Alexander Steenhorst Interview: Drawing the Human Figure

Renowned artist Alexander Steenhorst shares his creative journey in the art world, takes a deep dive into his process, and shares his tips for aspiring illustrators

Welcome to an enlightening discussion with Alexander Steenhorst, an acclaimed artist and psychologist who has made a significant mark in the world of visual arts. Known as Dr. Draw on YouTube, he's renowned for his unique blend of humor, analytical skills, and innate talent in his art. With collaborations under his belt with prestigious clients like ING, ASML, and Akzo Nobel, Alexander's artwork reflects a profound influence from celebrated artists like KIM JUNG GI, Tom Fox, Mondriaan, Van Gogh, and Moebius. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Alexander's journey from psychology to artistry, his inspirations, and an in-depth look into his course Drawing the Human Figure & Expressive Poses.

The Interview:

Q: What made you choose this career?

Alexander Steenhorst: Throughout my varied career journey, ranging from a career coach to a recruitment consultant, I have discovered the pure joy and satisfaction that drawing and teaching about artistic confidence bring. So, becoming Dr. Draw was a decision driven by the pursuit of joy and fulfillment.

Q: When did you start drawing?

Alexander Steenhorst: My serious engagement with drawing began when I was 27. In my previous corporate job, I realized that my core values weren't aligned with the excessive focus on money. Thus, I decided to pursue what I truly value – drawing and visual thinking.

Q: How would you describe your creative process?

Alexander Steenhorst: I approach my creative process with a structured mindset. I set a timer for 40 minutes and focus specifically on one theme I want to draw. I don’t wait for inspiration, I expect it to come when I start drawing.

Q: How many hours a day do you spend drawing?

Alexander Steenhorst: On average, I dedicate one to two hours a day to drawing, although there are days when I can spend up to five hours. The process might start with a bit of hesitation, but once I begin, it’s hard to stop. I get entirely absorbed into the flow.

Q: What is the most challenging thing for you to draw?

Alexander Steenhorst: Expressive drawing poses a significant challenge for me. I believe in achieving a balance between analytical and expressive art. The latter requires stepping away from logic and drawing more from your feelings, which is an area I'm eager to explore further.

Q: How does your personality and your roots influence your creations?

Alexander Steenhorst: My penchant for humor often reflects in my drawings. My background in psychology enables me to analyze behavior, which extends to the analysis of drawings as well. I believe the culture you’re from significantly influences your artistic expression. Dutch culture, for instance, is more rational and result-oriented, and that has undoubtedly shaped my work.

Q: How much of the quality of one’s work do you think is the result of practice and how much is innate talent?

Alexander Steenhorst: While both talent and practice shape an artist's skill, the most crucial element is the joy derived from the process. Art that is created with passion and happiness resonates with the audience more than anything else.

Q: What will be the project that your students will develop, and what exercises will they have to do?

Alexander Steenhorst: The final project of my course involves building a dynamic pose with a figure. We'll focus on the four fundamentals of drawing a dynamic pose: balance, movement, volume, and readability.

Q: What do you want your student to be able to do at the end of this course?

Alexander Steenhorst: My primary goal is to instill confidence in my students, particularly in using a sketchbook and overcoming the fear of a blank page. By the end of the course, they should be able to utilize their available time and fill a page with their creativity.

Embark on this inspiring journey with Alexander Steenhorst and let his insights and wisdom guide you to explore the depths of your creative potential. His journey, marked by a transition from a corporate environment to fully embracing his artistic passion, serves as a potent reminder of the importance of pursuing what we truly love. His course, "Drawing the Human Figure & Expressive Poses," promises to not just teach you drawing techniques, but also help you overcome your fears and barriers to artistic expression. Let's remember his words, "In the end, it's about having fun." May his journey inspire yours, and may your blank pages soon be filled with your unique expressions of art.