Torres Tovar illustration blog

Art Studio Utopia

Online Art Learning

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Sketching in Egypt

Luis TorresComment

We took a little ‘virtual” trip to Egypt for our urban sketching series.

Working with a nib pen, waterproof ink and watercolor, we engineered our lines to build a solid structure to then develop the values creatively using scumbling and cross hatching. Looking at light and shadow, we saturated the lines accordingly.

A little touch of color to balance the line work and …done!


Watercolor Dogs

Luis TorresComment

This is a time lapse from our Watercolor Dogs workshop. In this session our main focus was the wet on wet ‘staining’ technique. We allow the water and pigment to work together and disperse with a little control over it. The color shapes and layers are patiently developed following the direction of the hair. This is lots of fun - you have to try it.

New Session Scheduled

Luis TorresComment

Master series Matisse

Spend the morning drawing portraits and interiors inspired by the great master Henri Matisse. Bring your favorite drawing and painting tools and walk away with a beautiful art piece. Space is limited, sign up now.

Ongoing Series every Tuesday morning - Master Series and Urban Sketching.

Ongoing Series every Tuesday morning - Master Series and Urban Sketching.

The Delight of Figure Drawing

Luis TorresComment

Over the next six weeks we will embark in a journey of Gesture Drawing and Studying the Human Figure.

Gesture drawing are quick expressive studies that aim to simplify the forms observed and finding the most essential Attributes of the form, We are looking for the essence of the pose.

One of our goals is to understand what the figure is doing and not just try to copy the figure. The key words that should come to mind as you draw are Rhythm, Action, Motion and Flow. The sequence of Gesture Drawings are as follows: We begin with 10 - one minute poses followed by 10 - two minute poses, 5 - five minute poses and finally 1 or 2 - 20 minute poses.

As always, the main idea is to find that beautiful sense of ‘Being at Play’ - I recommend looking at the infinite resources online and give it a try, Your Line quality will improve noticeably.