Academic and Conventional

[Mischa Milosevic]

I am sure that many have heard of the book The Practice & Science of Drawing by Harald Speed.
I have had this book for many years now and have gone back to it many a times. I have found much useful information within the pages of this book, information that only a student of the art would understand and can apreciate.

One of the things that HS states is "The accurate, painstaking school studies are very necessary indeed as a training for the eyes in observing accurately, and the hand in reproducing the appearances of things, because it is through the reproduction of natural appearances and the knowledge of form and color derived from such study that the student will afterwards find the means of giving expression to his/her feelings."

I believe that the above statement is quite clear and I find it useful in answer for many that blow their horn about how academic training is to stiff and would stagnate the creativity of the artist.


One may, and many do, use multiple shortcuts to acheave their goals in art. Many portray them selves as professionals but their from life and open studio work speak loud and clear and it is simple to recognize the path they take or tuck.


It is understandable that not everyone can walk the path of an artist. Some for family reasons others from financial constraints but it should never be thought that if a individual has a strong desire to be an artist that his/her success depends on the "if one has talent". We all have talent to some degree but if one has the love, the drive, the time to study and yes financial mens then there is nothing stopping you to be even better than the big head with talent and no education.

Workshops are good if the instructor knows how to pass on the information. A workshop is good to give one the basic understanding of what one must do in order to learn when at home or in the studio. Art education is a step by step practice of learning. There is no way around-it. Many have and use projectors thinking to get ahead of the game but know that in the long hall these are doomed to fail and will not reach the goal. Many have tried this road and in the end have sold all their fancy gadgets for an hour of true instruction.

If you wish to learn then don't settle for pats on the back rather seek honest critique and instruction.

I truly appreciate when a aspiring artist speaks with a contrite heart. Then and only then the one listening will hear and the one speaking will be humbled.


Have you a thought on the mater?

[Jeff Fuchs]

FYI: The book is available for free viewing online, as it is now in the public domain.

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/14264...-h/14264-h.htm

[Mischa Milosevic]

Jeff, thanx! This is grate, for those that do not have the book.

I find this material quite valuable and I find its like having a road map while traveling on route 66. I find the plates quite useful as well.

There are like six must have books that I recommend and have posted on my web site. I am still searching for that ultimate book when dealing with color which I plan to add to the must have instructional guides for artists.

You are like the lone ranger for the artist. This is a grate plus for the forum.
All the best to you

[Debra Norton]

Hi Mischa, I've spent quite a bit of time in both of Speed's books. And plan to re-read them again. I have four of your six "must have" books. I'll have to check out the others.

When I was in school I read everything about color that I could find. The books I ended up buying were "Itten -The Elements of Color." (I have the condensed version edited by Faber Birren.) and "Color," by Betty Edwards. I also read "Blue and Yellow Don't Make Green," by Michael Wilcox; which was good if I remember right. I've read a couple of Helen VanWyke's books on color too.

I made the charts that Richard Schmid recommends in one of his books (which I can't remember the name of) and I think that helped me more than anything else. But if I had to recommend one "must have" book I think it would be Betty Edwards' book because of it's simplicity.

[Mischa Milosevic]

Debra, thank you! I for one have spent hundreds of $ on books that I ended up giving away. I find that in the days when I was trying to teaching self, I bought books that I thought would help. Some did others were not so helpful. Some books I bought for a page or two of useful information. The people at Borders knew me by my first name.

I also spent hours, days, weeks and months at my local library, while in CA. I love the system they have, if you are looking for a book and your local library does not have it they will get it from another library for you. That was grate but I still spent money and bought books.

I find it useful to hear from artists on their quest for education. Thank you once again for finding the time to share.

All the best to you and family

[Julie Deane]

I like Speed's books too, Mischa. In fact, I was just perusing his painting book the other day. Great reference material.