los Angeles, California. DPP is a traditional painting class with a digital twist. Students will learn core principles of drawing and painting that will carry over to any medium.

This class is hosted by The Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Arts, one of the most prestigious fine art schools in the country.  Take this unique opportunity to study painting in an exciting and creative environment.

Class begins April 27, 2013. For more info or to register, visit LAAFA’s website:

http://laafa.org/art-classes/digital-portrait-painting-chris-legaspi/
 

Figure Drawing From Life Fundamentals

Freshdesigner Livestream classes are a fun way to kickstart and inspire your drawing and painting.  Topics will vary, but the first series of Spring 2013 will be all about figure drawing.

Figure Drawing From Life Fundamentals is a free, online class that will stream live on Tuesday nights. The first class was Tuesday, March 11th. The next class will continue on Tuesday, March 18th @ 7 pm (PST U.S.).

Times and dates may vary. To stay up to date with the most current livestream schedule, subscribe to the free newsletter to get the latest updates. To subscribe, enter your email below and click the blue button.

All livestream classes are free and open to all levels.

Private Lessons

For the many students around the world that don’t have the luxury to take an in-person class in Southern California, I’m offering Private Lessons.

As a Private Lesson trainee, I will personally work with you as an instructor, mentor and guide.  You’ll be guided through a unique, rigorous and effective training program. Each program is 100% personalized to your specific goals and needs.

As your Mentor, I’ll design weekly lesson plans with powerful training materials such as videos, handouts and tutorials.  Along with the personalized training materials, you’ll also get a one-on-one, personal review of your art and homework every week.

This is a unique opportunity to study with a mentor, online, from the comfort of your home, in any location in the world.

Space is very limited. There are currently only 2 spots left for March 2013.  For more information or to reserve a space, email: pal@freshdesigner.com

Another digital portrait painting taken from the long pose, life drawing session @ Concept Design Academy. This time we had a young, fair skinned female model.

My intent was to imitate the alla prima portrait style of Sean Cheetham or Mike Hussar.  Drawn and rendered in Photoshop.  Approx. 2 hours with the model.

“Leah From Life, 3/7/13″.

This digital painting and demo video was recorded live during a long pose workshop @ Concept Design Academy. Approx. 2 1/2 hours from the model. Scroll down to watch the digital painting tutorial videos (playlist).

“Rajiv From Life, 2/13/13″. The final image. Drawn and rendered in Photoshop.
 
 
VIDEO PLAYLIST:

Training Journal: Janary 2013

One of my ambitions for 2013 is to oil paint at least once a day. Since I took over 3 weeks off in December 2012 from paiting, I knew I had to start January right.

“30 Days of Oil Painting from Observation, January 2013″, oil on canvas.

I truly believe that in visual art training, it’s better to practice a skill everyday consistently, then it is to practice sporadically with long breaks in between.  Even if you can only draw or paint or study for 5 minutes, as long as you are consistent and can maintain that everyday, it will add up very quickly and the results can be astonishing.

Read more…

Yes it is and it is long overdue. I’ve been asked countless times by students, friends and artists in training about getting good reference for figure drawing and head drawing studies. With the unfortunate lack of a centralized and well organized image gallery, it’s about damn time this issue is settled once and for all.

I’ve posted some of my personal reference collection here in one place, also known as The Official Freshdesigner Good Reference Gallery (GRG). There’s a ton of great reference I’ve personally gathered and hand-picked from various sources.

In the section ‘Where To Find Good Reference‘, I’ve listed the best photographers, websites and books that I know of. These sources produce ideal reference and stock photos for artists. The GRG and the list should be more than enough to keep a hungry and motivated artist busy for a while .

If you want learn how to find your own good reference, read on…

Read more…

Tonight on the Freshdesigner podcast I’ll be interviewing a killer comics artist and good friend, Keu Cha. Keu was a former Witchblade artist but has gotten a lot of buzz with his new creator owned project, Hex the Lost Tribe. Look for the stream in the video player underneath this post.  6:30pm (PST, USA) tonight! Get some popcorn ready and sharpen your pencils boys and girls, it’s going to be a hot show.

See you there , and after you watch, leave a comment below and tell me what you learned from the interview.

*Note: my audio on the recording is bad. Keu’s audio is fine. Please excuse the mess.

Follow Keu and get the latest updates on Hex the Lost Tribe:

http://hexthelosttribe.com/
https://www.facebook.com/keu.hexthelosttribe
http://keucha.deviantart.com/