Russian Academic Drawing Approach

Level 1

1. Russian Approach Materials & Set-Up WithIliya Mirochnik

This first lesson covers materials you will need for the duration of the course including pencils, erasers, papers, and other utensils and tools. Iliya will also go over your home set-up trying to provide a range of possibilities wherever possible.

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2. An Introduction to Mark-Making WithIliya Mirochnik

In this second lesson, Iliya shows you the necessary marks that you will need to master for drawing. You will learn how to create straight and curved lines, point-to-point lines, flat tones, hatch marks, and a combination. Special attention is given to assignments that reinforce hand and eye as well as pressure control.

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3. How to Measure from Observation WithIliya Mirochnik

In this lesson, Iliya will break down one of the most vital skills in this method: measuring. Using a pair of knitting needles, you will learn how to take accurate angles from life and then apply it to your work. You will also learn how to use proportional measurement and how to work from flat photos.

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4. How to Draw Geometric Forms WithIliya Mirochnik

In this lesson, Iliya will train you on one of the most important elements in the Russian drawing approach: form. Using simple geometric forms, you will learn how to correctly describe three-dimensional volume in your work. You will learn how to draw the cube, cylinder, and cone from observation as well as how to construct these forms from imagination. Then you will combine both approaches and construct the forms from observation.

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5. The Russian Approach to Light & Shadow WithIliya Mirochnik

In this lesson, you will learn the essential elements of light and shadow. You will learn the components of light theory including light, shadow, halftone, the terminator line, cast shadow, and highlight. You will learn how to group your values correctly and how to turn your forms with tone. You will also learn how to describe curved and planed surfaced, and you will also practice rendering techniques to describe structure clearly and efficiently.

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6. The Geometric Still Life Project WithIliya Mirochnik

In this lesson, you will be putting together all of the skills you have learned thus far. Your project will be to draw a still life, consisting of geometric forms arranged in an interesting group. Your skills at construction, measuring, and building up value in order to create the illusion of three-dimensional form will all be put to the test. Iliya will demonstrate the project first and you will then work on your version from home.

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7. How to Draw the Asaro Planes of the Head WithIliya Mirochnik

In the final lesson in the Fundamentals course, you will be combining all of the concepts and training you have learned thus far. Using the stretched canvas that you made at the beginning of this course you will draw John Asaro's planes of the head sculpture from the photos provided. You will focus on turning form, establishing clear planes, clearly showing your light source and developing proper values and value relationships.

Level 2

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8. How to Draw The Skull WithIliya Mirochnik

The skull was a critical part of the learning process at the Repin academy. In this lesson, Iliya will break down the construction and anatomical features of the skull.

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9. How to Draw the Muscles of the Face WithIliya Mirochnik

In this lesson we will be using reference from one-of-a-kind castings of a real human cadaver by famed art anatomist Eliot Goldfinger to do a study of the form creating muscles of the face.

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10. How to Draw the Skeletal Neck & Shoulder Girdle WithIliya Mirochnik

In this lesson, you will learn the skeletal structure of the neck, clavicles and scapulae, and how they articulate to create the shoulder girdle.

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11. How to Draw the Muscles of the Neck WithIliya Mirochnik

In this lesson you will do a study of the form creating muscles of the neck using reference from one-of-a-kind castings of a real human cadaver by famed art anatomist Eliot Goldfinger.

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12. Russian Portrait Live Q&A Demonstration WithIliya Mirochnik

In this video demonstration, Iliya Mirochnik draws a portrait in sanguine from a live model and answers live questions from an online audience about his education, his art, and technique.

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13. How to Draw the Portrait in the Russian Style WithIliya Mirochnik

In this lesson, we are going to bring together all of the structure and anatomy of the head and neck we’ve been studying in order to create a fully rendered portrait drawing from a live model.

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14. Portrait with Hands Project WithIliya Mirochnik

In this famous assignment from the Repin Academy you will be drawing a portrait from life (or from provided reference) at a large scale over stretched paper. You will be introducing the hands and the upper body into your work, requiring more planning and development of the composition in this challenging project.

Level 3

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15. How to Draw the Pelvis & Ribcage WithIliya Mirochnik

In this lesson, we’re going to begin with two components of the torso: The pelvis and ribcage.

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16. How to Draw the Muscles of the Torso WithIliya Mirochnik

Now that we've studied the skeletal pelvis and ribcage, it's time to see how they come together with the musculature of the torso. In this lesson, we will identify and draw the superficial and deep muscles of the front and rear torso.

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17. How to Draw the Anatomy of the Leg WithIliya Mirochnik

In this lesson, we will identify and draw the skeleton and muscles of the leg.

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18. How to Draw the Anatomy of the Arm WithIliya Mirochnik

In this lesson, we will identify and draw the skeleton and muscles of the arm.

Level 4

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19. Short-Pose Figure Drawings in the Russian Style WithIliya Mirochnik

It's time to address a vital element of preparation for the final project: quick-pose drawings. Iliya works with his model to draw 13 short poses from various angles. First, he works with simplified construction, then contour, line, and direct tone. Drawing shorter poses from your live model or from reference will train your mind and hand, giving you the strongest possible understanding of your subject.

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20. Medium Long-Pose Figure Drawing in the Russian Style WithIliya Mirochnik

The next step in preparation for the long-pose figure drawing project is to draw a medium long-pose. Iliya considers this to be any pose that's worked on for 2-4 hours-- enough time to introduce some anatomical elements and to bring the drawing to relative completion. This slow build toward your long pose figure project is vital to the success of your drawing.

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21. Long-Pose Figure Drawing on Stretched Paper WithIliya Mirochnik

This project is the culmination of everything you’ve learned in Parts 1-3, as well as the shorter pose projects you completed in Part 4. Approach it with a confident and newfound understanding of anatomy, a keen eye for form, and mark-making proficiency.

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22. The Large Format Multi-Figure Composition WithIliya Mirochnik

You’ve arrived at a pivotal moment in your curriculum. This project is the culmination of everything you’ve learned in the previous portions of this course. Approach it with a confident and newfound understanding of anatomy, a keen eye for form, and mark-making proficiency. Join Iliya in this execution of a long multi-figure composition from life. With the addition of another figure, elements of composition, and narrative come into play.

Common Questions

Why the Russian Academic method?

Seldom taught outside of Russia, the “imperial” drawing and painting method was uninterrupted by the modern art movements that transformed representational art in the West. The training has been preserved from one generation to the next within an institution which has changed remarkably little over the last 250 years. The method provides a unique and clear lineage to the greater art traditions of the past. More than that, the artwork produced in this approach is impressive in its combination of constructive solidity and observational sensitivity.

Who is this course for?

This course is intended for any artist who wants to improve their drawing skills as well people new to drawing.

Can I take this course if I'm new to drawing?

Absolutely! The Russian academic drawing method is a powerful tool for any new artist. The skills you learn in this course will last you a lifetime and set you up well for working from observation or from imagination.

How is this approach different from sight-size academic methods?

Sight-size is a primarily optical and observational drawing approach where the value patterns as they fall on the eye are transferred in 1:1 scale from life to the paper or canvas. The Russian approach is observational as well but it also utilizes construction which produces a more three-dimensional and solid look.

Is this approach good for painters?

Yes! This approach is fantastic for painters and it has been tied to the Russian painting method which will be recorded in early 2020.

How does the coaching program work?

The NMA Coaching program provides professional art mentors to students. The coaches develop personalized curriculum and guide students in their artistic development. The Russian Academic Drawing Course integrates with this program in a special way in that Iliya Mirochnik himself is available as a coach to provide guidance to students taking this course. Availability is limited. Learn more at: https://www.nma.art/coaching/

If I am not enrolled in coaching, what other ways can I get feedback?

If you're not in the coaching program you can still share your progress with other subscribers in the NMA Community Forums. We highly encourage students to work together on projects and help each other progress.

If I want to study this program full-time, in person how would do that?

You would need to travel to Saint Petersburg and study at the Repin Academy. You can learn more here: https://eng.rah.ru/

Is there more information available about this course?

You can read a description of this course by New Masters Academy founder Joshua Jacobo here: https://www.nma.art/introducing-the-russian-academic-tradition/

Navigation

Russian Academic Drawing Approach

Level 1

1. Russian Approach Materials & Set-Up WithIliya Mirochnik

2. An Introduction to Mark-Making WithIliya Mirochnik

3. How to Measure from Observation WithIliya Mirochnik

4. How to Draw Geometric Forms WithIliya Mirochnik

5. The Russian Approach to Light & Shadow WithIliya Mirochnik

6. The Geometric Still Life Project WithIliya Mirochnik

7. How to Draw the Asaro Planes of the Head WithIliya Mirochnik

Level 2

8. How to Draw The Skull WithIliya Mirochnik

9. How to Draw the Muscles of the Face WithIliya Mirochnik

10. How to Draw the Skeletal Neck & Shoulder Girdle WithIliya Mirochnik

11. How to Draw the Muscles of the Neck WithIliya Mirochnik

12. Russian Portrait Live Q&A Demonstration WithIliya Mirochnik

13. How to Draw the Portrait in the Russian Style WithIliya Mirochnik

14. Portrait with Hands Project WithIliya Mirochnik

Level 3

15. How to Draw the Pelvis & Ribcage WithIliya Mirochnik

16. How to Draw the Muscles of the Torso WithIliya Mirochnik

17. How to Draw the Anatomy of the Leg WithIliya Mirochnik

18. How to Draw the Anatomy of the Arm WithIliya Mirochnik

Level 4

19. Short-Pose Figure Drawings in the Russian Style WithIliya Mirochnik

20. Medium Long-Pose Figure Drawing in the Russian Style WithIliya Mirochnik

21. Long-Pose Figure Drawing on Stretched Paper WithIliya Mirochnik

22. The Large Format Multi-Figure Composition WithIliya Mirochnik

Common Questions

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