Drawing- Baby New Year

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

Pertaining to the New Year, I create two designs of Baby New Year discussing shape, proportions and some of the struggles around drawing babies.

Created on a Cintiq

Washington, NC drawing session!

I am in NC for the holidays and my brother-in-law Chris took me to a drawing session he attends that is located in Washington.  Here are some of the drawings from yesterday evening, taken on my IPhone.  I had a great time!  Thanks Alexandra for running the session and to Alexis, the model!  Also, I met Jill,  an instructor at East Carolina University that uses my FORCE books in her drawing class at the college!  It was a pleasure meeting everyone and drawing along side them!

drawing-Andrew S Horses

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

With much practice, Andrew has achieved a high level of expertise when it comes to drawing horses. I examine these drawings, calling out the finer points of design and clarity of line.

Created on a Cintiq

drawing-Lanteyah A Critique- Drawing head structures

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

Lanteyah emailed asking how to prevent portrait drawings from flatness.  This video covers numerous solutions to this challenge. 

Created on a Cintiq

Drawing-On Location 02

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

This challenging subject is discussed in this video in terms of thought process and other tricks that tackle drawing on location.  Shapes and space are some topics covered.  Created on a Cintiq

Drawing FORCE Class starting this January!

Hi Everyone, I am starting a FORCE drawing class in January!  It has been awhile since I have run a drawing class that is open to the public. Quite frankly I have had a difficult time finding the right space and the right time to accomplish this.  Well, I have finally found a great space to run classes!   The class is limited to 15 spots.  If you are interested, please respond to this email.  All the class information is below. Figure Drawing with FORCE! Instructor: Mike Mattesi Mondays, 7-10pm 12 Weeks,   (Jan 9th-March 26th) Location: 254 shoreline hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941 Beginner to advanced students Materials: 18x24 SMOOTH Newsprint, Caran Dache or China marker or 6B-9B lead. 15 student maximum Cost: $550 This classed is based on the popular and inspiring brand of FORCE drawing books written by Michael.  Learn how to see, understand and draw FORCE with the use of line! During the twelve weeks of class we will be drawing from nude models.  Some exciting topics that will be covered in class are: ·      Line, and its meaning to the world of force. ·      How to translate the body’s volumes into dimensional movement. ·      Use lines of force to describe the surface of the figure’s energies.  ·      Shortcuts into the world of space. ·      Perspective, which includes one, two, three and four point perspective. Michael Mattesi has been contributing his skills as a professional production artist on many award-winning projects and has simultaneously been instructing FORCE drawing for the last twenty years. A brief client list includes Pixar, Walt Disney Feature Animation, Walt Disney Consumer Products, Marvel Comics, Hasbro Toys, ABC, Microsoft, Electronic Arts, DreamWorks/PDI, The School of Visual Arts, Peking University, Art Center, Nickelodeon and LeapFrog.  Michael’s students work in all fields of the industry and have themselves gained prestige for their abilities. Michael’s FORCE book series, now published in four languages, have sold thousands of copies and growing.  In May, the third FORCE book, FORCE Animal Drawing was released. Michael lives in northern California with his wife and two daughters.  Visit him at Drawingforce.com and connect with Michael on Facebook.

Mystical Creatures

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

How do you combine human and animal FORCES?  This video discusses solutions to this question using a centaur and Satyr as its subjects!

Drawing- Justin M Critique

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

During this video I PLUS a drawing created by Justin.  I do this with numerous passes of FORCE to bring it to a new level.  Watch as I do this and describe my thought process behind the changes.

 

Drawing- Directing FORCE

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

Using a photo from characterdesign.com, I discuss a process with which to direct FORCE from location to the next in the figure.  Then I break down FORCE into Rhythm into its three elements.

drawing- Little Camel

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

A fun photo from characterdesigns.com inspires a quick line illustration in this video.  I present a more direct representation of the image and an original design while discussing the reasoning behind both.

Drawing- Sensitivity

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

After watching the film BUCK, I realized how important it is for me to share with you the concept of sensitivity.  This act causes one to be more present and in the moment. Presence creates clarity and you need to be clear to have the most fulfilling drawing experience possible. It offers you the ability to think about concepts you may not usually think about.

FORCE in French

Hi Everyone,

I just found out from my publisher, Focal Press that FORCE: Dynamic Life Drawing for Animators and FORCE: Animal drawing have both been translated into French!!!

Drawing- Power Blast

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

Watch as I draw a comic style pose through the process of FORCE, form and shape.  During the drawing process I discuss my thinking and end the video with callouts of the different stages.

Thor doodle

Thor on the mind since the dvd release.  Used to collect Thor when Simonson was illustrating it, the Beta Ray days.  Enjoy!

Drawing with Verbs Preview

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

Drawing with VERBS is an old animator’s trick that could be applied to any artist’s work.  During this video I illustrate some quick poses from my imagination through my FORCE approach.

Perspective Tricks - Preview

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

For most students, perspective is a daunting task.  This video presents numerous, applicable perspective short cuts for your work, from drawing imaginative imagery to drawing from a model.

FORCE Dynamic Figure Drawing, Graphite on Archival White Paper, $200

Source: None via Michael on Pinterest

been asked many times to sell the originals from the books.  This is the first of many to come. Enjoy.

drawing- Using Reference

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

There are many methods with which to use reference. I discuss how shape and form along with FORCE become tools for some different processes in this video. The reference in this video is created by shared by  Marcus Ranum. www.ranum.com

Drawing- Tubes, Boxes, FORCE - Preview

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

Many artists are taught tube and box construction for drawing.  This video discusses the strong and weak points of this process.  I also cover how to move from that process to one with more FORCE!!!

Drawing- Deer and Moose, Subscriber Andrew S Animal critique

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

Andrew is the first artist who has used the new FORCE Animal Drawing book and sent in drawings after reading it.  It is a pleasure to assess his work and watch the utilization of the concepts from FORCE Animal Drawing .  I cover some major principles that I keep in mind while drawing animals.

 

How to draw FORCE in different body types

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

This subscriber driven question comes up often in classes.  How does FORCE work in different types of body types, athletic, thin or heavy?  This video covers the differences and similarities across the three and presents some interesting conclusions.

Imagination Drawing with Force- Preview

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

I am often asked how to use the FORCE drawing theory when drawing from imagination.  During this video I draw a figure while discussing anatomy, form, perspective and of course, FORCE, all while drawing from my imagination.

 

Phases - Preview

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

I good method for beginners in FORCE theory is to draw in phases to allow oneself the breathing room to learn all the different aspects of FORCE drawing. This video presents the aspects based off of a photo of a model.  The second half of the video takes a Dean Cornwell drawing and applies these FORCE concepts to his work.

 

Texture - Preview

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

Inspired by Paul Pope and a new drawing for a new edition of the first FORCE book, I present many concept behind the idea of trying a variety of textures and the thought process behind doing so.

Batman Year 100- Paul Pope

Sadly I have not read through a full comic in years.  Last week I picked up Paul Pope's Batman comic and I want to say it was a great read and a joy to look at his visuals.  I have been aware of Paul for a long time but have never sat down and taken the time to read through one of his books.  At the back of the compilation were his thoughts about costuming and he discussed texture quite often.  This was one of the inspirations for the FORCE video of the week which discusses texture.


Get Paul's book.
Amazon link to the book.

Imagination Drawing with Force- Preview

I was asked during a live FORCE event how I go about using FORCE while drawing from my imagination.  This video covers three methods of many.  I also discuss the differences between drawing from life and imagination.

Paulo L Critique - Preview

Barbarian- Preview

Cheetah Reclined - Preview

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

It is a challenge to draw and understand FORCES in a reclined human but to take on a cheetah is a new level of effort.  This video covers how to do so, using a drawing I accomplished during a visit to the Dallas Zoo.

Giraffe - Preview

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

Giraffes are such spectacular animals and also challenging to draw. This video covers numerous tricks to assist in a better understanding of them.  I cover the FORCE animal shape, drawing the head and how to deal with that darn hump on their backs.

 

Gravity and Angles-Preview

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

The importance of comprehending gravity on the page and its relativity to angles and FORCE is the topic of this video.  I illustrate numerous visuals from the abstract to overlays on a model to clarify the principles.

Reference provided by Characterdesigns.com

Diluc Critique - Preview

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

Caricature is a challenging artistic endeavor.  In this video I discuss Diluc’s three caricatures and numerous processes with which to confront this endeavor.  Proportion, FORCE, variety and more are discussed.  You can also watch a you tube video of DIluc drawing one of the enclosed caricatures at this link- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8on1MMZ5uRk

Industry Giants- FORCE comes to DALLAS!!!

I will be hosting a FORCE figure drawing workshop at the Industry Giants Event in Dallas on the Sunday the 26th of June at 3:30! 

There will much great talent at this conference so come on down to Dallas.  Hope to see ya there!!!

Here is the link to the home page of the site:

and the class

Great Hierarchy Exercise Preview

Great Hierarchy Exercise

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

During this video I discuss a great process with which to stretch your understand of the length of FORCE and its connections in the body.

Taylor P Critique - Preview

Taylor P Critique

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

I cover four great drawings in this video and discuss one major topic on each.  Watch as I discuss the rhythms and rules around arms, examples of how to combine FORCES where most break them into two, line pressure meaning and more.

Bull - Preview

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

Based off of the findings in the FORCE Animal Drawing book, I discuss the FORCE animal shape and how to find parallel moments in this powerful ungulate.

Talk about FORCE and balance.

http://www.nzwide.com/swanlake.htm

Enjoy.

Craig L Critique 02 - Preview

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

During the second half of Craig L’s video critique I cover more manners with which to define from and anatomy.  This is achieved over more photos from Characterdesigns.com and tracing from female comic book characters.

Craig L Critique - Preview

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

Craig sent over three photos from Characterdesigns.com with a drawing of each along with torso studies.  This first video of two shows how to use FORCE to sculpt the forms of the body, importance of angles and much more.  Enjoy!

May T Critique - Preview

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

This video discusses May’s drawings, illuminating the importance of hierarchy, fluidity and FORCE shape.  The first half of the video presents the issues with the drawings and the second how to solve the problems.

Golden Retriever - Preview

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

Using photo reference, I describe how rhythm moves through this digigrade mammal in profile and ¾ view. Learn about human to dog anatomy comparison in the front and rear legs. This video is a great resource for any one interested in drawing animals!

Model 05- Preview

Model-05

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

From photo reference, I present the roller coaster of rhythm in this dynamic pose and then show how I exaggerate the concepts found within.  Proportions, angles, FORCE, and rhythm are some of the topics discussed.

Andrew S 02 Critique - Preview

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

Andrew has taken drawings from life and transposed them over to a family of fox characters.  This video discusses the comparisons between the two representations of story poses and where their strengths and weaknesses lie in FORCE and design.

Form Fundamentals - Preview

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

Using great reference of a model, I provide visuals to explain the importance of perspective, FORCE surface lines, boxes, tubes, and turning edge, all to support structural FORCE drawing.

Reference provided by Characterdesigns.com

Model 04 Preview

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

This video covers an exquisite pose with some fun abstract concepts hidden beneath its facade.  I take on the FORCE journey of the pose and discuss shape and gravity as its partners.

Designs of friends at work 01

These drawings are created during captured moments in meetings where an expression and idea inspire me.

Gravity 02-Preview

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

During this video you will see me discuss how the thoughts of gravity affect my drawing process. Analogy, line and more define this manner of thinking.

FORCE -Animal Drawing book-LIon Design

One of my favorites from the upcoming FORCE animal drawing book.

Force Animal drawing- Bull

This is a drawing from the new book coming out in May.

Drawing- Kyle B Critique

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

What are the next steps to drawing FORCE when you have the forceful stroke understood? In this video, I discuss this pertaining to Kyle’s fluid drawings. Notes on FORCE line progression and combining different areas of anatomy are covered.

Mhill K Critique - Preview

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

Shapes, exaggeration, reality, design and FORCE are just some of the topics discussed in this video.  Mhill brings us some fun figure drawings and character designs that I investigate in an attempt to inspire better drawing and design.

Multiple Angle Uses

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

Angles are formed by connecting the apexes of FORCES.  This video explains multiple uses of angles from concepts to techniques in order to assist you illustrating more dynamic poses.  The affect angles have on gravity is also discussed.

Jay B Critique

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

In this video of Jay’s work I discuss FORCE form and shape!  Three different drawings are covered each with a specific challenge and the solutions.

Silhouette - Preview

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

Besides a person’s motion, silhouette is of utmost importance for quick recognition of character and story moments.  This video discusses some methods with which silhouette is used.

Andrew S Critique

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

Andrew sent over two sheets full of designs.  This video shows how I use the filter of FORCEFUL shape to define what is functional and appealing within the work, what is not and how to fix any issues. Great job Andrew.

Tip of the Spear- SF Academy of Art lecture

For the full video visit:  http://www.drawingforce.com/

Shot at The Academy of Art University in San Francisco, I describe my thought process when I see the model with such analogies as THE TIP OF THE SPEAR.

FORCE: Character Design from Life Drawing in Traditional Chinese!

Yesterday when I got home from work I found this in the mail.  The second FORCE book has now been translated into Traditional Chinese!!!