Get Part 3 of your FREE illustration assignment!

Lilla here. I’ve loved seeing the incredible portraits you’ve been producing for the first two parts of this free warm-up assignment (if you missed out then catch up on Part 1 here and Part 2 here), and I’m delighted to be able to share the last part today.

My brilliant co-teacher, educator and illustrator Tamisha Anthony, has created this assignment for you to help you get ready for our FREE course, Redrawing Black History, which starts THIS MONDAY, January 10th. I really hope you’ll join us. You’re going to love the vast array of visuals that Tamisha has put together for you, and her knowledge and passion for her subject. You’ll learn a ton about four iconic eras of Black American history, create some stunning art for your portfolio, and be inspired and awed by the joyfulness and beauty of Black American culture through the 20th century. Don’t miss it – register now.

Join me LIVE tomorrow! Before I share todays’ mini assignment, I need to remind you that Tamisha and I will be hosting a FREE live Zoom event TOMORROW, Friday, January 7th, at 12 noon ET/5 pm GMT. Whether you’ve signed up for the course or not, I’d love for you to join us. We’ll be talking about the mini assignments and your art, answering your questions, and lots more. Don’t miss it! Join here.

On to today’s assignment … !

Mini-Assignment 3: Marian Anderson

Photos: performingsonwriter.com, The New Yorker

Tamisha says: “Marian was an American contralto who performed music that ranged from spirituals to opera. Born in Philadelphia in 1897, she was part of a family of devout Christians who were active in the Baptist Church: she started singing in the church choir at just six years old. Marian broke many barriers with her voice: she performed on the Lincoln Memorial steps in the capital in front of an integrated crowd and for millions over the radio, she was the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera, and she was awarded the first Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963.

“Marian also used her voice to participate in the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Listen to her album and be transported back to that era by her voice as she sings beautiful enchanted spirituals.”

Listen here

Lilla’s tips for approaching the #MATSprep assignment

Faces are the most fascinating thing to draw and so valuable thing to include your portfolio: portraits get you work! How fun will it be for you to set aside a little drawing time, to make art and learn about these astonishing Black women artists? Let’s look at three suggested approaches for all levels.

Easy: Get a cup of coffee, paper and a pencil and sketch one feature several different ways, such as the eyes, the nose or the mouth.

Intermediate to advanced: Plan a color story and draw or paint the face. You could try a different medium for each of the three #MATASpreps.

Short on time: Set aside 15 minutes, read the assignment, stare at the photo, and jot down/free associate any words that come to mind. Getting in the head of your subject is always great practice for infusing your art with power. Bonus: hand letter one of the words you wrote.

Tamisha’s art tip: Try to capture Marian’s elegance, soul, and beauty in her portrait as you listen, draw and sip.

Lilla’s favorite cut: I Am Bound for de Kingdom for its melancholy but also sense of hope.

Don’t forget to share your finished assignments so we can see what you do! Tag in @makeartthatsells and use the tag #MATSprep so that we can easily find your beautiful art. I’ll be looking!

Portrait of Amanda Gorman for Assignment Bootcamp by Tequitia Andrews, a Make Art That Sells student whom I now represent. You’ll see more of Tequitia’s gorgeous art in the course.

Hurry hurry – Redrawing Black History starts THIS MONDAY, January 10th! Get ready to immerse yourself in the music, art, clothing, hairstyles, culture and more of four iconic eras in Black American history – and it’s completely FREE! Don’t miss out – sign up here!