Dzimirsky Realism Art Master Academy
The Dzimirsky Drawing Method
Create Your Own Artworks
Dzimirsky Drawing Method: The Core Techniques
What you learn in this class:
1 Shading->2 Blending->3 Details
1 Base Tones->2 Light and Shadow->3 Details
At the foundation of the Dzimirsky drawing method are the fundamental drawing techniques. To familiarize students with the tools and to teach eye-hand coordination, the first drawing class is dedicated to these basic techniques.
The technique portion is divided into three parts: shading, blending, and finally, details and texture. This follows the sculptural approach of establishing base tones, forms, and then details/texture.
To ensure students can fully concentrate on these concepts and techniques, simple objects are used instead of jumping straight into portraits. Portraits introduce numerous new concepts such as proportion, more complex forms, and differing texture areas, which could divert focus from mastering the techniques.
In the first part of this class, students are introduced to a limited set of tools employed in this method, with a focus solely on the shading aspect. This segment ensures students master this step before progressing further. To practice the neutral shading approach, there are various assignments provided for students to draw.
The second part introduces blending and the tools required for it, detailing how to create smooth gradients and forms, which are the core of any realistic drawing. The drawing lessons in this segment focus on the sculpting aspect, concentrating on light and shadow without delving into details or texture yet.
In the final part, students learn the concepts and techniques necessary for drawing details. The assignments in this segment demonstrate the sculptural approach, which students will then apply in all other drawings.
Dzimirsky Drawing Method: Choosing the Right Photo: The Foundation of a Great Drawing
A great photo is the first step—arguably the most crucial step—in creating a successful drawing.
Yet this stage is often underestimated, especially by beginners. Many treat the reference photo as a minor detail, when in reality it lays the groundwork for everything that follows.
There’s also a common misconception: A great photo automatically leads to a great drawing. That’s simply not true.
A photo that works beautifully on its own does not necessarily meet the requirements of a successful drawing. For drawing, we need:
* Clear and readable light and shadow
* No omitted information (we decide ourselves what to include)
* No photographic effects
* Minimal distortion or digital over-editing
So that we can use the photo as a tool— not a limitation.
This Is Where We Support You
In this course, we guide you through this essential preparation stage. We help ensure that the reference you are working from gives you the best possible foundation for achieving a strong, convincing, and professional result.
Let’s say you have a family photo, a holiday snapshot, or a commissioned portrait — but you’re unsure if the image is suitable for graphite or charcoal.
Simply send us your photo.
First, we’ll give you our honest professional opinion. If needed, we’ll edit the image for you — adjusting distortions, improving tones and contrast, refining tonal values, and strengthening the composition. This is also a great learning experience, as you will start to see photos from a drawing artist's perspective and learn what to look for in a photo.
Our goal is to prepare the image so it perfectly supports your drawing vision and chosen material.
You’ll receive optimized reference files — sometimes multiple versions — ready for you to print and work with. This alone makes the entire drawing process clearer and more focused.
Dzimirsky Drawing Method: Studies
Before starting your final drawing, we highly recommend creating one or more studies of challenging areas.
This step is a real game changer.
A full drawing can take weeks, depending on your level and available time. A study, however, might take one or two days - sometimes even just an hour. A study is not meant to be a finished artwork. Its purpose is to help you understand difficult areas, textures, or forms, and to become familiar with parts that you do not yet have much experience with before committing them to your final piece.
Trying to solve technical challenges in the middle of a full-scale drawing - after investing weeks of effort - can be stressful and even a motivation killer! Studies remove that pressure!
Studies Checklist
- Draw your study on the same type of paper and in the same size as your intended final drawing.
- You do not need to complete the entire image - focus only on the areas you need to explore or understand better.
- You may draw each section in the study first and then execute it in the final piece, repeating this process step by step.
- If at any point during the drawing process you need to test something, return to your study and experiment there first.
- Do not treat the study as a polished artwork. It is your playground - a space to experiment freely, make bold attempts, and welcome mistakes, so they don’t happen in your final drawing.
Send us your study or studies, and we’ll review them and give you the green light to move forward.
Dzimirsky Drawing Method: The First Pass
What is a first pass
Dzimirsky Drawing Method: The First Pass
What is a first pass
Dzimirsky Drawing Method: The First Pass
What is a first pass
