How to learn the foundation of art? Beginners – where should I begin?

Have you been captivated by a particular artwork when you’re visiting an art exhibition? Excellent artworks leaves a strong impression on the viewer and could be visually arresting. So, what makes a great art piece? There is no secret to being a good artist than a great deal of art practice, strong foundational art training and skills. A good artist possess a strong art foundation and skills and exposure to various art mediums, developed through long term professional art training in an art academy. A great artist is almost always an extremely diligent art student.

The learning and practice of the arts – dance, music, drama, art is synonymous in that it requires a lot of practice and training, and that the foundation of the arts practitioner is often crucial in determining the success of an arts career.

art portfolio Preparation course ( process) with private coaching for DSA with Visual Arts Centre

Undeniably, the foundation of fine art in academy practice is drawing and sketching. Why should we learn drawing and sketching? As it is the only way to practice and exercise our observational skills. From obtaining balance in portraying the posture of a figure, to the tonality of an object – it can all be resolved through the learning of drawing and sketching.

The main idea of fast drawing is in the use of lines to create a form. Aside from tonality drawing, why should we emphasise on fast drawing? Simply put, fast drawing is the key to how we can control the form of an artwork.

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In certain instances, people who practice drawing and sketching tend to draw out what appears ahead of them almost in a literal manner. This results in the formation of a regular artwork with no depth. This form of drawing is not acceptable, and should be complemented by the skills required to do a fast drawing for an impressive artwork.

Fast drawing should not be considered as just an art technique on its own, but rather, as a foundation to drawing and sketching. Fast drawing enables one to be able to effectively express their creativity through a deepen understanding of the subject matter. As such, fast drawing should be classified as an ongoing endeavour that should not be forsaken. Even if one does not have an objective or plan in the creation process, we should still continuously work on experiencing life so as to deepen our observational skills and improve our hand-eye coordination. In the long run, this can further enhance our observational skills for the things that surround us, bringing our skills to new heights.

To learn drawing and sketching, one must first be exposed to still-life drawing, plaster cast of geometric shapes, plaster cast still-life and plaster cast portrait. Fast drawing is a way of how we can control the form of an artwork. It can be practiced through the drawing of trees, mountains, rivers and landscape followed by still-life, human figures and postures.

We have since opened a new studio at AZ @ Paya Lebar. There is no doubt that there are an abundant of places for children to learn drawing in the east – from Marine Parade, Simei, Tampines, Katong, Bedok to Joo Chiat. Once a child reaches the age of nine, and has learnt to express his / her creativity, it is then now time to expose them to professional art drawing and sketching courses to further hone the depth of their artwork.

Here in Visual Arts Centre, we provide the following professional art courses: drawing and sketching, fast sketching, oil painting, acrylic painting, watercolour painting, Chinese ink painting and portfolio preparatory workshop.

Visual Arts Centre has 2 art studios with the main branch located at city central area, just within Dhoby Ghaut Green and above Dhoby Ghaut MRT station Exit B. We are also available at AZ@ Paya Lebar Building #03-04. Students can choose to join our professional art courses at their preferred art studio and time slots as per their convenience. 

Dhoby Ghaut Studio

Visual Arts Centre exhibition_hire_venue_visual_arts_centre

10 Penang Rd, #01-02 Dhoby Ghaut Green, Singapore 238469

Monday: 11am – 1.15pm | 5pm – 7.15pm | 7.30pm – 9.45pm

Tuesday: 3.30pm – 5.45pm | 3.30pm – 5pm / 4.30pm – 6pm (Creative Kids)

Wednesday: 11am – 1.15pm | 1.30pm – 3.45pm | 5pm – 7.15pm | 7.30pm – 9.45pm (Chinese Ink)

Thursday: 1pm – 3.15pm | 3.30pm – 5.45pm | 7.30pm – 10pm (Portrait/Nude Life Drawing)

Friday: 11am – 1.15pm | (New sessions, enquire now!) 2:30pm – 4:45pm2:30pm – 4pm (Creative Kids, enquire now!) | 5pm – 7.15pm | 7.30pm – 9.45pm

Saturday: 10.30am – 12.45pm | 1pm – 3.15pm | 3.30pm – 5.45pm | 6.30pm – 8.45pm

Sunday: 11.15am – 12.45pm (Creative Kids) | 1pm – 3.15pm | 3.30pm – 5.45pm 

MacPherson Studio

Art jamming birtday party for kid, space for hire, venue hire for exhibition gallery, top central venue for rent in Singapore, Visual Arts Centre

140 Paya Lebar Rd, #03-04 AZ@Paya Lebar, Singapore 409015

Saturday: 10.30am – 12.45pm | 1pm – 3.15pm (To Enquire)

Sunday: 10.30am – 12.45pm | 1pm – 3.15pm (To Enquire)

For more details and enquiries, please contact us at: 

Whatsapp or Call: 6255 0711 / 6733 2155

Email : info@visualartscentre.sg

Website: https://visualartscentre.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visualartscentresg/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualartscentre.sg/  

Registration & Fees

The art courses are available at both our Dhoby Ghaut Art Studio and MacPherson Art Studio, please choose your preferred location.

Foundation In Digital Art

Embark on a captivating journey into the vibrant world of digital art! Our Foundation in Digital Art workshop invites budding creatives aged nine and above to unleash their imagination and hone their artistic skills in a dynamic, supportive environment. From mastering basic digital tools to crafting mesmerizing digital masterpieces, children will explore a spectrum of techniques guided by seasoned mentors. Through hands-on activities and interactive sessions, participants will discover the endless possibilities of digital expression while fostering creativity and critical thinking. Join us for an exhilarating adventure where young artists transform ideas into stunning visual realities, igniting a passion for digital art

Colour & Texture Exploration With Acrylic Painting & Collage

Prepare to unleash your inner artist in a kaleidoscope of color and creativity with ‘Colour Blast: Acrylic Painting & Collage Techniques’! Dive into a whirlwind adventure where vibrant hues and mesmerizing textures collide in a symphony of imagination. From mastering the art of seamless color blending to discovering the magic of mixed media collage, this journey is a playground for your artistic soul. With each brushstroke, explore new techniques that breathe life into your canvas, transforming it into a vibrant tapestry of expression. Join us and let your creativity run wild as you embark on this colorful escapade!”

World of Manga [Foundation & Styling]

A manga art workshop for children and teenagers sounds like a fantastic idea! Here’s how you might structure it:
Introduction to Manga: Begin by introducing what manga is, its history, and its influence on popular culture worldwide. Show examples of different manga styles and genres to give participants an overview.
Basic Drawing Techniques: Start with the fundamentals of drawing, such as line work, shapes, and proportions. Provide step-by-step instructions on how to draw basic manga characters, focusing on simple shapes that can be built upon.
Character Design: Move on to character design concepts, including creating unique characters, designing their personalities, and developing backstories. Encourage participants to get creative and think outside the box.
Expression and Emotion: Teach how to convey emotions and expressions through facial expressions, body language, and positioning of characters. This can be a fun and interactive exercise where participants practice drawing various emotions.
Storytelling and Paneling: Explore the basics of storytelling in manga, including paneling techniques, pacing, and layout. Show examples of different panel structures and discuss how they affect the flow of the story.
Inking and Coloring: Introduce participants to inking techniques using pens or markers. You can also cover digital inking for those interested. Then, demonstrate basic coloring techniques using markers, colored pencils, or digital software.
Feedback and Collaboration: Provide opportunities for participants to share their work and receive feedback from their peers and instructors. Encourage collaboration by having them work together on short manga projects or collaborative drawings.
Final Showcase: End the workshop with a showcase of participants’ work. This could be in the form of an exhibition, digital gallery, or printed booklet. Celebrate everyone’s creativity and progress throughout the workshop.
Remember to create a supportive and encouraging environment where participants feel free to express themselves and explore their creativity. And don’t forget to have fun! Manga is all about imagination and passion, so let that spirit shine through in your workshop.

Academy Drawing Traditions

The academy drawing and sketching tradition, rooted in centuries of artistic practice, emphasizes disciplined study of form, proportion, and technique. Originating from Renaissance workshops and formalized by institutions like the Royal Academy, it prioritizes meticulous observation and mastery of fundamental skills. Students progress from basic exercises to complex compositions, learning to depict still life and common objects with precision and expression. This tradition values both classical principles and innovation, encouraging artists to push boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. Through rigorous training and critique, artists within this tradition cultivate a strong foundation for creative exploration and artistic excellence.

Chinese Ink Painting and Calligraphy

This course on Chinese ink painting and calligraphy introduces young learners to the rich traditions of Chinese art. Through hands-on activities, students explore the basics of brush techniques, ink control, and the delicate art of Chinese script. They learn to appreciate the cultural significance of calligraphy and painting, developing skills in creating elegant strokes and expressive brushwork. The course fosters creativity, patience, and fine motor skills, while also providing insights into Chinese history and aesthetics. By the end, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and a deeper understanding of Chinese cultural heritage.

Funk with Graffiti

Funk With Graffiti Workshop for children is an engaging and creative program aimed at introducing young artists to the vibrant world of graffiti and funk-inspired street style art. Participants learn the basics of graffiti history, techniques, and safety. Guided by professional graffiti artists, children explore the art of designing their unique tags, emphasizing creativity, expression, and individuality. The workshop includes hands-on activities, from sketching concepts to creating final designs with spray paint on provided surfaces. By the end of the session, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and an appreciation for graffiti and funk as legitimate forms of street art. Each child completes two original artworks, which they proudly take home, showcasing their newfound skills and personal style.

Batik Tales

In the Batik Introduction Handkerchief Painting workshop, participants will learn the traditional art of batik, a wax-resist dyeing technique originating from Indonesia. The workshop begins with a brief history and overview of batik, highlighting its cultural significance and various techniques. Participants will then observe a demonstration of applying wax with tjanting tools and dyeing the fabric. Following the demonstration, each participant will design and create their own batik handkerchief, applying wax to create patterns and then dyeing their fabric. The workshop concludes with a group discussion, allowing participants to share their creations and reflect on their learning experience.