[DaveRapoza]

I've been running a free online study group called the Crimson Daggers everyday @9am EST for just over a month now. I'm looking to hopefully get some more exposure for it so I can possibly recruit more members to help them get closer to their goals!

The main thing is that we meet everyday and do a steady rotation of Painting from photo(landscape,portrait,nudes,clothed figures, etc), Master copies, and Painting from life. After we've met on the stream for an hour we post the work. I've had a pretty nice turnout since the start and now am bringing in more and more as time goes on.

I don't try to act like I know everything or whatever but its more about being able to have a tight community of artists all striving to reach a similar goal. The point of it is to work at everything we're having trouble with and to keep moving forward. You'll see me fail and you'll probably fail yourself from time to time but thats the point. We gotta keep pushing for everything we want out of ourselves.

Anyways, I was hoping to garner some support from CgHub to help possibly get the word out about it. I feel like its a great opportunity for anybody willing to put in the time and am really looking forward to where this takes those who are truly putting in their all.

Also, just want to emphasize... This is totally free, I don't sell anything on the stream or whatever. I started this to put pressure on myself to study everyday. I find its easier when theres a large group thats behind you and I think all the members feel the same way.

The following links are the LiveStream account(with videos saved to check out, also getting a new mic in the mail either tomorrow or wednesday) and the work posted on concept art. Hopefully I will be moving the community here as I like the atmosphere and general setup of these forums !

Crimson Daggers LiveStream!

And the work already produced from the stream

Hope people are interested and thanks!

[MainLoop]

So how does this work exactly?

[Enydimon]

CRIMSON DAGGERS! I enjoy popping in every so often. Good to see you bringing it over here too.

Originally Posted by MainLoop

So how does this work exactly?

Every morning he goes through his studies with you. You do it along with him, etc... It's streaming content, so you see what's on his computer screen. Technically you can do it via webcam too.

[Cult]

Nice initiative Dave, it sounds like fun. Unfortunately I can't join because I don't have an internet connection on my workstation, and conversely I don't have any tools on my internet PC. If I can manage to get that sorted I'd definitely be interested, just wanted to show my support for the idea anyway.

[DaveRapoza]

So how does this work exactly?

Its pretty simple, we pretty much just study everyday.

I setup a thread on here and we all post the studies we do each and everyday. The main point is to just push the fact that its a community effort and we're all backing eachother to get better. I do my studies digitally(until I possibly get a decent webcam) every morning and we just stay focused for an hour.

After its up people can post in the thread then everybody checks out what everybody produced. Idk if you checked the link I had up there but it pretty much shows the type of work we've been doing. Master copies, stuff from photos, and paintings from life.

There are other Streams we've setup that run an anatomy course and environment but theres yet to be a solid time. I'll update as thats all figured out.

Point is that this stuff is all free. You don't have to pay money to do what you can do in your own free time. Theres far too many resources right in front of you to not take advantage. And there are no excuses to not study(not directed @ Mainloop, always checkin out your paintings on GA). Theres no grades or anything, its either you do it or you're wasting valuable time . Plus if the studies are the only thing you get done that day... At least you did something worthwhile.

[jOrtega]

You can see the videos "on demand" every day, I'm from Spain and 9am EST coincides with my lunch, 3pm ( yes I know.. It's late) but the point is, i can see what you have been studying this day and during the duration of the video or more I do my own study..

So the idea is help the people to have the consistency of study each day to achieve your goal and if you want you can find the time.

C&D Awesome

[DaveRapoza]

ok, heres the Sketchbook for the Crimson Daggers!

[koshime]

Be interesting to see how it would work for those of us, working in the industry full time. Private study/personal paintings are just as crucial to the sustenance/growth of production painting

[Dona]

That's lovely, Dave. I saw the CD thread back when it started on CA, but never managed to tune in live - it's at 3pm for me as well, and I'm never home at that time. I'll try to join today, I'm getting veeeery rusty :[

Thanks for doing this :]

[Stephanduq]

Hey dave! I will be joining you today

[DaveRapoza]

Hope whoever tuned in got the general gist of what we're goin for. Also hope some people stick with us! Should be cool to see what daily studies can do for people .

[JasonRainville]

Damn Dave, how long have you guys been doing this! I was trying to check in today but I was on an old comp (had to format my normal rig) and couldn't see anything. I'll be sure to check it out soon, your rendering is something I'd really like to get some insight on in particular

[DaveRapoza]

Been doin this everyday for a little over a month now(with the exception of a couple sick days). Check it out whenever you get the chance! Its good to get in the important stuff... Especially first thing in the morning