Who I am
My name is Leni Smoragdova, the author and instructor of the drawing and creative thinking course “I Will Teach You to Draw and Think Like an Artist”.
Education:
- Central Saint Martins, MA Fine Art.
- Bang Bang Education, Artist-Illustrator.
- Ural State University, Sociologist-Pedagogue.
Experience:
👉 Over 700 students in 6 years of teaching. My methodology is suitable for adults, children, people with impaired fine motor skills, and even seniors up to 100 years old.
👉 A professional artist who created the Transaction Art Universe.
Well-known for art projects like “Inglourious Basterds: Warm Bus Stops” in Yekaterinburg and “Figures Collection: Different Versions, ” which gained recognition in Europe and the UK. Worked in Madonna’s team.
Mission: “To annoy people with art” 😝
A Different Perspective on Learning to Draw
Drawing doesn’t have to be intimidating or tedious. Here’s a fresh approach to help you enjoy the process and unlock your creativity:
1. Contemporary Art is Enjoyable
- Break the Myth: Contemporary art isn’t painful or pretentious—it’s fun and liberating.
- Talk About Art: Discuss avant-garde art with love and classical art with humor.
2. Learning to Draw is Easier Than You Think
- Start Simple: Drawing is a skill anyone can develop with practice and patience.
- Embrace Mistakes: Imperfections are part of the creative process.
3. Classical Drawing is About Following Instructions
- Learn the Basics: Classical drawing teaches you to observe and replicate with precision.
- Build a Foundation: Mastering these skills gives you the tools to experiment and innovate.
4. Graphic Art is Built on Three Elements
- Line, Texture, and Color: These are the building blocks of graphic art.
- Endless Possibilities: Once you understand these elements, you can combine them in infinite ways to create unique works.
5. Diagnose Drawing Problems
If your drawing “falls apart, ” check these three fundamentals:
- Geometry: Are the shapes accurate?
- Perspective: Does the drawing have depth and dimension?
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Proportions: Are the sizes and relationships between elements correct?
Even self-taught artists and those with formal training often struggle with these basics.
6. Learn to Draw in 20 Hours
- Challenge Accepted: I’ll teach you to draw in just 20 hours!
- First Results: See noticeable improvement within the first 45 minutes of your lesson.
