In software engineering we always talk about maturity models for different type of system architectures. I've been thinking about an artist maturity model for life drawing, as a way to map out a roadmap for myself and set goals. I would love to hear from anyone who has similar concepts.
Level 1 - the beginner
The beginners draws what they think, not what they see. These people are constantly heads down drawing, instead of looking at the model. They try to draw the details without first establish a structure. They are always frustrated with their drawings and wonder why it doesn't look like the model.
Level 2 - the serious student (me)
The serious student understand the fundamentals of figure drawing and knows how to apply the tools like landmarks, plum lines, proportions, composition, values, and they measure and study the figure extensively (but sometimes too much on details). Their drawings are good but problematic in some areas. They are still struggling to find a process/style that works for them.
Level 3 - the draftsman
The draftsman has mastered capturing the figure and able to render the portrait and figure accurately and life like. The draftsman has established a consistent process for capturing the image they see. However their artworks are as images captured by a camera, lacking a distinct style.
Level 4 - the artist
The artist has not only mastered drawing the figure, they have shifted their focus from drawing fundamentals to communicating ideas and concepts. They are beyond the mechanical process of rendering a image and able to add their personal styles and interpretations to convey a story.
Level 5 - the master
In the movie Matrix, the main character Neo finally sees his virtual world as zeros and ones and realizes he can manipulate the virtual world as such. This is the same for the figurative master, who sees the figure as pure shapes and values. They put down brush strokes and colors that seem random but organize themselves into a master piece. Through their mastery of shapes and values, they manipulate images with intent and simplicity.
