How to Draw and Paint: A 14-Day Beginner’s Guide to Art, Part 2
Mackenzie Swenson- In-depth Instruction; over 95 mins
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- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Are you ready to delve into the captivating world of portrait and figure drawing? Join MacKenzie Swenson on Day 7 of our 14-day beginner series, where she explores the rich and psychologically charged realm of depicting human forms in art. Whether it's a loved one, an intriguing stranger, or a figure from your imagination, learning to capture the essence of people is one of the most sought-after skills in art.
In this episode, MacKenzie provides a comprehensive guide on how to approach figure and portrait drawing, considering various methods like working from photos, life, imagination, and even master drawings. Ever wonder how to choose the right approach for your artistic goals? MacKenzie breaks down the benefits and challenges of each, helping you navigate the vast pool of resources available to artists.
She also introduces the concept of copying masterworks, a proven technique to enhance your skills by studying the greats like Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Through detailed examples of her own master copies, MacKenzie shows how different artists use line, value, and color to bring their subjects to life. This approach not only enhances technical skills but also deepens your understanding of artistic expression.
Whether you're a beginner eager to sketch your first portrait or an experienced artist refining your technique, this episode offers invaluable insights into the art of portraying human figures. Why not see how far you can push your creative boundaries by exploring the intersection of art, emotion, and technique with MacKenzie?
Ready to see the world through an artist's eyes? Join us for a journey into the heart of artistic expression, where you'll learn to capture more than just a likeness—you'll learn to capture a soul.
Are you ready to bring the beauty of the outdoors into your art? Join MacKenzie Swenson on Day 7 of our exciting 14-day beginner series as we dive into the world of landscape drawing and painting. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or simply love nature, MacKenzie's insights will guide you through the various approaches to capturing landscapes, from the serene to the sublime.
Today, MacKenzie introduces the foundational techniques of landscape art, including plein air (on location) painting and studio-based creations. She shares her personal experiences and the joys of painting outdoors, where artists like Thomas Moran of the Hudson River School found their inspiration. Whether you’re working with oils, watercolors, or acrylics, there’s a style and technique that will suit your artistic vision.
MacKenzie also explores the concept of ala prima painting, where quick studies are transformed into breathtaking vistas, offering practical tips on how to set up your canvas and select the right materials for outdoor painting. Through examples of her own work, she demonstrates how capturing the "big shapes" and essence of a scene can lead to stunning pieces, whether you’re sketching a sunset or the intricate details of a leaf.
Ready to see how a landscape can transform under your brush? Click to watch MacKenzie’s engaging tutorial and discover how you can start creating your own beautiful landscape artworks today. Whether you’re in the heart of a city or the depths of the woods, let’s bring the beauty of the world onto your canvas!
Are you ready to master the art of still life and floral painting? Join MacKenzie Swenson in today’s enlightening episode of our 14-day beginner series. Dive into the creative and controlled world of still life artworks, where MacKenzie illuminates the immense potential this genre holds for artists. Learn how still life allows for complete command over composition, enabling you to select, arrange, and manipulate elements within your artwork to perfectly match your vision.
In this session, MacKenzie challenges the traditional perceptions of still life—from the typical “fruit in a bowl” to more dynamic and narrative-driven compositions. She shares her personal journey and techniques, demonstrating how still life can transcend simple object arrangements to evoke deep emotions and stories through thoughtful composition and color usage.
Discover the versatility of still life painting, as MacKenzie explains how to treat these compositions like landscapes, bringing a sense of environment and broader context to objects that might otherwise seem mundane. She provides practical tips on how to experiment with scale, perspective, and texture to enhance visual interest and engagement.
Whether you're drawn to the quiet beauty of everyday items or the vibrant allure of floral arrangements, this video offers valuable insights and inspiration. MacKenzie encourages you to explore beyond conventional boundaries and consider elements like decaying flowers or scattered petals to add a unique twist to your creations.
Why settle for the ordinary when you can create something extraordinary? Click to watch and learn how to elevate your still lifes and floral paintings with MacKenzie Swenson. This session is a treasure trove of artistic strategies that will empower you to control the narrative, composition, and, ultimately, the viewer’s perception. Join us now and start transforming the ordinary into captivating works of art!
Are you ready to dive into the captivating world of abstract painting? Join MacKenzie Swenson in today’s segment of the 14 Day Beginner Series, where she unveils the vast possibilities and styles within abstract art. From the orderly geometric to the wildly chaotic, MacKenzie guides us through the spectrum of abstraction, providing vivid examples and insights into the artistic process.
In this episode, MacKenzie challenges the common misconceptions about abstract painting, proving it’s not just about splattering paint à la Jackson Pollock. She explores the structured beauty of Hilma Avklint’s geometric compositions as well as the emotive, textural works of Hannah Lor Baron, illustrating the dynamic range between these styles.
MacKenzie also delves into the practical aspects of creating abstract art, discussing how this genre allows for immense creativity in the use of colors, shapes, and materials. This session is not just about viewing art; it’s about understanding the underlying principles that make abstract painting a profound medium for personal expression.
As you embark on this abstract journey, MacKenzie encourages you to think beyond the canvas, to see abstraction as a method to explore color combinations, composition, and balance without the constraints of representational accuracy. This approach not only enhances your artistic skills but also deepens your appreciation for the nuances of abstract art.
Why not see where abstraction can take you? Click on this video to discover how abstract painting can transform the way you think about art and creativity. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, MacKenzie’s guidance will inspire you to experiment with new techniques and push the boundaries of your artistic practice. Join us now and unleash the potential of abstraction in your own artwork!
Are you ready to discover the fascinating world of dry mediums in art? Join MacKenzie Swenson in today’s installment of the 14 Day Beginner Series, where she dives into the essentials of drawing with dry mediums like pencils, charcoal, and pastels. Whether you’re sketching your first lines or seeking to refine your technique, MacKenzie's insights will guide you through the diverse tools and materials that make drawing so compelling.
In this episode, MacKenzie explores the spectrum of dry mediums, from the soft smudges of charcoal to the vivid strokes of oil pastels, and even ventures into the realms of pen and ink and markers. She clarifies common misconceptions about these tools, grouping them by their usage and characteristics rather than strictly by their wet or dry natures.
MacKenzie shares her personal toolkit, revealing her favorites and providing tips on how to use each medium effectively. From achieving the delicate details with a finely sharpened pencil to mastering the bold dynamics of charcoal, her practical advice is perfect for artists at any level.
But what sets this session apart? MacKenzie’s approachable teaching style turns the exploration of dry mediums into an adventure. She encourages you to manipulate these tools to discover your unique style, blending traditional techniques with modern creativity.
So, why not take this opportunity to unleash your artistic potential? Click on the video to learn how to harness the power of dry mediums to transform blank pages into expressive artworks. Whether you’re revisiting familiar materials or experimenting with new ones, MacKenzie’s guidance is sure to inspire your next artistic endeavor. Join us now and elevate your drawing skills to new heights!
Ready to dive into the colorful world of wet mediums? Join MacKenzie Swenson in today’s segment of the 14 Day Beginner Series, where she introduces the vibrant and varied landscape of painting! Whether you're a novice eager to pick up a brush for the first time or an experienced artist looking to expand your horizons, MacKenzie’s guide to wet mediums is a treasure trove of artistic possibilities.
MacKenzie explores the essential types of wet mediums, starting with the delicate washes of watercolor that layer like stained glass, to the robust textures of acrylics and the classic richness of oils. She demystifies each medium, offering insights into their unique properties and potential applications. From the translucent depths of ink wash to the opaque layers of gouache, discover how each medium can transform your artistic expression.
But that’s not all! MacKenzie shares her personal tips and tricks for blending mediums like watercolor with white gouache to achieve a full range of values, enhancing the depth and intensity of your work. She also discusses her experiences with different brands and types of acrylic and oil paints, helping you make informed choices about the materials you use.
Are you curious about how these mediums can elevate your art? Click on the video to learn from MacKenzie’s rich experience and practical advice. Discover how to harness the power of wet mediums to create art that’s not only visually stunning but also deeply personal. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enrich your artistic practice with MacKenzie's expert guidance. Tune in now and start your journey into the wonderful world of painting today!
Looking for the ultimate inspiration to bring all your artistic skills together? Join MacKenzie Swenson in the grand finale of her 14 Day Beginner Series, where she reveals the intricate process behind creating a final piece of art! Curious to see how everything from sketching to color studies culminates in a cohesive masterpiece? This is the perfect episode for you.
MacKenzie gives you a behind-the-scenes look at a painting she’s been crafting—one that hasn’t even been completed yet! She shares her journey, starting with rough sketches and moving through detailed preparatory drawings, studies, and color trials. Along the way, you’ll discover how each of the techniques and tools covered over the last two weeks come into play.
From her use of toned paper and white chalk to ink washes and gouache, MacKenzie showcases the versatility of combining mediums to build a strong foundation. You’ll learn about her innovative approach to composition—where she uses individual figure studies, transfers, and even a “paper doll” method to map out the layout of her painting.
Ever wondered how professional artists experiment with color and design before diving into the final work? Mackenzie demonstrates her process of creating a color study, fine-tuning value contrasts, and balancing chroma to lead the viewer’s eye seamlessly across the piece. It's a fascinating glimpse into the meticulous yet playful world of professional art creation.
Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned artist seeking inspiration, this video is packed with insights to help you refine your creative process. What better way to celebrate two weeks of learning than by seeing it all come together? Click to watch and let MacKenzie inspire your next masterpiece!
Are you ready to unleash your creativity and master the art of painting and drawing? Join MacKenzie Swenson in her 14-Day Beginner Series, designed to guide newcomers and seasoned artists alike through the vibrant world of artistic mediums and techniques. Over two transformative weeks, MacKenzie delves deep into both dry and wet mediums, offering rich insights into each tool's properties and practical applications.
From the fluid grace of watercolor to the rich textures of oil paints and the subtle nuances of charcoal and pencils, each session is meticulously crafted to enhance your understanding and appreciation of different artistic tools. MacKenzie's warm and approachable teaching style makes complex concepts accessible, encouraging you to experiment and explore.
The series starts with fundamental drawing tools and principles, progressively tackling more complex subjects like figure drawing, landscape, and abstract art. MacKenzie doesn't just teach the techniques; she actively demonstrates how to blend, layer, and create with each medium, ensuring you gain hands-on experience.
A unique aspect of this series is its structure, which mirrors the stages of creating an actual artwork. From preliminary sketches to detailed plans for color and composition, MacKenzie unveils the step-by-step process behind crafting a final piece. The climax of the series is a real-time demonstration where all the elements learned are synthesized into the creation of a complete artwork.
Whether you aim to grasp the basics or refine your existing skills, MacKenzie’s 14-Day Beginner Series is a treasure trove of artistic wisdom and inspiration. Are you ready to transform your approach to art and see where these two weeks can take you? Dive in with MacKenzie and let your artistic journey begin!
Mackenzie Swenson
Mackenzie Swenson is a Wisconsin native and New York–based artist trained in the classical atelier tradition. After graduating from The Atelier in Minneapolis in 2014, she completed four years of intensive study at the Grand Central Atelier in New York, graduating in 2018. Mackenzie has exhibited nationwide and received numerous honors, including the Hudson River Fellowship (2015), La Napoule Art Foundation Fellowship (2017), and multiple Art Renewal Center Scholarships, alongside awards from the Alice M. Stolpe Foundation, the Grand Central Atelier, and the Morris and Alma Shapiro Fund.
Bonus materials available after purchase
