stephenbaumanartwork

APA, The Skull In Detail, Rendering pt. 2

🎵 Its the FINAL COUNTDOWN, na na na na... na-na-na na na  🎸🎵

Ok, but really- we are at the end of the drawing section of Anatomy for Portrait Artists. It's been a heck of a journey and you can navigate the collected lessons here.

In this lesson you will learn about how the subtle and specific forms of the skull can be observed to affect the surface form of the head when see...

Finally- a simple way to understand FORM

This lesson is a special, one-off lesson about form. I made it specifically for beginners since form (roundness) can be such a challenging subject. 

Watch this video and you will learn how to start with a simple form, like a cube, and evolve that simple form into a more complex one- like a head. 

Trust me- this is going to unpack a bunch of stuff that will help you draw way better 😅

For this lesson, you'll need the following materials:

• Graphite penci...
  2023-12-01 00:28:39 +0000 UTC View Post

APA, The Skull In Detail, Rendering pt.1

The last lesson in this series laid out the basics of sketching out the skull from two different angles. Now, we're going to take it a step further and dive into the nitty-gritty details.

We're not just making it look pretty; we're aiming for a strong understanding of what makes up the skull itself. This lesson is all about taking what we've already learned about the skull's anatomy and getting to know those features as fully realised forms. These studies are the fastest route to really...

Composition for Portraiture, Vol. 2

In this lesson (2/3) you will learn the following:

• The Art of Composition: We're going to explore how to organize your drawing so that it doesn't just look good, but also tells a meaningful story. It's like creating a visual narrative through the arrangement of elements in your work.
• Commanding Attention Through Focal Points: One key aspect we'll focus on is how to direct people's eyes to certain areas of your artwork. This will help emph...
  2023-10-01 19:19:28 +0000 UTC View Post

Figure Drawing, As I See It (SOLD OUT)

Every place is filled up and I am super excited to work with all of you who have signed up!

If you have been thinking about signing up- don't miss your chance 🤘

- This JUNE 3 – JUNE 14, 2024 I am teaching in Rome, it will be literally the only workshop I teach in person this year.

- The course is a deep & practical dive into everything I know about portrait drawing. Materials and all.

- This is a link to the <...

APA, The Skull In Detail, Block In

As we know, a deep comprehension of anatomy is the bedrock upon which great portraiture is built. This lesson aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge to accurately block in the skull from both 3/4 and profile views. Once that is completed we will then proceed to render these drawings with a meticulous attention to detail (in the next lesson).

Highlights:

• Recognize the importance of structural symmetry when drawing subjects with bilateral symmetry, like the human sk...
  2023-09-01 10:13:33 +0000 UTC View Post

Attribution Bias & The Key to Self-Evaluation

You are not defined by your most recent work 

We often fall into the trap of labeling ourselves based on our actions. For instance, saying "I suck at drawing" after creating a less-than-perfect artwork. But here's the game-changer: it's not about you; it's about your art.

Embrace Action-Oriented Evaluation 

Remember, you're not a "bad artist"; you simply created a piece that didn't meet your expectations. By separating your actions...

I Made A Virtual Assistant- For Art Students

I'm super excited to share with you an AI powered chatbot assistant specifically tailored for art students like you.

Using natural language processing and machine learning technologies I worked together with some very clever developers to make this chatbot interactive and useful. 

So, this is my invitation to you, to ask as many questions as you like and get relevant answers in real-time. This video will show you exactly how it works. 

Here is a 2023-08-15 15:21:43 +0000 UTC View Post

Composition for Portraiture, Vol.1

In this lesson, our primary objective is to create a captivating composition that revolves around the three-quarter angle of the skull. To achieve this, we will employ various techniques, including the strategic use of strong silhouettes and striking contrasts. By doing so, we will infuse the drawing with depth and dynamism.

An essential aspect of this lesson is the emphasis on artistic selection. Instead of rigidly adhering to the subject's exact details, we will make deliberate choice...

Composition for Portraiture, Intro

Recently I undertook a research that has changed the way I approach my own work and by extension how I teach drawing.

In a series I am going to share with you what I have learned through 3 extensive critique sessions with an artist who studied and taught at the Repin Academy in St. Petersburg. 

Here is what you will find:

• Composition- the straw that stirs the drink, so to speak.
• Artistic Selection- what you can change about what you see and how.
• ...
  2023-07-30 08:47:52 +0000 UTC View Post

Block In Bootcamp, Structural Style Practice

Link to group critique: https://youtu.be/eyMCSybKDzs

The previous stream date arrived and my computer + Youtube refused to cooperate resulting in the cancellation of that event.

I will be rigorously testing and resting my streaming software until then so as to avoid any further hiccups.

See you there!

The Atelier Tier: The Sphere Project

If you're looking to enhance your technical drawing skills, expand your repertoire of techniques, refine your attention to detail, and unlock the full potential of your drawing abilities... Then this is the project for you.

Through this comprehensive lesson, you will develop a strong command over the following techniques:

• Understanding Form: Master the art of capturing three-dimensional forms on a two-dimensional surface.
• Graphite Manipulation: Explore the nuanced t...
  2023-07-01 08:12:48 +0000 UTC View Post

Live Drawing Practice + Q&A

Download the source image and draw along with me!

4pm OSLO time, Today!

Level up your portrait drawing skills with this exercise

This video is a follow up to what we have been working on in the Anatomy for Portrait Artists course in The Atelier Tier.

This synopsis will show you the bare bones (lol) of our approach to simplifying a block in of the skull.

If you want to get the info super fast or just have a detailed review of the lesson give this video a shot.

Here is a link to the whole lesson.

APA, Skull Sketches + Labels #2

Continue your journey to anatomical proficiency- this time using shadow and light to render the skull. 

In this lesson you will be making 2 drawings of a skull and labeling all of the relevant anatomical features along with me. This will strengthen your ability to memorize and recall the names and forms of the skull ⚡️

You will also find source images attached at the bottom of this post.

Remember to post your drawings in the community section and on Discord- I’ll ...

Block In Bootcamp Condensed, Searching Lines

This is a review of the Bootcamp lesson on how to use searching lines.

The whole reason for this lesson is to give you the tools you need to make your block in lines go more smoothly. To be less rigid and shaky.

If you want to find the full lesson try the Bootcamp navigation page.

And if you want to subscribe and take part go here: 

2023-05-20 11:15:31 +0000 UTC View Post

Block In Bootcamp, Visual Style Practice

Welcome back! 

Here is a link to to the group critique: https://youtu.be/YFSkbNHCJuM

Join me for this live drawing lesson dedicated to the analytical exploration of the visual block in style. As you already possess prior knowledge in this area, get ready to delve deeper into the principles and techniques behind this approach to portrait drawing. For a review warm up with 2023-05-16 10:56:05 +0000 UTC View Post

GET STARTED SKETCHBOOKING

Are you ready to start your sketchbook journey but not sure where to begin? 

In this video, I'll give you 3 tips that will help you get started with sketchbook drawing. 

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist looking to hone your skills, these tips will help you remove friction and improve productivity in your drawing practice.

Btw, if you want to draw any of the models from this video the source images are attached at the bottom of this post.

2023-05-04 13:43:12 +0000 UTC View Post

APA, Skull Studies + Labels

As an artist, you CANNOT afford to learn anatomy without drawing 💯

We are after an applied knowledge and in this lesson you will take a major step in your progress towards proficiency. Remember, every portrait is heavily influenced by the forms of the skull.

You will be making 2 drawings of a skull and labeling all of the relevant anatomical features along with me. This will strengthen your ability to memorize and recall the names and forms of the skull ⚡️

You will al...

Block In Bootcamp, Visual Style Practice

(Updated to show full drawing process)

It doesn't get more sophisticated than the fundamentals.

We will be paying close attention to the direction of the light source and the resulting patterns of shadow, using lines of varying thickness and density to create a sense of volume and impression.

So, join me this Saturday and get one step closer to 100 heads (and being a better portrait artist).

Link to group critique: 2023-04-13 14:11:06 +0000 UTC View Post

The HEAD STUDY App is LIVE!

In this video I will show you how you can use my new app to make drawings and increase your knowledge about the form and structure of the head!

It has some wicked features:

• Tilt & rotate the models in 360 degrees
• Rotate 2 light sources in 360 degrees independently
• Change the color and intensity of each light source
• Change the base color + value of the model
• Change the color + value of the background 

Production started...

APA, Block In Practice

Hello! 

The first drawing exercise in my APA course has arrived!!! And it is a simple one...

This lesson emphasizes the importance of simplification for enhancing the memorization of the three-dimensional structure of the human head. By practicing this block-in template, you will learn break down the complexity of the head's structure and rehearse the mental rotation of the object. 

This process improves your ability to recognize and remember the complex forms of t...

Block In Bootcamp, Memory Drawing #2

UPDATED: Group critique added + Edited stream footage

Group critique: https://youtu.be/ev7-ibGOgOo

If you want to catch up on the structure of this lesson start out with part 1:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/block-in-memory-78448793

We are going to follow the same strategy here as in part 1. We will focus on...

SBA, Block In Planes of the Head

This simplified head is modeled after my own block in style. It is designed to correspond to the skull's anatomical structure, making it an accurate representation of the head's basic proportion and construction.

To better understand the relationship between this model and the skull check out this lesson from my Anatomy for Portrait Artists course: 

https://www.patreon.com/posts/apa-an...

APA, Anatomy x Block In Template

The complexity of the skull can make it difficult to simplify for the purpose of blocking in.

In this video, we will explore how a simplified block in drawing template can help you understand the anatomy of the human skull better. By breaking down the skull's complex shapes into simple, geometric forms, you will be able to establish the proportions and symmetry of the head more easily.

We will begin by examining the different parts of the skull and then demonstrate how you can use...

March is gonna be all hype⚡️on Patreon

Big month coming up…

1st: There will be a new lesson In the APA series on the Atelier Tier. This one focuses on the intersection of the anatomy you are learning and the head block in template we use.

2nd: There is a new 3D model to be released. No surprise, it is a simplified block in head that will be used as reference in upcoming lessons in the APA series.

3rd: I am revamping the Model Packs section of my Patreon. It will be reorganized to make it easier to navigate and ...

Education Roadmap

What are you trying to accomplish, and how can I help?

This roadmap is the 1st draft and the beginning of a series of maps that I am making to help you get the most out of your time with me.

As it is a draft I ask that you please make any and all suggestions about what you would like to improve or change about it. I can’t make the best version of it without you!

This is the beginner map, there will eventually be intermediate and advanced maps as well.

SBA Ecorche Model

An écorché sculpture depicts a human body with the skin removed, exposing the underlying muscles, tendons, and bones. The term "écorché" comes from the French word for "flayed" or "skinned."

These sculptures are a vital tool for studying anatomy. By studying an écorché sculpture, you will gain a deeper understanding of the underlying structure of the body, which will inform your drawings, paintings, or sculptures.

This model, along with the skull, will be referenced in my on...