COURSE GUIDE

Welcome to New Masters Academy (NMA)! This Course Guide was designed to help Notes: Modules can be completed
you find the right course for your educational needs. You can choose to either follow more quickly or slowly, depending
our recommended Learning Tracks, or if you would like to choose your own path, see on your availability and needs. If you
the “Courses By Subject” page below, which lists our courses by subject. Each subject is worked full time (40 hours per week),
ordered from beginner to advanced. you would cut your time down by 3/4. If
you could only commit two (2) hours
NMA currently offers seven (7) Learning Tracks. Each track guides you through a per week, the modules would take
specialized education in a specific art field, representing roughly 3-4 academic years. five (5) times as long to complete.
Tracks are made up of modules, each representing one (1) academic year and consisting
of up to three (3) terms. On average, there are 8-12 weeks per term, each representing
up to ten (10) hours of weekly video lessons and assignments.

The first core module we recommend all NMA students to take is Drawing Foundations.

START HERE DR AWING FOUNDATIONS

PORTRAIT FIGURE ENTERTAINMENT LANDSCAPE 3D CHARACTER

TRACKS ILLUSTRATION SCULPTURE
PAINTING PAINTING DESIGN PAINTING ART

MODULES 1. Portrait 1. Figure 1. Entertainment 1. Painting 1. Painting 1. Sculpture I 1. 3D Character

Drawing Drawing I Design I Foundations Foundations 3 Terms Art I
3 Terms 3 Terms 3 Terms 3 Terms 3 Terms 3 Terms
2. Sculpture II
2. Painting 2. Painting 2. Entertainment 2. Landscape 2. Illustration I 2 Terms 2. 3D Character
Foundations Foundations Design II Painting 3 Terms Art II
3 Terms 3 Terms 3 Terms 3 Terms 3. Sculpture III 2 Terms
3. Illustration II 2 Terms
3. Portrait 3. Figure & 3. Entertainment 3 Terms
Painting Costume Design III 4. Sculpture IV
3 Terms Drawing II 3 Terms 1 Term
3 Terms

4. Figure
Painting
2 Terms

Pending Future Tracks:

Animals - Wildlife Art, Comics - Sequential Art, and Animation.

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COURSES BY SUBJECT
The NMA library consists of a wide range of unique courses. We’ve gathered the world’s top artists from different creative fields to
provide you with a complete learning experience. The following is a list of all our courses arranged by subject and difficulty level.

ANATOMY: PAINTING: ENTERTAINMENT ARTS:

☐  Art Anatomy for Beginners ☐  Oil Painting for Beginners ☐  Introduction to Photoshop
☐  Anatomy of the Head and Neck ☐  An Introduction to Painting ☐  Classic Illustration Crash Course
☐  Anatomy of the Figure ☐  Oil Painting Atelier ☐  How to Draw the Costumed / Draped Figure
☐  How to Draw Hands ☐  Watercolor/Gouache Sketchbook ☐  Introduction to Animal Anatomy
☐  Intermediate Art Anatomy ☐  Outdoor Landscape Painting Quickstart ☐  Head Drawing for Entertainment Arts
☐  Complete Human Anatomy for Artists ☐  Watercolor Sketching on Location ☐  The Frank Reilly Illustration Drawing Method
☐  Portrait Painting for Beginners ☐  How to Design Movie Posters
☐  Sight-Size Portrait Painting ☐  How to Design Creatures
DR AWING: ☐  Contemporary Realism in Oils ☐  Creature Maquette Sculpting for
☐  Beginner’s Guide to Drawing ☐  The Portrait in Watercolor Entertainment
☐  Stress-Free Sketching ☐  Pastel Painting Atelier
☐  Fundamentals of Observational Drawing ☐  From Paper to Canvas
☐  Introduction to the Figure ☐  Painting Interiors in Oil ART THEORY:
☐  The Spirit of the Pose ☐  Introduction to Landscape Painting ☐  Color Theory Bootcamp
☐  Drapery: The Russian Approach ☐  Designing Your Landscape Painting ☐  Composition for Visual Artists
☐  Plaster Cast Drawing: The Russian Approach ☐  The John Asaro Approach to Oil Painting ☐  Drawing Lessons from Art History
☐  An Overview of Rendering Techniques ☐  Elements of Traditional Composition
☐  Dynamic Gesture Drawing ☐  Finding Your Voice as an Artist
☐  Renaissance Head Drawing SCULPTING: ☐  Visual Storytelling
☐  Constructive Head Drawing ☐  A Beginner’s Guide to Modeling in Clay ☐  Creative Composition
☐  Constructive Figure Drawing ☐  The Sculptor’s Funeral
☐  Drawing the Portrait in the Russian Style ☐  Clay Modeling in the American Western PERSPECTIVE:
☐  Figure Drawing in the Russian Style Tradition ☐  Stress-Free Perspective Sketching
☐  Advanced Dynamic Gesture Drawing ☐  Modeling the Portrait in Clay for Beginners ☐  Perspective Crash Course
☐  Complete Sight-Size Drawing Course ☐  An Observational Approach to the Portrait ☐  Linear Perspective Master Course
in Clay
☐  Build Your Own Anatomy Figure
☐  The Dynamic Écorché in Clay
☐  The Dynamic Anatomy Figure in Clay
☐  Drawing in Space
☐  An Observational Approach to the Figure
in Clay
☐  An Introduction to Mold Making for
Sculptors

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MY SCHEDULE
Staying organized and committing to a clear learning schedule will help you reach your artistic goals quicker. Print this sheet and
track your weekly learning tasks. Keep track of which course and lesson you are working on under the appropriate weekday, and
write down that day’s assignments under the “To Do” section.

This Week's Courses This Week's Focus Notes

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THURSDAY To Do ☐ 
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FRIDAY To Do ☐ 
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TR ACK
BREAKDOWN
DR AWING FOUNDATIONS MODULE Term 1
Materials, Setup, and Drawing Basics
This is our core beginning module. It is intended for all students, 1. A Beginner’s Guide to Drawing
including fine artists, illustrators, animators, and designers. 17h 15m 5s
You will learn about the basics of drawing materials, setup,
mark-making, measuring, constructing, form, value, gesture, Check Point: Choose One
sketching, composition, and perspective. 2A. Introduction to Materials (Traditional)
7h 42m 48s

2B. Introduction to Photoshop (Digital)

19h 13m 23s

Check Point: Choose One

3A. Fundamentals of Observational Drawing
11h 13s

3B. Stress-Free Sketching

9h 24m 15s

Term 2
Perspective and Composition
Check Point: Choose One
1A. Perspective Crash Course
7h 10m 51s

1B. Stress-Free Perspective Sketching

6h 2m 17s

Check Point: Choose One

2A. Elements of Traditional Composition
15h 31m

2B. Composition for Visual Artists

31h 19m 9s

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Term 3
Accuracy and Rendering
Check Point: Choose One
1A. Plaster Cast Drawing: The Russian Approach
15h 21m

1B. Drapery: The Russian Approach

14h 28m

1C. Complete Sight-Size Drawing Course

(Part 1 – Lessons 1, 2, 3, & 5)
47h 26m

2. Finding Your Voice as an Artist

8h 28m

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PORTRAIT PAINTING TR ACK

PORTR AIT DRAWING MODULE Term 1

Level 2 Lay-in and Construction
1. Constructive Head Drawing
This module is for artists who want to focus on drawing the (Part 1 – Lessons 1-6)
head, especially those looking to move on to Portrait Painting. 29h 55s
You will learn different approaches for constructing the head
and features, the anatomy of the head and neck, and a variety Check Point: Choose One
of techniques for rendering or resolving your drawings. 2A. Renaissance Head Drawing
30h 28m 14s

2B. Head Drawing for Entertainment Arts

20h 27m 58s

Term 2
Advanced Concepts and Anatomy
1. Constructive Head Drawing
(Part 2 – Lessons 7+)
29h 55s

2. Anatomy of Head and Neck

11h 27m 44s

Term 3
Refining and Rendering
1. An Overview of Rendering Techniques
7h 55m 40s

Check Point: Choose One

2A. Drawing the Portrait in the Russian Style
8h 35m 32s

2B. Complete Sight-Size Drawing Course

(Part 2 – Lesson 6)
29h 55s

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PAINTING FOUNDATIONS MODULE Term 1

Level 2 Introduction and Process
1. Oil Painting for Beginners
This module is crucial for artists who are looking to move on 42h 32m 34s
to figure painting, portrait painting, or landscape painting. You
will be introduced to several painting media such as oil paints, Check Point: Choose One
watercolor, and acrylics. You will learn more about perspective, 2A. An Introduction to Painting with Steve Huston
painting environment, and color theory. 26h 37m 19s

2B. Oil Painting Atelier

10h 12m 3s

Term 2
Sketching or Still Life
Check Point: Choose One
1A. Watercolor Sketching on Location
8h 8m 7s

1B. Watercolor Gouache Sketchbook

15h 19m 30s

Term 3
Painting Theory
1. Classic Illustration Crash Course
18h 29m 51s

2. Color Theory Bootcamp

39h 6m 41s

PORTR AIT PAINTING MODULE Term 1

Level 3 Process and Inspiration
1. Portrait Painting for Beginners
This module is for traditional artists who want to pursue Portrait 43h 6m 24s
Painting as their focus of study. You will learn to construct the
human head using different media such as oil paints, pastel,
or watercolor. You will also be introduced to the Sight-Size
technique for painting the portrait.

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Term 2
Technique and Media
1. Contemporary Realism in Oils
(Lessons 1 & 2)
18h 43m 32s

Check Point: Choose One

2A. Pastel Painting Atelier
16h 36m 33s

2B. The Portrait in Watercolor

9h 21m 40s

Term 3
Painting Development
1. Sight-Size Portrait Painting
24h 8m 4s

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FIGURE PAINTING TR ACK

FIGURE DR AWING I MODULE Term 1

Level 2 Construction and Gesture
1. Constructive Figure Drawing
This module is for artists who are looking to pursue the (Part 1 – Lessons 1-3)
figure as their primary area of study. This module is also for 44h 18m 22s
illustrators and other narrative artists who want to improve their
understanding of the figure for design. Check Point: Choose One
2A. Dynamic Gesture Drawing
38h 32m 1s

2B. The Spirit of the Pose

35h 47m 45s

Term 2
Anatomy and Value
Check Point: Choose One
1A. Art Anatomy for Beginners
11h 25m 42s

1B. Intermediate Art Anatomy

6h 22m 52s

2. Constructive Figure Drawing

(Part 2 – Lessons 5-13)
44h 18m 22s

Term 3
Refining and Rendering
1. Constructive Figure Drawing
(Lesson 4)
44h 18m 22s

2. An Overview of Rendering Techniques

7h 55m 40s

3. From Paper to Canvas

(Part 1 – Lessons 1-5)
18h 35m 3s

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PAINTING FOUNDATIONS MODULE Term 1

Level 2 Introduction and Process
1. Oil Painting for Beginners
This module is crucial for artists who are looking to move on 42h 32m 34s
to figure painting, portrait painting, or landscape painting. You
will be introduced to several painting media such as oil paints, Check Point: Choose One
watercolor, and acrylics. You will learn more about perspective, 2A. An Introduction to Painting with Steve Huston
painting environment, and color theory. 26h 37m 19s

2B. Oil Painting Atelier

10h 12m 3s

Term 2
Sketching or Still Life
Check Point: Choose One
1A. Watercolor Sketching on Location
8h 8m 7s

1B. Watercolor Gouache Sketchbook

15h 19m 30s

Term 3
Painting Theory
1. Classic Illustration Crash Course
18h 29m 51s

2. Color Theory Bootcamp

39h 6m 41s

FIGURE AND COSTUME DR AWING II Term 1

MODULE Costume and Inspiration
Level 3 1. Drawing Lessons from Art History
17h 8m 53s
This drawing module is for traditional artists who are looking to
move on to Figure Painting. Here, you will learn how to drape 2. How to Draw the Costumed/Draped Figure
the figure, study advanced anatomy, and explore other figure 34h 9m 7s
drawing methods such as the Russian style and the Sight-Size
technique.

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Term 2
Advanced Anatomy
1. Complete Human Anatomy for Artists
17h 2m 47s

Check Point: Choose One

2A. Anatomy of the Figure
15h 35m 31s

2B. Build Your Own Anatomy Figure

13h 51m 53s

Term 3
Drawing Development
Check Point: Choose One
1A. Figure Drawing in the Russian Style
20h 58m 50s

1B. Complete Sight-Size Drawing Course

(Part 3 – Lessons 4, 7, 8, & 9)
47h 25m 32s

1C. Advanced Dynamic Gesture Drawing

12h 55m 25s

FIGURE PAINTING MODULE Term 1

Level 3 Basic Process
1. From Paper to Canvas
This module is for traditional artists who want to pursue Figure (Part 2 – Lesson 6-10)
Painting as their focus of study. You will get an overview of 18h 35m 3s
oil painting and learn to construct the figure using different
approaches. Term 2
Painting Technique
Check Point: Choose One
1A. Contemporary Realism in Oils
18h 43m 32s

1B. The John Asaro Approach to Oil Painting

5h 3m 13s

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ENTERTAINMENT DESIGN TRACK

ENTERTAINMENT DESIGN I MODULE Term 1

Level 2 Perspective and Visual Library
1. Linear Perspective Master Course
This module is for artists who want to develop their drawing (Part 1 – Lessons 1-7)
and designing skills for visual development, animation design, 111h 6m 20s
and concept art. You will expand your visual library, master the
foundations of advanced linear perspective, and continue to 2. Watercolor Sketching on Location
improve your skills in figure and costume drawing. (Lessons 1 & 2)
8h 8m 7s

Term 2
Perspective and Visual Library II
1. Linear Perspective Master Course
(Part 2 – Lessons 8-13)
111h 6m 20s

2. How to Draw Animals

21h 48m 55s

Check Point: Choose One

3A. Constructive Figure Drawing
44h 18m 22s

3B. The Frank Reilly Illustration Drawing Method

(Lessons 7-16)
42h 4m 45s

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Term 3
Advanced Perspective, Entertainment Drawing, and
Design
1. Linear Perspective Master Course
(Part 3 – Lessons 14-21)
111h 6m 20s

2. Outdoor Landscape Painting QuickStart

2h 16m 8s

3. Landscape Drawing Crash Course

5h 56m 32s

Check Point: Choose One

4A. How to Draw the Costumed / Draped Figure
(Lessons 1-10)
34h 9m 7s

4B. How to Draw the Costumed / Draped Figure

(Lessons 11-19)
34h 9m 7s

ENTERTAINMENT DESIGN II MODULE Term 1

Level 3 Introduction to Anatomy
1. Art Anatomy for Beginners
This module is for intermediate artists who want to strengthen 11h 25m 42
their drawing and painting for a visual development or concept
art portfolio. You will study the human and animal anatomy then Check Point: Choose One
learn to paint the portrait and figure. 2A. Head Drawing for Entertainment Arts
(Lessons 1-3)
20h 27m 58s

2B. Head Drawing for Entertainment Arts

(Lessons 4-6)
20h 27m 58s

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Term 2
Advanced Anatomy
1. Complete Human Anatomy for Artists
17h 2m 47s

2. Introduction to Animal Anatomy

9h 3m 15s

Term 3
Intro to Painting
Check Point: Choose One
1A. Oil Painting for Beginners
42h 32m 34s

1B. An Introduction to Painting with Steve Huston

26h 37m 19s

2. From Paper to Canvas

18h 35m 3s

3. Portrait Painting for Beginners

43h 6m 24s

ENTERTAINMENT DESIGN III MODULE Term 1

Level 4 Painting Technique and Color Theory
1. Watercolor Gouache Sketchbook
This module is for advanced artists interested in refining 15h 19m 30s
drawing and painting skills while creating a visual development,
animation design, or concept art portfolio. You will develop your 2. Color Theory Bootcamp
ability to research, ideate, and execute designs from a project 39h 6m 41s
brief.
Term 2
Environment Design & Painting
Check Point: Choose One
1A. Designing Your Landscape Painting
35h 41m 12s

1B. Painting Interiors in Oil

10h 42m 16s

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2. Classic Illustration Crash Course

18h 29m 51s

Term 3 - Design
Check Point: Choose One
1. How to Design Movie Posters
19h 39m 30s

2. How to Design Creatures

9h 9m 40s

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LANDSCAPE PAINTING TR ACK

PAINTING FOUNDATIONS MODULE Term 1

Level 2 Introduction and Process
1. Oil Painting for Beginners
This module is crucial for artists who are looking to move on 42h 32m 34s
to figure painting, portrait painting, or landscape painting. You
will be introduced to several painting media such as oil paints, Check Point: Choose One
watercolor, and acrylics. You will learn more about perspective, 2A. An Introduction to Painting with Steve Huston
painting environment, and color theory. 26h 37m 19s

2B. Oil Painting Atelier

10h 12m 3s

Term 2
Sketching or Still Life
Check Point: Choose One
1A. Watercolor Sketching on Location
8h 8m 7s

1B. Watercolor Gouache Sketchbook

15h 19m 30s

Term 3
Painting Theory
1. Classic Illustration Crash Course
18h 29m 51s

2. Color Theory Bootcamp

39h 6m 41s

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LANDSCAPE PAINTING MODULE Term 1

Level 3 Design and Sketching
1. Outdoor Landscape Painting Quickstart
This module is for traditional artists who want to pursue 2h 16m 8s
Landscape Painting as their focus of study. You will learn to
create quick painting sketches of the landscape, explore the 2. Landscape Drawing Crash Course
important painting theories and painting process while working 5h 56m 32s
on location. Lastly, you will focus on the design element of your
landscape painting. 3. Watercolor Sketching on Location
(Lessons 1 & 2)
8h 8m 7s

Term 2
Theory and Process
1. Introduction to Landscape Painting
50 hours

Term 3
Advanced Design
1. Designing Your Landscape Painting
35h 41m 12s

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ILLUSTRATION TR ACK

PAINTING FOUNDATIONS MODULE Term 1

Level 2 Introduction and Process
1. Oil Painting for Beginners
This module is crucial for artists who are looking to move on 42h 32m 34s
to figure painting, portrait painting, or landscape painting. You
will be introduced to several painting media such as oil paints, Check Point: Choose One
watercolor, and acrylics. You will learn more about perspective, 2A. An Introduction to Painting with Steve Huston
painting environment, and color theory. 26h 37m 19s

2B. Oil Painting Atelier

10h 12m 3s

Term 2
Sketching or Still Life
Check Point: Choose One
1A. Watercolor Sketching on Location
8h 8m 7s

1B. Watercolor Gouache Sketchbook

15h 19m 30s

Term 3
Painting Theory
1. Classic Illustration Crash Course
18h 29m 51s

2. Color Theory Bootcamp

39h 6m 41s

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ILLUSTR ATION I MODULE Term 1

Level 3 Figure Drawing
1. The Frank Reilly Illustration Drawing Method
This module is for artists who are looking for a traditional 42h 4m 45s
approach to illustration. You will learn how to draw and paint in
the manner of the great American illustrators. You will learn the 2. How to Draw the Costumed / Draped Figure
ideologies of proper techniques that have been passed down 34h 9m 7s
from these masters.
Term 2
Painting
1. From Paper to Canvas
(Part 2 – Lessons 6-10)
18h 35m 3s

2. Portrait Painting for Beginners

43h 6m 24s

Term 3
Painting II
1. The Portrait in Watercolor
9h 21m 40s

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ILLUSTR ATION II MODULE Term 1

Level 4 Drawing Animals
1. Introduction to Animal Anatomy
This module is for artists who want to improve their ability to 9h 3m 15s
create environments in their illustrations. You will learn how to
use some of the same concepts in figure drawing and utilize 2. How to Draw Animals
them to draw animals. Then, you will get an introduction to 21h 48m 55s
how to develop landscapes and continue to build up your
compositions like traditional illustrators. Term 2
Developing Landscapes
1. Landscape Drawing Crash Course
5h 56m 32s

2. Introduction to Landscape Painting

50 hours

Term 3
Graphic Design and Composition
1. How to Design Movie Posters
19h 39m 30s

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SCULPTURE TR ACK

SCULPTURE MODULE I Term 1

Level 2 Modeling Basics and Inspiration
1. A Beginner’s Guide to Modeling in Clay
This module is for professional figure or portrait sculptors, as 13h 58m 28s
well as digital or entertainment modelers that want a stronger
foundation in the traditional arts. This module is also great for 2. The Sculptor’s Funeral
2D artists who want to improve their understanding of form. 52m 35s

3. Dynamic Gesture Drawing

38h 32m 1s

4. Introduction to Animal Anatomy

9h 3m 15s

Term 2
Portrait and Animals Drawing
1. How to Draw Animals
21h 48m 55s

2. Constructive Head Drawing

29h 55s

Term 3
Portrait and Animals Modeling
1. Clay Modeling in the American Western Tradition
29h 21m 30s

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SCULPTURE II MODULE Term 1

Level 3 Portrait Modeling
1. Modeling the Portrait in Clay for Beginners
This module is for intermediate artists interested in refining their 13h 48m 52s
sculpting ability. You will build on your ability to construct the
portrait in three-dimensional space. Then, you will develop a 2. An Observational Approach to the Portrait in Clay
deeper understanding of the anatomy of the figure. 18h 55m 52s

Term 2
3D Anatomy
1. Build Your Own Anatomy Figure
13h 51m 53s

2. The Dynamic Anatomy Figure in Clay

22h 27m 11s

SCULPTURE III MODULE Term 1

Level 3 Figure Modeling
1. Drawing in Space
This module is for advanced artists looking to expand 15h 53m 26s
their ability to sculpt the figure. You will learn the different
approaches to working from life with the model. Then, you Term 2
will gain the knowledge needed to bring your sculptures to a Advanced Figure Modeling
resolve. 1. An Observational Approach to the Figure in Clay
24h 54m 51s

SCULPTURE IV MODULE Term 1

Level 4 Mold Making + Enlarging
1. An Introduction to Silicone Mold Making for Sculptors
This module is for artists that want to take the next step with 11h 34m 54s
their sculptures by making molds for casting. You will learn
the techniques and tools required to take your sculptures to a
permanent state.

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3D CHARACTER ART TR ACK

3D CHARACTER ART I MODULE Term 1

Level 2 (alpha) Modeling Basics
1. A Beginner’s Guide to Modeling in Clay
This module is for artists that want to get started in three- 13h 58m 28s
dimensional character art. You will learn the traditions of
sculpting with clay, develop an understanding of working in Term 2
space, and gain the skill set for traditional sculpture work. Head and Animals
1. Clay Modeling in the American Western Tradition
29h 21m 30s

Term 3
Figure and Head
1. An Observational Approach to the Portrait in Clay
18h 55m 52s

2. An Observational Approach to the Figure in Clay

24h 54m 51s

3D CHARACTER ART II MODULE Term 1

Level 2 (alpha) Anatomy
1. Build Your Own Anatomy Model
This module is for intermediate artists who want to work with 13h 51m 53s
three-dimensional character design. You will learn the anatomy
of the figure with clay. You will then take all your traditional skills 2. The Dynamic Anatomy Figure in Clay
and apply that to creature designs and maquette making for the 22h 27m 11s
entertainment industry.
Term 2
Creature Design
1. How to Design Creatures
9h 9m 40s

2. Creature Maquette Sculpting for Entertainment

11h 46m 15s

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