I'm trying an art class 🥳

Building on my journey with Erak Note's Coloso course, I've been reflecting on what makes these online art classes so valuable, especially for someone like me trying to master digital art. It's not just about copying what the instructor does; it's about internalizing the fundamentals to really master stylized portrait painting. When I started, I was mostly focused on getting those stylized female portraits right, meticulously following his construction lines and building up my work-in-progress sketches. But as I practice, I'm realizing how these core principles, like understanding form, light, and composition, are universal across all forms of digital art. For instance, while Erak Note's course excels in portraiture, I've started looking at other Coloso offerings that cover things like 'mastering background perspective for 3D space and composition' or 'using color theory to create atmospheric illustrations.' Even without taking those specific courses yet, the foundational skills I'm picking up – especially in sketching and applying learned techniques to create a detailed digital art piece – are clearly transferable. It’s like learning a language; once you grasp the basics, you can apply them to different conversations and artistic challenges, from a simple portrait to a complex web novel cover. One of the biggest takeaways for me has been the importance of patience and iteration. My early attempts, like the 'tried one on my own' piece, weren't perfect, but they were crucial for truly applying learned techniques. The course structure, even with the subtitle challenge, forces you to slow down and really observe. This is probably why so many artists recommend Coloso for self-learners looking for a practical illustration guide. You get direct insight from pros like Erak Note, and then it's up to you to put in the hours. It’s a fantastic way to enhance your art class experience from the comfort of your own studio. I’m also discovering new ways to think about advanced techniques for outstanding illustration composition. Erak Note often talks about directing the viewer's eye, even within a simple portrait. This makes me consider how artists achieve 'capturing stylized movement with dynamic poses,' or how they build an entire 'web novel cover.' It’s all about guiding the viewer's gaze and creating a compelling narrative. My goal is to eventually combine these elements, moving beyond just portraits to more complex scenes and even exploring 'mastering stylized anatomy.' The '5 steps to master the core principles of light and coloring' is another area I’m keen to explore, as I see how crucial light is even in Erak Note’s portraits. So, if you're thinking about diving into a Coloso course, whether it's Erak Note's free content or a full paid course, I highly recommend it. Be ready for the challenges, embrace the learning curve, and don't be afraid to produce some 'ugly art' along the way. That's where the real growth happens. It's truly enriching my artistic expression and helping me build my skills step by step. My artistic journey with Coloso courses has just begun, and I'm excited to see where it takes me next!