Seeking advice for training

[Mischa Milosevic]

Justin, it is plain to see that you have thought this through for you have named most all the important steps one should consider.

Being that you would like to tackle figurative work and that this appeals to you then you should consider a good instructor. It is one thing for a artist to do good work it is another to be able to pass that what he/she knows to others. So, a safe bet is a good balance between the two. Being that you are not able to travel far then look on line the ARC web page is a good start and find the best instruction that you can. Do not shortchange your self here for the foundational drawing must be solid and the best that you can get is the way to go.

As for the Bargue plates there is much on this forum to get you started even to receive critique. I have worked with a number of people, on line, walking them through the first steps. Even here personal instruction a tutor is a must have but the first plates can be accomplished even long distance and its the cheapest. When I was at the academy it cost me close to 5000 every three months but then I did not have the responsibilities that you have. Still, you can get the best there where you are if you think all this through and it will not cost you nearly as much as it cost me.

One more thing if the chance comes up and you are able to take a short corse outside your area then I personaly would consider Zhaoming Wu I think he teaches in Frisco and Anthony Ryder and I think he is In Fenix or near by. They are close to you and they are top notch instructors and artists. Each has a the same approach but a different finish. Look them up and see if this appeals to you. Each is a superb draftsman which should be your basic and the foundation of your study.


I hope this will help.

All the best to you

P.S. it is not how good the model is rather the instruction and the approach that should take presidence

[John Reidy]

Justin,

My two cents worth are to seek out an instructor whom will teach you ART and not style. Seek the fundamental truths of the art of figurative drawing first.

Second, join one of those groups that offer models and then draw, draw, draw and then draw some more.

We are capable and willing to critique and offer advice but I think that teaching is something that must be done in person.

Enjoy the journey. It is your passion and some day you may get paid to do what you love.

[Donna Johnson]

Hi Justin,
I did the drive from Redlands to LAAFA and I thought it was worth it. You might also consider Glenn Vilppu at the Animation Guild in NoHo. It is not quite as far and much more affordable. I don't think you could find a better anatomy teacher on the planet. He uses live models in all of his classes (and a skeleton). I only say that because I actually went to a "week long pose from life class" (in another state) and got a skull instead.
Donna

[Justin Snodgrass]

Thank you for the great info and advice Donna and John. We recently moved into a new home and I have had to put things on hold as we finish the house and unpack boxes. The only painting that I have been doing lately has been on drywall. The new house has an empty room that I will be using as a studio though, so I can't complain too much.

I have also heard that the DA Center for the Arts in Pomona has on-going life drawing sessions every Thursday for $8. I also heard that Scripps in Claremont might offer drop in sessions as well. Anyway, I still need to look into those more.

Thanks again for the great info and advice. Hopefully I will be back soon with some drawings for critique.

-Justin

[Justin Snodgrass]

Originally Posted by Donna Johnson

Hi Justin,
I did the drive from Redlands to LAAFA and I thought it was worth it. You might also consider Glenn Vilppu at the Animation Guild in NoHo. It is not quite as far and much more affordable. I don't think you could find a better anatomy teacher on the planet. He uses live models in all of his classes (and a skeleton). I only say that because I actually went to a "week long pose from life class" (in another state) and got a skull instead.
Donna

I just wanted to stop back by this thread to say that I am currently attending Glenn Vilppu's life drawing and anatomy classes at the Animation Guild. What a fantastic person and teacher. Thanks for the advice Donna. It took me a while to take it, but I did eventually get around to it.

Edit: I forgot to mention that I also checked out the open studio at DA Center for the Arts (Pamona, CA). It was well worth the $8. Very casual and so far so good with experienced models. Anyway, thought I would mention it for those located near the area.

[Donna Johnson]

He IS the best! You will never regret it.