I started drawing to improve my technical design skills, but I had no idea I’d enjoy it this much!

Artwork by Alara Deniz

I’m Alara, a 23-year-old engineer from Istanbul, Turkey.

I’m currently working towards finishing my mechanical engineering masters degree while working part-time. I started drawing fairly recently in order to improve my technical design skills, but I had no idea I’d enjoy it this much! Drawing is a form of meditation for me. It doesn’t only make me a happier person, but it also makes me a better engineer by teaching me to be a better observer.

I’ve been drawing with ink and charcoal for the 14 months, and I’d been feeling a bit intimidated by the idea of painting until recently. I tried watercolor before. Although I appreciate it very much, I want to create more depth and texture, hence I want to learn oil painting.

I really want to invest my time and learn properly, but I can’t really afford a fine art course at the moment. I realize that learning is a long process, and I’m prepared to dedicate my time and efforts to create paintings I personally love. I think one can tell whether an artwork is loved by the owner or not, and this is something that makes an artwork special.

I was always drawn to the work of the Flemish masters, particularly the works of Rembrandt and Van Eyck. I tried to learn techniques from books before, but I think seeing the techniques in use is so much better than reading about them.

Most online courses focus on painting basics, without teaching advanced techniques. I’ve been looking for online tutorials on oil painting, I’m simply thrilled to have found Old Masters Academy! I want to win the Old Masters Academy course because I want to receive honest criticism.
I have a good idea of what I want to achieve and I want to be able to ask specific questions.

artmajeur.com/alara