I enrolled in (online) art school! // Evolve [First Thoughts]

I enrolled in online art school, Evolve Artist! I am getting started on the Foundation course by jumping right into the fundamentals of oil painting. Check out the video and let me know in the comments if you would like an update on my progress as I continue with the course!
As mentioned in the vid, the first 10 people to sign up using my coupon code URBANSKETCHING100 will get $100 off the full Evolve course here: bit.ly/35qal0i
Watch Evolve’s free mini-course on how to create depth and volume in your art: bit.ly/3k8Oz9K
Desk easel used in the video (which is perfect for this course):
Daler Rowney Artsphere Table Easel: amzn.to/3jNmKR8
💚 FREE 7 Day Urban Sketching at Home Challenge
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⭐️ ️ FREE CLASS: Minimalist Sketching for Beginners
prettysketchy.tv/zen/minimalist-sketching-2
🙌 Ebook bundle of over 100 of my travel sketches
urbansketchingworld.gumroad.com/l/ebook-bundle
👉 Pretty Sketchy TV
On-demand travel & urban sketching tutorials in every style & technique you can think of!
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💃 Sketch Your Adventures online course
prettysketchy.tv/programs/sketch-your-adventures
_____
🥰 Fave place for illustration classes: domestika.sjv.io/WqyE23
👩‍🎨 ART SUPPLIES: urbansketchingworld.com/recommended-stuff/
✌️ FREE Guides
Practical Beginners Guide to Urban Sketching:
urbansketchingworld.com/urban-sketching-beginners-guide/
An Urban Sketchers Guide to People Sketching:
urbansketchingworld.com/guide-to-people-sketching/
Beginners Guide to Perspective for Urban Sketchers:
urbansketchingworld.com/ultimate-guide-to-perspective/
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Blog: urbansketchingworld.com
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Instagram for my personal sketches: tarias_sketchy_adventures
Pinterest: www.pinterest.co.uk/uskworld/

[@loati94]

Of all the evolve sponsored videos I've seen no one has made an update or shown that they have continued with the classes so it would be nice to see that

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Hi Loati - yeh I was kind of thinking the same. It's one thing to start a program like this but I think it would be really cool to see the progression too - and just for my own personal record as well - to see the progression. Ok thanks for letting me know this would be interesting to you!

[@michaelreider9809]

There's a channel Mithrilda that goes through the first three blocks of the program.

[@simonspethmann8086]

@@tarias_sketchy_adventures I second that. Please do continue (the course and the videos about it).

[@thatone1187]

Good point! Also, I’ve only seen people with some art experience (mainly teachers) start and talk about this course…. Nothing from true amateurs, unless I’ve missed something?

[@MJ61012]

​@@thatone1187 I'm one of the students. Honestly most of us just stay within the community they've provided. Is very cozy over there. I'm personally working on block 2 now and looking forward to working with colors on blocks 3 and 4.

[@vrmd825]

Yes, please keep updating us as you go. Your video is the best at explaining how the process goes and talking with one of the teachers, feedback is nice to hear what they say. Thank you for this video.

[@evolveartist]

Hey Taria thank you for sharing your impressions of Evolve's program! I really appreciate that you explained that oil paint is the best medium to learn the fundamentals of art making with, and I'm so glad to hear that you're continuing through our program even with your interest in ink and watercolors. I'm excited to watch this adventure take place 😊~ Daniel

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Thank you Daniel - super keen to continue with Evolve and see how things develop!

[@jessamclaughlin1343]

Please make more videos as you progress through the course! It's so interesting. :)

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Thank you Jess - I am glad its interesting - I shall do an update when I reach end of Block 1 :)

[@watercolourkeyes]

Congratulations. What an honour. Can’t wait to see what new ideas you discover.

[@janerobles7363]

I can’t wait to see your progress! It’s very exciting.

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Thanks Jane! Ok great, Im glad its interesting!

[@TheGrandmaster1]

I've been getting back into art very seriously after quite a layoff. I never considered oil painting until I saw this. Damn, now I almost have a hard time thinking of anything else. Very seriously considering investing in a solid starter kit for oil painting, and starting out on KZbin and Udemy for a month to see how I like it. Then, very seriously considering taking the Evolve pathway. Looks awesome. A great find, than you!

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Michel - wow that's awesome!! I just never thought I would get into it but this opportunity presented itself. And the equipment/supplies is less hectic than I always thought. I am half way through Block 1 of the Evolve programme now and definitely feeling my confidence grow. I shall be making an update video at the end of Block 1 to see how it is going so look out for that one...Im aiming for December but let's see how I get on! Best of luck and fun in your potential oil painting journey!

[@jillweisensee8524]

I hope you keep us posted with your progress!

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Hey Jill - YES! Definitely will. Im excited to see how I get on. This is going to be a long term things but will certainly update as I get to each milestone!

[@shirleyj3255]

Thank you for sharing. I would love to see your progress through the course.

[@devilbloody0606]

I love this video! I will be looking forward to hearing what you think about Block 2. Keep going 😊

[@Newlinjim]

I’m a member of various Facebook oil painting groups, several people have taken this course and post their work. I have to say each one of them have excelled dramatically, quite impressive. They attribute it to the way the course is designed, all I know is it damn sure works from what I’ve seen.

[@joebeamish]

All the reviews of Evolve go through only the first few lessons. It would be great to see what it’s like for someone who’s been doing it for six months.

[@018Cat]

Yes! Please keep us posted. This isn’t feasible for me right now but could be in a year or two so want to hear and see as much as possible.

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Awesome! Ok I shall absolutely keep you updated :)

[@Luna-dm9hg]

Please keep us updated! I want to do this course. Looks like so much fun!

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Definitely!! Will do!

[@chantelmcskimming6633]

Sounds neat! ☺️ Good luck with it ! 👍

[@alfredgifford2977]

I'm doing my research on this art program. Thanks so much for great break down of this course.

[@NightNrs66]

Yes would love to see it

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Thanks for letting me know Anita 👍

[@chantelmcskimming6633]

Oh yeah! Keep us posted ☺️

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Awesome! Will do :)

[@Maddie6291]

I’ve been looking into this program, so glad you find it beneficial! I have a BFA but focused more on graphic design and only took a few painting courses. Really considering taking the time to start painting again by focusing on the basics.

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Hi Maddie I really think this program is excellent. The dedication and level of teaching from the evolve team is crazy and when you compare the price tag with a university course … it’s a drop in the ocean. That’s my opinion anyway….

[@evolveartist]

Hey Maddie, we're here for you if you have any questions. I can't emphasize focusing on the basics enough. If you think of your skills like a tower reaching up to where you want to be, the fundamentals are the foundation and structure of that tower, and without them everything crumbles down. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or if you'd like to share your work with us to see where we can specifically help you improve 😊~ Daniel

[@derekadams2897]

Yes , if you could comment on the whole class all the way through. I can’t wait to start, but am trying to raise money to purchase. Does the whole payment include the whole course? Or do you keep having to purchase the next group of instructions? Thank you And good job!!!

[@WoodlandApothecary]

Yes, please update after each block. I saw this, but it's a heavy price tag, so I would like to see the progress.

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Ok will do Angela!

[@davidc1190]

I am considering this program as well. Would you recommend this for a 60-year-old retired military man who loves to sketch, doodle and some watercolor?

[@rhemasartspace]

Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts! Been considering joining the course, but I find it top expensive! However, if I'd get much from this, then I guess it's worth a try.

[@richardlewis1257]

Would love to hear an update on your progress.

[@marilynnew2189]

Hey, great work! I'd love to continue to see your journey.

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Awesome thank you Marilyn, I shall keep you updated :)

[@eygeniaMarysel]

yes! please update on how it's going. even though i'm amazed with your channels sketching adventures and your skill in explaining things is keeping me here, that class from evolve, is also intriguing me for a long time

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Absolutely Geno 👌

[@evolveartist]

Hey Geno, glad to hear of your interest! Definitely reach out to us if you have any questions and we'd be happy to connect with you 😊~ Daniel

[@AndreeaEremiaArt]

Amazing video art as always ❤❤❤

[@dsnrumor]

Your video is great! Please continue posting you impressions of Evolve. I would like to hear your thoughts about painting vs sketching and drawing along the way as you progress through Evolve.

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Thank you! Will do!

[@shahanadastidar]

Yes, would like to hear more

[@arzunagiyeva4962]

I presume (perhaps wrongly) that you are UK based? If so, would you be able to clarify if you had to pay customs fee for the art supplies package and if so, then how much?

[@tannismcfarren7891]

Yes, please update us!!!

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Will do Tannis!

[@ryannaellerbee4577]

How much is it for the corse I love oil painting I'm self taught ,and I really want to learn some more techniques. Iv been looking into getting books ,however it would be nice to have a teacher to help me when I need it. My art teacher in highschool was so bad that I ended up dropping the class.

[@trinagreenfield5198]

You go girl!!!!

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Thanks Trina!

[@DiegoFernandes-vv3qo]

the cat was very focused! 4:47 haha

[@wenwake7584]

Very interesting video. It's good to try new mediums and experiment outside our comfort zones... that's how I came to love watercolour and urban sketching; looking for a more loose and spontaneous experience after mainly painting Coloured Pencil Realism (which is a very slow layering process). Not sure I'd go full on with Oils though... I tried, but they are just so messy and stinky. Although, it's easier to cover mistakes and such, and colour mixing and matching is way, way easier with oils than watercolour. I tried colour matching with oil paints with my Student Munsell chips as a guide and it was a breeze... not so easy with Watercolour. This is where, in the past, it irked me that Watercolourists were deemed less serious Artists than their Oil Painter counterparts... thankfully that has been changing in the last decade. Hope I made sense. Looking forward to hearing more about your Oil Painting adventure :)

[@balferono4568]

Your video convinced me to move forward and do this. Thanks so much. New sub too.

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Awesome Bal! Congrats to you and I hope you love the programme.

[@butacrafts]

Absolutely would love to hear more. This looks very well structured. Unfortunately it’s really too expensive for my reach now. Wish there’s a scholarship 😅

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Awesome thank you for letting me know. Agree it is costly but ut really does depend on what you want from it - if you want to be a professional artist and you compare this course cost with any other courses that are created to get you to a professional level - it actually doesn't seem so bad. I think we are comparing this kind of programme with Domestika/Skillshare or my little course (ha ha) which is a bit of a different kettle of fish - apples versus oranges...have I used enough food analogies yet?! :p

[@butacrafts]

@@tarias_sketchy_adventures LOL. The food list can go on for a long time! You definitely made a good point. For anyone who is keen on learning oil painting the right way under guidance, this is probably one option worth considering.

[@DeeDee-lz8zx]

$200 a month. 2022 price

[@pharaohsmuse9532]

Definitely let us watch your journey. The time issue was my biggest obstacle to signing up (let’s not talk about the cost, but that would be worth it IF you have the time to dedicate to learning and participating with others) Damn you 45+ hours a week job

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Thank you - I shall certainly keep you updated! Yes....time time time (I think I actually have a bit of a phobia about time slipping through my fingers).....but there are students with full time jobs and families doing this. Kevin just did an interview with a guy in this boat and he in Block 8 (the last one of the Advanced level). I hear you though - I am having time management issues too and I don't have a 45+ hour a week job (well, I do but, I work for myself so I guess it's a bit more flexible) or kids or anything.... I really want to commit to this project so I am going to make sure I carve out certain periods of time. I hope you find the future update videos interesting and I shall try and comment on the amount of time spent where I can too, which I hope helps. Just remember though I am a particularly SLOW....apparently I was a snail in a past life 😂

[@TRunner4]

It would be great to hear more about your journey. Over the past years or so I have been searching for the perfect way to go and learn how to really be an artist using online options. I will have to research them more but this is an interesting option. I never thought oil painting was a path but I have almost tied every other medium, so what is the big deal there. What is your overall feeling about learning with oil painting and taking that to other mediums down the line? How much time is recommended to study each day? Is this like art school of just learning to paint without a history of art?

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Hi David - ok great thanks for letting me know. When I asked "why oil paint" and Piper (the head instructor) explained it is the most beginner-friendly medium and that this course is about art skills not just oil painting skills this really clicked for me. I then watched one of the live sessions (available to students of the course) and a graduate of the program has just transitioned into becoming a digital artist. This course is not about oil painting - it is about producing professional level art. So I think whether you transition into digital, acrylic or stick to oil this program will "get you there" (in my opinion and from the evidence I have seen). For me as an ink and watercolour sketcher it's quite a transiiton because I am used to getting going immediately - theres a bit more set up with oil BUT I am finding I am speeding up each time. Its like when you buy something new....you're so so careful with it at first but over time you get used to it and it just becomes normal....I hope that makes sense. Ha ha. I think Evolve say if you spend 1 hour a day on average then then programme would take 12 months. My schedule is chaotic right now but I am hoping that I can do 2 afternoons a week (of a 2-3 hours) so I can finish Block 1. I have 15 more exercises I think so that means 8 more weeks until I finish. And then move on to Block 2 which I believe moves more into freehand drawing (as so far I am transferring images on to canvas and concentrating on painting skills). I hope this info helps!!

[@TRunner4]

​@@tarias_sketchy_adventures Thank you so much for the reply. I wish you all the best in your journey, you can do it. I am leaning toward taking my art to the next level and this could be the answer. I really need the structure of school and that is one of my main issues with choosing online to in-person programs (not really comfortable with in-person at this time yet). I have been searching for that online version of art school (for the structure) and it really frustrates me that there is nothing that I can find. This is the first time I have heard about Evolve and kind of skeptical since most reviews are from sources that are getting paid to promote it. Just a lot of money to drop on something. Wondering if there is a full layout of the lesson plans for each block?

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

@@TRunner4 Totally understand. I think Evolve just invest in a lot of marketing to try and reach the right people - hence art youtubbers and getting them to try out some of the exercises. It;s a good angle but I understand your skepticism too. I guess you have checked out there youtube channel? And ar you ont heir email list? Kevin also has a great free 60 minute masterclass. Hmmm...Im not sure about the full list of whats involved in each block. I think on the website it does show most of the finished exercises for each block (like the bits I was flicking through in the video). Also, and I know its not ideal way round to do things but there is the money back guarantee after block 1 (which is probably about 3 months worth of exercises if you only had a couple hours to spare each week)...

[@evolveartist]

@@TRunner4 hey David I saw this thread and you're asking really good questions! First off, Taria is completely right about our focus being professional level painting skills, not just oil painting or even just realism. Let me try to draw a clear, logical path in how and why we do what we do. So, our goal is pro level art skills as efficiently and effectively as possible. In order to get our students pro level skills, we teach the fundamentals of art making for mediums that use a 2-d surface (oil, acrylic, watercolor, digital, pastel, pen, etc.). We know that teaching the fundamentals is the most efficient path to get to pro level skills, based on our own data from our student results. Now, oil paint combined with expert guidance is the easiest, quickest, and most effective medium to learn the fundamentals with. And in order to objectively measure results from our students (to make sure that they are learning), we need realism so that the student has a clear standard to aim for, a standard that the teacher can also see. And so, our students come out of our program able to paint these photorealistic oil paintings... but on a deeper level they have been equipped with the core fundamentals that allows them branch out in any direction, which is why we've had multiple students transition fairly seamlessly in digital careers. Kevin and I talk about this in even more depth in a live video session if you want to check that out (my apologies for the poor wifi on my side - Kevin's wifi and audio is clean however) - fb.watch/88rS4H4JVG/ Re: your note about structure - you'll find a lot of structure in Evolve, both in the painting process we teach (which starts off very thorough and even rigid, and then opens up to more creative freedom later on) as well as the way the assignments are structured, not to mention the frequent and consistent events you can be a part of to engage with the rest of the students. Re: skepticism on reviews, I totally understand where you're coming from and can direct you to unpaid reviews (next paragraph). Because we currently have low brand awareness, we are investing in our marketing so that people like you know we exist. As you said, we have paid most of the youtube reviews that are out there, where we reached out to them and asked them if they would be willing to take the time to go through our first few assignments and share their thoughts genuinely. Because we're asking for them to commit a few days to going through the assignments and making a video, we gladly pay them for their time. There is one unsponsored KZbinr I can point you to, @Mithrilda. With any prompting she has been recording videos from before she joined Evolve, all the way to Block 3 and we haven't paid her a dime. She doesn't hold back her punches when she thinks there's something we can improve. You can watch her whole journey on her channel, from her concerns and hesitations about joining all the way to deciding to "go for it" and after some initial frustrations, she became a huge fan (and an excellent student). Here's the first video where she mentions Evolve: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmfCYYmIf6umoZI Additionally, you can read google reviews from our students by searching for Evolve Artist on google. Quite a few of them posted photos of their work. And for what it's worth, the quotes from industry pros (Sergio Paez from Lucasfilm, Todd Lockwood, the owner of Old Holland, Dorian Vallejo, Chris Oatley from Disney, Graig Kreindler) are all unpaid opinions after they took a look through our program. First page - evolveartist.com/ Finally (wow this is getting long, sorry!) the lesson layout. (view student paintings here: evolveartist.com/the-curriculum/) In Block 1 we teach the fundamentals of values and edges by painting from photos in grayscale (20 assignments). We start with just four values and increase the complexity of subject matter while they perfect their value decisions and gradients. About halfway through, we introduce highlights and reflections. In Block 2 we add proportional drawing through direct observation. We spend 10 assignments just drawing and 10 assignments making grayscale paintings from direct observation. While the fundamentals of values and edges are still being reinforced, our students are able to draw incredibly accurately from life by the end of the Block. Proportional drawing also develops the eyes and brain to see relationships critically, which is vital for the upcoming nuances of color. Block 3 introduces color into the process, starting with accurate color mixing and ending with color still lives painted from direct observation with highlights and reflections (a complete process). Once these fundamentals are engrained through that structured process, Block 4 unravels the process into a direct painting approach, which, due to the command over the fundamentals, results in photorealistic paintings. The other Blocks 5-8 are in the Advanced Program (separate) and build upon the Foundations Program (Blocks 1 - 4) to equip our students with a variety of techniques that they can combine and intertwine as they see fit to produce beautiful paintings. I hope that helps answer your questions! If you have any more you can ask here or reach out to me more directly at [e-mail] - just mention my name! I'd be happy to take a look at your work as well 😊 ~ Daniel

[@TRunner4]

@@evolveartist Wow, Daniel thank you for the great long reply. Very helpful. I will have to email you to really go deeper in this conversation. Thanks again

[@naghmanaanwar5214]

Please show us your artwork, how it has evolved now.

[@PensandPaint]

Way cool I hope you create Another channel to show your evolution with evolve.

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Hi Lisa - that's an interesting idea!

[@johnhoffmanpaintings8512]

what ButaCrafts said. looks great but way too expensive for us mere mortals..

[@tarias_sketchy_adventures]

Hi John - understand your comment re price. As I said in my other responses - it depends how you look it. Many people pay much much more for professional training in other fields.....so I guess it depends what you would want to get out of it....

[@nicholasnunn806]

Cool ad

[@ZTRCTGuy]

Thing is, if they claim they can get ANY complete beginner artist from 0 to PROFESSIONAL level in a year with about 7 hours of work per week, then they're absolutely full of shit.

[@hispanicshovel1485]

Actually they don’t claim you’ll get to professional level with about 7 hours per week. With 7hrs/week you’d only be finishing block 1 /8 which is not a substantialc chunk of the program

[@ZTRCTGuy]

@@hispanicshovel1485 But they do. Mr, Murphy said it himself in videos on numerous occasions. After block 4 you should be able to make proffesional level renderings. The time alloted to block 1-4 is about 350 hours. That's 6.7 hours a week.