Hello. My name is Andy from Bath and I am relatively new to this forum. I commenced my learning with Mike about a month ago and am realising it is one of the best things I have done.
I am presently on the Basics Course and have noticed areas that I need to work on. Should I perfect what I have learned before moving on to the next section? Or, should I notice what I have to work on and move on to the next?
Open to any suggestions.
Thanks for your time!
Advice
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LindasPencils
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Re: Advice
depends...
I am sure Mike will put in his two cents, but I feel that if you wait to 'perfect' a technique you may get bored and stuck. If you have understood the basics and think you need to move forward than do so.
Always remember, to master any technique requires practice. Practice. and then more practice. I am still practicing! So you can move forward to the next lesson always knowing that you will be practicing and working the previous lessons as you progress.
... drawing should be fun, not tedious!
(Oh, and WELCOME!)
I am sure Mike will put in his two cents, but I feel that if you wait to 'perfect' a technique you may get bored and stuck. If you have understood the basics and think you need to move forward than do so.
Always remember, to master any technique requires practice. Practice. and then more practice. I am still practicing! So you can move forward to the next lesson always knowing that you will be practicing and working the previous lessons as you progress.
... drawing should be fun, not tedious!
(Oh, and WELCOME!)
Re: Advice
Dear Linda,
Thank you so much for the feedback you given in regard to my question about 'moving on'. Everything you have kindly written makes good sense. And you have also included a very important word: 'Depends'. This 'depends' word can cause a kind of pause or reflection. And I think this is what has made me ask the question to the Forum.
Thank you once more for your time!
From Andrew
Thank you so much for the feedback you given in regard to my question about 'moving on'. Everything you have kindly written makes good sense. And you have also included a very important word: 'Depends'. This 'depends' word can cause a kind of pause or reflection. And I think this is what has made me ask the question to the Forum.
Thank you once more for your time!
From Andrew
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Mike Sibley
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Re: Advice
Move on. Definitely, move on.Andyart67 wrote: Sat Nov 15, 2025 10:07 pm Should I perfect what I have learned before moving on to the next section? Or, should I notice what I have to work on and move on to the next?
First, if you try to perfect a particular technique, you'll be doing so in isolation. You need to know ALL the techniques. Then go back to the start and go through them again. And then again...
Practice each technique until you understand it. Then move on to the next. Because the strength of your drawings comes from combining the techniques.
Don't expect miracles too soon, and never throw anything away. Learn the basics, practice, keep drawing... and then look back at the older work. You WILL see improvement. Later, once you're comfortable with the basics and no longer have to think about them, you'll see progress in the content rather than the execution. In other, words, you'll be telling your story more and more clearly.
As rule - book, video, courses - I always attempt to teach the basics in a way that each is built on by the next. So, right now, work your way through the BASIC TECHNIQUES. Practice each one until you understand WHY as well as HOW you should use it. And then move on and combine it with the next one.
Re: Advice
Dear Mike
Thank you for your time and much appreciated advice. I feel like a young centurion ... slowly building my armour and knowledge. Don't get me wrong though as I am not going to battle! But I am learning to tackle things as they appear and - like you said - I will move on and forwards.
Best wishes, From Andrew
Thank you for your time and much appreciated advice. I feel like a young centurion ... slowly building my armour and knowledge. Don't get me wrong though as I am not going to battle! But I am learning to tackle things as they appear and - like you said - I will move on and forwards.
Best wishes, From Andrew