Is it because they look at the work of someone like Rembrandt or Sargent and think “I’ll never be able to do that”?
But Rembrandt and Sargent would have looked at other portrait artists and may even have said the same thing.
Did it stop them?
The thing is that whilst ever you measure your ability with that of a person who has probably spent years, even decades perfecting theirs it will always seem unattainable. So why bother, right?
Wrong!
You make it hard.
You place yourself under massive pressure. You expect it to be perfect. To be technically right. To control the medium with precision and skill. To be as good as every great portrait you’ve seen. That people will like it etc., etc,.
And right there is the problem “EXPECTATIONS”
So what happens when you remove them?
That’s when making portraits becomes fun, enjoyable and far more rewarding.
That’s when drawing portraits is no longer hard!
Tony
If you want to be able to draw portraits freehand (no grids, tracing or projection). If you want them to be full of life and capture the likeness. If you want to enjoy making them and be proud of the results.
Let me show you how...
The starting point and the foundation of everything is the course. It covers everything I do and is designed to unlock your potential. Add to that my programme which is a “Lesson library” of hundreds of hours of video lessons. Demonstrations, Assignments, Challenges and help with getting the right “MIndset” to make GREAT portraits.
The Course
Drawing portraits isn't hard
Forget what you think drawing a portrait is about. In this course I will show you a different way, an easier way, a better way.
I’ll show you that the most important thing you must have is the right mindset
How to improve your drawing by simply changing the way you work.
An easy and simple way to get things in the right place and how to work with tone
Introductory offer: £199.99 usual price £299.00
Includes 1 year access to 1OO'S OF HOURS OF VIDEOS in my Portrait Programme
The program is a "Lesson library" of resources that I keep adding to. There are currently 120 videos.
Over 100 hours of demonstrations where I'll show you how I make portraits. There are also assignments and Challenges.
I also talk about mindset issues such as "Lack of Motivation", "Artists Block", "Fear of failure" and all the other obstacles we put before us, to stop us.
But my ultimate aim is to help you unlock your potential to MAKE GREAT PORTRAITS!
Every Monday at 6pm (London time) I'll draw a portrait and talk about the things that affect the way you make portraits, when I say talk I mean ramble :)
If you want to catch the next one join my FB page or subscribe to me YouTube channel
When I realisedthat creating great portraits is allabout having the right mindset everything changed.
What people say...
You offer us your personal objectives in terms of drawing. So many things you say resonate with me, you've definitely released my inner demons. I feel a lot calmer with my drawings now, even commissions. I'm now waking up at 3am thinking about drawing, not out of panic as before, but eager to begin!! Thankyou Tony
Rabecca
Drawing at arm's length and working on a fairly vertical canvas. I'm noticing it is easier to "tick in" when farther back from the canvas for sure. I am fond of just "drawing what you see" as you say. I have heard this skill downplayed by academics and I have always scratched my head at this. I think being able to draw what you see well is THE skill to have. I love your program and your portrait drawing
Matt
I have to say, after watching Tony draw with both charcoal and oils, I have never been as inspired! If you have the desire to ‘enjoy’ your creating of portraiture and get incredible, accurate art, you should give this program and Tony a try. You will not be disappointed! After just four charcoal portraits, my accuracy and joy have increased tenfold! He teaches in such a way, that I get it; it just clicked for me. I’m so impressed, and cannot recommend him enough.
Donna
Watching my favorite artist, Tony Swaby, as of late-- and just hearing him describe exactly what drawing has become for me has me all excited. I have literally prayed to become better at drawing and to continue to find this joy and escape in it. I have no doubt I was led to find this Tony as a *specific* answer to a prayer in this particular endeavor of mine.
Kristina
I think the philosophy that you are putting across is superb.. You are showing people what you do.. And allowing them to do what they do.. Which is great.. I love the fact you're not teaching people to draw like you... I think that's important...
