Complete Russian Academic Drawing Approach – Level 1

1. Russian Approach Materials & Set-Up With Iliya Mirochnik

Essential Supplies for a Productive Learning Experience: A Beginner’s Guide

Starting a new course can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what materials you’ll need. In this lesson, we’ll go over the essential supplies you’ll require throughout the course, from basic stationery items like pencils and erasers to other utensils and tools that will aid in your learning journey.

Your tutor, Iliya, will also offer suggestions for setting up a comfortable and functional study space at home. The goal is to provide a range of options to accommodate different lifestyles and budgets, so you can create a space that works best for you.

So, let’s get started and gather all the supplies you need to make the most of your learning experience.

• 27m 16s
• Beginner Friendly
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2. An Introduction to Mark-Making With Iliya Mirochnik

Good drawings are built on a foundation of basic marks, and in this lesson, your tutor Iliya will show you the essential marks you need to master to take your drawings to the next level. From straight and curved lines to point-to-point lines, flat tones, hatch marks, and a combination of these techniques, you’ll learn how to create the building blocks of a successful drawing.

But it’s not just about learning the techniques; Iliya will also guide you through assignments designed to reinforce your hand-eye coordination and pressure control. By focusing on these skills, you’ll develop the confidence and control you need to bring your drawings to life.

So, grab your pencils and let’s get started on the path to mastering the basic marks of drawing.

• 21m 49s
• Beginner Friendly
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3. How to Measure from Observation With Iliya Mirochnik

Unlocking the Secrets of Accurate Measurement in Drawing

Accurate measurement is a crucial skill in the drawing method, and in this lesson, Iliya will take you through the essentials. Using a pair of knitting needles, you’ll learn how to take accurate angles from life and apply them to your work.

But that’s not all – you’ll also discover how to use proportional measurement to ensure that your drawings are accurate and true to life. And, if you’re working from photos, Iliya will show you how to use flat images to create accurate drawings.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a deep understanding of how to measure with precision and confidence, so you can create drawings that are true to life and full of detail.

• 17m 1s
• Beginner Friendly
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4. How to Draw Geometric Forms With Iliya Mirochnik

Mastering the Art of Form in Russian Drawing: A Comprehensive Guide

In this lesson, Iliya will take you through one of the most critical elements of the Russian drawing approach: form. Using simple geometric shapes as building blocks, you’ll learn how to accurately describe three-dimensional volume in your drawings.

You’ll start by learning how to draw the cube, cylinder, and cone from observation and then move on to constructing these forms from imagination. Finally, you’ll combine both approaches, constructing forms from observation, to bring your drawings to life.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to use form to create drawings that are full of depth and dimension. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this lesson will help you take your work to the next level.

• 1h 42m 21s
• Beginner Friendly
• Captions

5. The Russian Approach to Light & Shadow With Iliya Mirochnik

Illuminating Your Drawings: A Guide to Light and Shadow

In this lesson, you’ll delve into the essential elements of light and shadow and learn how to bring your drawings to life. From the components of light theory to rendering techniques, you’ll get a comprehensive understanding of how to use light and shadow to create depth and dimension.

You’ll start by exploring the components of light theory, including light, shadow, halftone, the terminator line, cast shadow, and highlight. Then, you’ll learn how to group your values correctly and how to turn your forms with tone.

Next, you’ll discover how to describe curved and planed surfaces, using techniques that help you clearly and efficiently describe structure. By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to create drawings that are rich in texture and full of life.

• 2h 50m 55s
• Beginner Friendly
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6. The Geometric Still Life Project With Iliya Mirochnik

Bringing it All Together: A Still Life Drawing Project

In this lesson, you’ll have the opportunity to bring together all the skills you’ve learned so far and put them into practice. Your challenge will be to draw a still life, consisting of geometric forms arranged in an eye-catching group.

You’ll get to put your skills in construction, measuring, and building up value to the test, as you work to create the illusion of three-dimensional form. Iliya will kick things off by demonstrating the project, and then it’s your turn to work on your version from home.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a finished still life drawing that showcases your mastery of the Russian drawing approach. You’ll have developed a deep understanding of how to use construction, measuring, and value to create drawings that are full of depth and dimension.

• 2h 4m 12s
• Beginner Friendly
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7. How to Draw the Asaro Planes of the Head With Iliya Mirochnik

In the final lesson of the Fundamentals course, you’ll have the opportunity to bring all the concepts and training you’ve learned to bear on a new challenge. Using the stretched canvas you made at the start of the course, you’ll draw John Asaro’s Planes of the Head sculpture from the provided photos.

You’ll focus on turning form, establishing clear planes, clearly showing your light source, and developing proper values and value relationships. This project will give you the chance to show off all the skills you’ve acquired throughout this course and create a finished piece that you can be proud of.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a finished Planes of the Head sculpture drawing that showcases your mastery of the Russian drawing approach. You’ll have developed a deep understanding of how to use construction, measuring, form, light and shadow, and value to create drawings that are full of depth and dimension.

• 3h 30m 16s
• Beginner Friendly
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