December 2020 Online Drawing Course Membership Giveaway - The LZM Drawing Method
Enter to win 6 months of my comprehensive online drawing course, featuring video lessons, handouts, a photo library, and more—everything you need to master drawing beyond a college-level class!
Giveaway Dates:
Start: Thursday, December 17, 2020
End: Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at 5 PM CST
To enter, simply fill out the form below. Plus, get access to free drawing tips and updates via email!
Don’t miss out—enter now for your chance to enhance your drawing skills!
For more details, visit LZMstudio.com.
Hovel Pencil Sharpener Giveaway, February 2019
Enter the Hovel Pencil Sharpener Giveaway! Submit your name and email to participate. Stay updated with up to 12 newsletters per year from LZM Studio, LLC. Your email may be shared with the giveaway sponsor, but no spam—unsubscribe anytime!
Graphite Pencil Review: For the Love of the Graphite Pencil
As an artist and educator, I’ve tested a variety of graphite pencils to find the best options for drawing. From budget-friendly brands like Marco Raffine to premium choices like Tombow Mono, I’ve discovered that higher-quality pencils offer smoother textures, better durability, and less breakage. While cheaper pencils may seem like a bargain, they often cause frustration with frequent breakage and rough textures. In this review, I compare popular brands, helping you choose the right pencil for your art—whether you're a beginner or experienced artist.
Minecraft Can Be Good for Your Kid's Drawing Skills
While many parents seek ways to limit screen time, Minecraft can actually help kids develop valuable drawing and design skills. The game’s 3D world-building encourages kids to think in perspective, much like learning two- and three-point perspective in drawing.
One of my students, Carter, used Minecraft to model a modern building after practicing perspective drawing in class. This exercise helped him visualize space, structure, and flow—skills that directly enhance his traditional drawing abilities.
In short, Minecraft fosters creativity, spatial awareness, and problem-solving, all of which contribute to improving drawing skills. Let your kids play, and encourage them to draw their Minecraft creations!
Christmas in July?
Looking for a unique Christmas gift idea? Last December, a client asked me to draw a picture of their daughter's house as a special holiday gift. I completed the artwork in just two weeks, balancing it with my regular lessons. Below, you'll find 4 stages of my drawing process. If you're thinking ahead for this holiday season, now is the perfect time to get started! Don’t wait until December—planning early ensures I can create something magical for someone you love. Contact me today to get your personalized gift underway!
Sophisticated Graphite Pencil Portraits, for Kids and Adults!
Many believe kids can’t draw as well as adults, but with the right guidance, they can! Children like Ellie, age 11, can create impressive portraits with time and practice. Ellie’s portrait took over five hours to complete, showing how patience and focus help kids develop their skills.
Drawing Tips for Kids:
Spend More Time Drawing – Encourage kids to take their time and observe details. Use a timer to gradually increase drawing time for better results.
Focus on the Face Shape and Features – Pay attention to the spaces between facial features. Shading areas like the nose, cheeks, and forehead adds realism to the portrait.
With practice and persistence, kids can improve their drawing skills and create amazing portraits!
In Memory of Sue
In the studio, trust and vulnerability help students grow and connect. Sue, a former student who recently lost her battle with cancer, embodied quiet strength and grace. Her delicate nature drawings showcased her refined touch and elegant artistry.
I am honored to have shared her journey and witnessed her courage. Rest in peace, Sue—you will be missed.
Special Guest Models!
Last week, Rio, my 6-year-old student, practiced drawing from observation with her dogs, Ellie and Pica. While photographs can be useful, drawing from real-life models helps artists capture details and understand volume and lighting better. Rio's ability to replicate a Chihuahua drawing with minimal guidance shows how powerful drawing from 3D models can be, even for young beginners. This method accelerates skill development and improves accuracy, making it a key technique for any artist!