…that drawing skill is not optional.
This post says it all. Why learn to draw when you can trace?
There are always going to be “tracing vs freehand drawing” debates, but for those who want to really “dive deep” (meaning, the way that Watts is teaching), avoiding lots of drawing practice is not going to be possible.
I’m gonna ramble
Edit: Because this is my anonymous blog, I’ll vent my spleen.
The BAR IS SET IN HELL right now, and most colleges and drawing classes teach (and settle for) the bare minimum when it comes to traditional art skills, like drawing, painting, color.
But with ateliers like Watts, there’s hope, because they’re raising the bar and we’re seeing what can and should be possible.
“Drawing Privilege”
I’m feeling my “drawing privilege” right now because Watts assumes you will be doing all your assignments freehand. And I can! Not incredible, but “okay.”*
I say “drawing privilege” because too many artists struggle mightily with freehand. I’ve had teachers just resign themselves to the fact that most of their students can’t handle freehand. (One teacher told everyone to just trace so he didn’t have the hassle of correcting all their drawings.) Too few of us can draw with even a modest level of competency.
There’s obviously plenty of room for improvement, but I’m relieved that I’m not starting from zero. Starting from zero (or almost zero) is too often the case, and I blame the art schools and colleges for this mostly.
Some of the other students at Watts scare the hell out of me, they’re so good. And the teachers! Some of them are so young, they’re basically embryos! It warms my heart.
*It may sound egotistical to say this, but because the BAR IS SET IN HELL, my skills have often been considered above average. To be called above average is wonderful, and I’m grateful. But when I get into an environment like Watts, what I’ve always known in my gut has proven to be true—”okay” but just that. So much room for improvement. I’m shocked and chagrined to discover how much improvement is needed. Truly humbling!
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[…] as to make a person feel there is no hope, but to mention the problems too. Also, as I said in a previous post, the BAR IS SET IN HELL (I always need to type that in all caps) and traditional skills are not […]