Drawabox Lesson 0, Part 2: What are the FUNDAMENTALS?

Summary

In the world of art, 'working on your fundamentals' is often advised, but what does it truly mean? This video explains that in the context of Drawabox, the key focus is on developing spatial reasoning, which combines understanding form and basic perspective. The course emphasizes mark making, observation, and learning how to represent 3D objects on a 2D surface. Rather than focusing on style, light, or advanced anatomy, Drawabox provides a strong foundation in translating the real world into simplified forms, equipping students to create their own designs and drawings from imagination with confidence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Drawing fundamentals focus on developing spatial reasoning, mark making, and observation skills.
• 😀 Fundamentals of drawing include understanding 3D space, not just technical aspects like line, form, and color.
• 😀 The core goal of Drawabox is to teach spatial reasoning to represent objects in 3D on a 2D surface.
• 😀 Mark making is essential for drawing with confidence and control, especially for beginners.
• 😀 Observation skills help in accurately representing reality by studying reference materials in detail.
• 😀 Drawabox does not dive into technical aspects of perspective or light/shading in great depth, focusing instead on 3D space understanding.
• 😀 Learning to draw without relying on memory and instead observing reality closely is crucial to building solid representations.
• 😀 Beginners may feel lost when starting figure drawing or other advanced techniques, but this is normal and part of the learning process.
• 😀 Drawabox doesn’t focus on learning specific subjects or styles (like anime) but instead on building a strong foundation in drawing fundamentals.
• 😀 Style is an individual choice that evolves over time and is based on consistent methods of representation, but it requires a solid understanding of 3D space.
• 😀 Master studies can help learn how different artists handle style, providing a deeper understanding of their artistic choices.

Q & A

What are the core fundamentals of drawing according to Drawabox?

The core fundamentals of drawing, according to Drawabox, are spatial reasoning, mark-making, and observation. Spatial reasoning focuses on understanding how objects exist in three-dimensional space, mark-making is the ability to control your marks on paper, and observation involves closely studying the world around you to accurately represent it.

How does spatial reasoning play a role in drawing?

Spatial reasoning is crucial in drawing because it helps artists understand how objects and forms exist in three-dimensional space. It enables the artist to simplify and represent complex 3D objects on a 2D surface, making the drawing feel realistic or grounded in space.

Why is mark-making considered a fundamental skill in drawing?

Mark-making is considered fundamental because it’s the act of controlling the marks you make on the page. Without this skill, it’s difficult to convey the intended shapes, lines, or textures in your drawings. Mastering mark-making builds confidence and precision, which is vital for achieving desired results.

What does observation mean in the context of learning to draw?

In drawing, observation refers to the ability to closely study real-world objects and scenes. Instead of relying solely on memory, artists observe the subject in detail, focusing on how forms and structures are built in reality, and extracting useful information to construct a drawing.

What does Drawabox avoid teaching, and why?

Drawabox avoids teaching advanced topics like shading, light, color, and style because its primary focus is on developing spatial reasoning. These elements are seen as secondary skills that can be tackled later once a solid foundation in spatial reasoning and observational skills has been established.

How does Drawabox help students who might feel lost or frustrated with advanced tutorials?

Drawabox helps students by starting with the basics and focusing on fundamental skills. It emphasizes patience and understanding, allowing students to build a strong foundation in drawing before tackling more advanced concepts. This approach prevents beginners from feeling overwhelmed by complex tutorials.

How is style related to the core fundamentals of drawing?

Style in drawing is the consistent application of specific choices in how you represent the world. While style is important, it is built upon a solid understanding of the fundamentals, such as spatial reasoning, mark-making, and observation. Mastery of these basics allows an artist to develop and refine their style over time.

What is the importance of patience in learning how to draw?

Patience is critical because developing the skills necessary for drawing takes time and consistent practice. Beginners often feel frustrated when they don’t see immediate results, but understanding that drawing is a gradual process helps maintain motivation and progress.

What does the analogy of being in first grade while trying to read a ninth-grade book mean in relation to drawing?

This analogy illustrates that beginners might feel overwhelmed by advanced concepts when starting out. It emphasizes that it’s okay to not understand everything right away. Like in school, you start with the basics and build up over time, gradually improving your skills as you go.

How does studying other artists' work help in developing one's own style?

Studying other artists' work, through exercises like master studies, allows you to understand how different artists make stylistic choices. This can inform your own decisions, helping you develop your unique style by learning from the techniques and approaches that resonate with you.