Sketching the Cosmos: A Live Figure Drawing Lesson with Matt

There's a particular joy in watching an artist at work, isn’t there? Not a polished, pristine demonstration, but a live, unfolding process – a little messy, a lot of thought, and brimming with potential. That’s the spirit of Rogue Artists: gathering together, offline, to make something real with our hands. Think of it as a virtual fireside, where the embers are pastels and the moonlight is sketched onto paper.

This week, we’re diving into a replay of Matt’s “Getting Sketchy” live session, where he tackles an astronaut walking on the moon in just 45 minutes. It’s a fantastic demonstration of quick sketching, figure drawing fundamentals, and the playful mixing of media – in this case, PanPastel, pastel pencils, and gouache on a dark blue pastel paper. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by figure drawing, or if you're looking for ways to loosen up your style, this is a lesson to savor.

Matt’s approach is wonderfully accessible. He emphasizes the importance of fun and looseness, encouraging viewers to draw along and embrace the imperfections. As he notes, this isn't about striving for perfection; it’s about the process of creation. The playful nod to The Police's 'Walking on the Moon' adds a unique touch, demonstrating how art can be sparked by unexpected sources – a song, a memory, a feeling.

Ashley, co-hosting the session, highlights the global community that gathers for these live broadcasts – folks from New York, California, Germany, Norway, and beyond, all united by a love of art. It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of shared creative experience, a core tenet of the Rogue Artists ethos.

What can we learn from this session?

• Figure Drawing Fundamentals: Watch how Matt establishes the basic proportions and pose of the astronaut, building from simple shapes to a more refined form.
• Media Mixing: The combination of PanPastel, pastel pencils, and gouache creates a unique texture and depth. Pay attention to how Matt uses each medium to achieve different effects.
• Value & Shading: Notice how Matt uses value (light and dark) to create a sense of form and dimension, especially crucial for depicting the harsh lighting of the lunar landscape.
• Composition: The placement of the astronaut within the frame, and the use of negative space, contribute to the overall impact of the sketch.

For those newer to the Virtual Instructor's resources, Matt mentions a wealth of lessons – thousands, in fact! – available through their membership program. It's a fantastic resource for artists of all levels, offering courses, classes, weekly critiques, and even a curriculum for art teachers. The free trial and money-back guarantee make it easy to explore what they offer.

If you're feeling inspired to create your own lunar landscape, consider experimenting with similar media. Or maybe a Benny or Rocky decorating project inspired by space exploration? The possibilities are endless!

Remember, Rogue Artists isn't about passively consuming content. It's about actively creating, learning, and connecting with fellow artists. Don't just scroll – make.

Ready to join the movement?

• Find an Art Angel near you to guide your practice.
• Book a workshop and dive deeper into your craft.
• List your studio and share your skills with the community.
• Claim a creator profile and showcase your work.
• Decorate a Benny or Rocky and bring some joy to the world!