Category: Painting Techniques

The publisher’s website promises the following: “Learn to Draw and Paint Like a pro in just 14 days with MyArtPassion Drawing Method. You will soon be able draw or paint anything you want at will”.

Who Will Benefit Most From This Drawing and Painting ebook?

This drawing and painting course is primarily for experienced beginners that are frustrated by a lack of progress. This course is probably not for a rank beginner because it does not begin with basic sketching techniques. Also, it is probably going to be somewhat difficult to follow for children under 10 or 12 years old.

About The Instructor

Darren Chow describes himself as a self taught artist with no formal art education. He spent much of his youth drawing in school when everyone else was making notes. “When I feel bored, I draw. When I feel frustrated about anything, I draw. I just love drawing“.

The Physical Parts

There are no physical parts to this course. Instead it is downloaded as a series of PDF files to your computer from the internet. The ebook files can either be read directly on your computer screen or they can be printed and read from hardcopies.

A Partial List Of The Lessons

Volume One: The main focus of this volume is drawing in monochrome (one color) 96 pages

  Getting Started, Subject Selection, Getting the Tools Ready, Understanding Light, Proportions,How to Draw Quickly and Efficiently, How to Create Exciting and Interesting Drawings, How to Create Moods and Atmosphere, How to draw Hair, Fur and Feathers, How to Draw Portraits and Landscape Drawing.

Volume Two: The main focus of this volume is drawing and painting in color – 109 pg

  Important color concepts, the application of basic drawing techniques in color, key challenges that you’re going to face, examples and illustrations on how to work with each coloring medium, gouache paints, acrylic paint, oil painting and associated health hazards, the reasons why you can or cannot mix certain coloring mediums and six popular painting techniques.

The Bottom Line

Darren Chow is primarily a talented and passionate amateur artist. Unfortunately his lack of formal art education is apparent in many of his own works. His drawings often lack the polish and accurate perspective of true professionals.

The ebook format of this course is not ideal for learning to draw and paint. Video lessons with a companion support book provide a much richer experience that goes well beyond the written word alone. Watching and listening to a master painter is a more complete way to learn such an intensely visual subject.

If this ebook sold for $15 instead of $47 it might be worth it. If you intend to learn from an illustrated book (instead of a video course), there are other books that are far superior for less money. For these reasons I cannot recommend the MyArtPassion Method of Drawing and Painting.

When it comes to life, things can get pretty chaotic. Jobs, school, children, politics, it can all seem like too much sometimes. For all those times you missed hours of sleep and all the times you gave up your weekend to serve others, take a day for yourself. If you want the simpler things in life it’s time to start appreciating the quiet, solemn days. Here is a list of activities to do if you are looking to take a step back from your busy lifestyle.

Start painting out in the back yard. Nature is sometimes the most calm thing around you. Likewise, painting can be the most soothing, and rewarding activity to take part in when you are feeling stressed. What will you need? You want to get different colors of paint, a painting easel, quality paintbrushes, and a painting surface.

Join or form a book club. Literature can really calm one’s sprit. What you will need is a list of books that you’ve always wanted to read, two or more dedicated members, and a specified location to meet once a week. You will also need to set aside time during the week to get your reading done, this is a great way stay in touch with yourself throughout a hectic week.

Start sewing, knitting, or crocheting. This will be both relaxing and rewarding. If you have kids this would be a great way to produce some clothing or outer wear for your family.

Start a new hobby that involves exercise. It’s time to start something new such as yoga, nature walks, or pilates. You can join a class and learn proper breathing techniques to reduce stress levels. Studies have shown that physical exercise creates a healthier, more productive work week. It gives you the energy boost that you’ve been needing, why not start today?

If want to start finding the simpler things in life, step away from your work life for a while and spend some time with the family. It’s also important to set aside some “you” time and do activities that will help uplift your spirit. Starting a new hobby like painting or sewing could be just the thing you need for an effective weekend. Don’t forget to take naps!