About This Class

Are your reference drawings a bit stiff or flat?

Gesture drawing can add life, expression and your voice to your reference sketches!

Hi! I'm artist Joe Smigielski, and, in this class, I'll show you the basics of gesture drawing.

Hello and welcome to class!

In over twenty five years as an artist, gesture drawing has been an integral part of my process. Artists have been using the technique for centuries to sharpen their skills.

how to stay in motion, allowing us to draw spontaneously without overthinking.
how to break down the pose of a reference.
how to capture a reference with loose expressive marks.
how to capture movement and life.

This class is beginner friendly.

It is for both digital and traditional artists.

I will be using Procreate and an Apple Pencil for this class. However, you can use the digital illustration app you're most comfortable with, along with any pressure sensitive stylus, on either the iPad or desktop.

Please note: If you are using Procreate, it is helpful to have some experience with the app as this is not a Procreate focused class, and we will not be reviewing the interface.

If you prefer to work with paper, a pencil and sketch paper is all you need!

After earning my degree in Art education from Wayne State University in Michigan, I spent several years in the classroom teaching art education. In 2000, I left to become a full time artist and have been happily creating work ever since. In addition to line art, I am also an accomplished oil and acrylic painter, as well as a digital artist, who has sold my work online, in art festivals, as well as brick and mortar stores and galleries across the United States. My work has been featured both in print and on television.

This is from my series on drawing basics I'm teaching here on Skillshare. Be sure to hit follow on my profile so you’re always notified whenever I post a new class.

Are you ready to take your reference image game to another level? Then come join me in class. Let's get started!

Music Credit: "Bill's Groove," by By Dirty Hairy on Audiio (license on file)

Mallory Edwards

--

13