Fundamentals of Observational Drawing by Iliya Mirochnik

Iliya Mirochnik, your instructor, will impart his expertise on the Russian Drawing Approach in this 8-week course. This technique, unchanged for over 250 years in Russia, is a superb method for mastering the basics of observation, construction, and light theory. Through Iliya’s hands-on assignments, 3D models, and reference images, you will develop a strong drawing foundation. The skills you acquire in this course will serve you throughout your artistic journey.

Week 1: Materials, Making Marks, & Measuring With Iliya Mirochnik

Iliya will cover all essentials for starting an observational drawing in week one, including materials and setup, as well as mark-making and measuring.

• 48m 34s
• Beginner Friendly

Week 2: The Fundamental Forms of Drawing With Iliya Mirochnik

Iliya will guide you in learning the fundamentals of drawing form in week two using basic geometric shapes. He’ll show you how to capture three-dimensional volume and construct forms from observation.

• 1h 38m 15s
• Beginner Friendly

Week 3: The Fundamentals of Light & Shadow I With Iliya Mirochnik

In week three, Iliya will instruct you in the essential elements of light and shadow. He will show you how to depict both flat and curved surfaces on cylindrical objects.

• 1h 42m 7s
• Beginner Friendly

Week 4: The Fundamentals of Light & Shadow II With Iliya Mirochnik

Iliya will teach you how to incorporate the principles of light and shadow in week four to depict a spherical object. He’ll also go over the effective techniques for rendering the terminator line.

• 1h 6m 51s
• Beginner Friendly

Week 5: Geometric Still Life Project I With Iliya Mirochnik

Week five with Iliya will focus on constructing a geometric still life through observation. You’ll use your skills in form construction, measuring, and value creation to draw a 3D illusion.

• 1h 14m 59s
• Beginner Friendly

Week 6: Geometric Still Life Project II With Iliya Mirochnik

In week six, Iliya will demonstrate how to add half-tones and highlights to a still life drawing as the final touches. At the end of the lesson, he will show you how to stretch paper in preparation for next week’s project.

• 59m 15s
• Beginner Friendly

Week 7: Planes of the Head I With Iliya Mirochnik

Iliya will demonstrate how to draw the planes of the head in week seven, using John Asaro’s sculpture as a reference. The focus will be on constructing its structure and adding shadows to each form.

• 1h 36m 21s
• Beginner Friendly

Week 8: Planes of the Head II With Iliya Mirochnik

In the final week, Iliya will help you complete the previous week’s drawing by showing you how to incorporate half-tones and highlights to reinforce your shadow masses.

• 1h 53m 51s
• Beginner Friendly