I like to think I have an artistic eye, but sadly, I do not have an artistic hand. My drawing capabilities are limited to stick figures, kindergarten landscapes and my name in block letters.
But a savvy new game from Nintendo gives me hope. Art Academy for the DS, DSi and DSi XL helps aspiring Monets (and mindless doodlers like me) develop their talents with step-by-step lessons on techniques such as shading, movement and perspective. It’s an impressive program that makes you feel like you’re working with real art tools — pencils, paints, brushes — sans the drippy mess.
This weekend, I got to host an Art Academy workshop, sponsored by Nintendo and led by artist Kyle Hollingsworth, owner of Hands on 3rd studio in Los Angeles. We had a cozy little group — it was just me, Matt, Andrea and Justine. (Katelin was sick and couldn’t co-host — so bummed!) It was fun hanging out and creating some digital masterpieces.
Photos by Matt
What our oranges were supposed to look like:
What mine looked like. A little moldy?
I can’t wait to hone my skills on my upcoming plane ride to Argentina. You can spend hours, days on these projects. When you’re done, you get to “frame” them and display them in your gallery. I feel like an artist already!
Disclosure: Nintendo provided me with a DSi XL and Art Academy game for hosting the event.
Me and Jenny with our sand art!
Me, Hello Kitty and Matt!
These people dressed as (from left) My Melody, Keroppi, Hello Kitty, Little Twin Stars and mini Badtz-Maru.
The most badass painting ever by Martin Hsu. It’s titled, “Sanrio’s 50th Family Vacation.” Click 
