My Experience in Drawing 1: Form and Space

Written by:  Josh Same, Motion Media

I am a man that comes from various different backgrounds as I was born in the Philippines, raised in London, England and am now studying at SCAD Atlanta.  In all my adventures all around the world, the one thing that I have never been good at is fine art before I took Drawing 100.

For years I have intensely worked hard at Motion Media Design, (which is basically graphic design in motion); however, as far as drawing went, I was stuck with hardly more than stick figures.  I thought, “Oh boy, this drawing class is going to be a huge challenge that will probably remind me of how horrible I am at drawing.” However, what I discovered was quite the opposite!

SCAD Student Drawing a Still Life

Although I had no experience at drawing, I found the whole course to be a very enlightening journey that although it was very difficult, I had more fun learning in this class than any other class. I was immediately surprised that it’s not about how good you are, it’s about how much you want to learn.  I realized that if I put my mind to it, gave it my best, and kept an open mind that this was going to be a wonderful adventure. My drawing teacher named Meg Aubrey was a wonderful teacher. Professor Aubrey, with elegance and grace, pushed my drawing limits to the maximum.  However, I would be lying to you if I said it was all easy… I spent most nights and days consumed with a project at times, and that can be hard if you are not getting much sleep.  But the rewards far outweighed the difficulties!  At the end of the quarter, a few weeks before finals I had a bit of a revelation… it wasn’t about pleasing the professor or anyone else around me, however at the end of the day what made me get good grade and learn the most was a few very simple word… focus, work hard, have fun.

My focus was on point with the aid of my iPod and my crazy yet creative mind, the working hard part you have to learn very quickly at SCAD.  However, the having fun part I had for some reason forgotten about!  “How did that happen” I wondered?  Perhaps the focusing and working hard part sometimes made me forget that having fun was just as important of a part as the rest.  Once I embraced that fact my life was made so much easier!  My drawing class was a blast, and my final project brought my grade up to an A!  What a wonderful journey I embarked on, just by walking through the doors of SCAD with an open mind and learning spirit. Believe it or not the best part is… the adventure has just begun!

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  DRAWING I: FORM AND SPACE

Students learn basic skills and techniques for drawing from direct observation using subjects such as still life, landscape and architecture. The depiction of form, light and spatial depth is emphasized along with accurate proportion and scale. Research tools such as thumbnail sketches, quick studies, sketchbooks and digital resources are used to develop ideas. Analysis of drawings, critiques and classroom discussions build vocabulary and enrich the students’ understanding of drawing.

Did you know Drawing is offered as a SCAD minor? To view other foundation studies courses at the Savannah College of Art and Design, please visit our website.