I am pleased to present a second guest post from my student Kiana Daneshmand. Kiana has been studying with me for several years and her talent is exceptional. She was another willing and eager beta tester for Miira, the mobile application I developed for iOS. I believe that Kiana’s story will be inspiring and motivating.  
~ Leslie Lienau

Using the Miira app to get a likeness
By Kiana Daneshmand

When I first started drawing Audrey Hepburn, I used the Miira app on my iPhone to achieve an envelope fast and accurately. But getting the envelope down was only the first step. There were still all of the features and shadow shapes to think about. Plus, since Audrey Hepburn is a well known actress, I knew it was important to make sure there was a likeness. In order to accomplish this, I used the line tool to help find the placement of things such as her eyes, nose, and mouth. After getting those down, I was able to block in the shadows and start to see a good similarity. I was able to check my work as I went along and make minor adjustments when needed using the overlay tool. When I was pleased with the foundation I had built, I was ready to start adding details. Using the Miira app made it easier to get a really good likeness and a satisfying finished product.

Born in California, Kiana Daneshmand is a beginner artist who enjoys working in the medium of painting. Prior to taking art classes about a year and a half ago, she worked mainly with graphite and some charcoal. Although she has only just begun painting she hopes to develops her artistic abilities in years to come.  A couple of Kiana’s favorite artists include Thomas Kinkade, and Kelvin Okafor. They inspire her to work hard and one day be as good as them.

 Share your MIIRA app story and images with us  via email at [email protected].

A couple of years ago I founded Miira Artist Tools out of a need to invent tools to help me be a better instructor. One of our products, Miira for iOS, is a powerful mobile app that I believe changes the way the artist sees the natural world. I've had the privilege to work with a remarkable young artist, Katie Prior, who has studied drawing and painting with me for several years at the CCA. When we began to develop our mobile app Katie was eager to be a beta tester. Her input was instrumental in making the Miira app work even better.  Katie's story about her experience using the Miira app will be eye-opening and I believe will influence your perspective and approach to your work. I trust you will enjoy this story and I invite you to download the app, try it and  share your story with us too!  
Enjoy!
Leslie Lienau

To link to Miira's website, click here


Using the Miira app to create an envelope
by Katie Prior

Standing in front of a blank piece of paper, with the expectation of drawing my very first drapery study, I really didn't know where to start. I know about drawing shapes and the light and dark, but it was still overwhelming. I decided to use the Miira app on my iPhone. I started with the outline; sliding the guides on the app to create an envelope, a simplified outline, around the study.  I then transferred the envelope to my paper, making sure that all the angles were correct.

I used Miira’s overlay feature to check that the envelope on my paper matched the actual piece of drapery. Having the envelope correct to begin with saves tons of time later, so that in the middle of blocking in shadows you don't realize that one fold should be another inch to the left. From this point, I was able to draw in the shapes of light and dark.

I've spent many hours on this study and it's almost finished. The Miira app has helped me many times along the way to confirm the shapes and angles in my drawing.

We are proud to announce our First Annual Youth Art Exhibition and Sale. Artists who will be featured are studying in my Youth Atelier or attend youth classes with CCA youth instructors, Ella Moore and Emily Bruce. This year, the exhibition has been curated by our newly formed Teen Art Guild. Under the guidance and tutelage of Karen Prior, our junior high and high school students are learning leadership skills and the many aspects of participating on a  teen board. 

A special thanks must go to the youth who have helped to curate the exhibition: Kiana Daneshmand,  Julian Houston, Katie Prior and Emily Taylor. Thanks to Karen Prior too! This endeavor would not have happened if it weren't for her enthusiasm and diligent efforts!
Best wishes,
Leslie