I’ve taught a lot of classes at the School of Visual Arts. The one thing I notice every semester is that students do not look at the model enough. They look down at their pad at least 80% of the time. Not everyone but a lot of students do this. The rule you want to keep in mind is that you should be looking at your pad 50% of the time and the model 50% of the time. Look, observe, that is what life drawing is all about.
The other point in this video is to remind you to take a different point of view. In class I usually try to sneak in a drawing in between teaching. Since all of the so called good spots are taken up by the students I’m forced to draw behind the model a lot. I’ve found that sometimes you see the most interested things from a three quarter back view.
Try to utilize these two simple life drawing techniques the next time you are in figure drawing class or just drawing a still life at home. It might feel different at first to look for a few seconds at your subject matter but your drawings will thank you.
PS I added a new product to my online store. I’ve gotten so much positive feedback from the video critiques at Drawing Tutorials Online that I decided to offer up a personalized video critique of your work put onto DVD. If you are interested visit Personalized Video Critique for You On DVD
Members of Drawing Tutorials Online now get a weekly podcast automatically delivered to their email inbox. If you are looking for some guidance and inspiration these podcasts are just the thing to keep you going. They are only available to subscribers of the site.
January 31st, 2012 at 8:05 pm
This article is very interesting, I like it. I will always come to visit after.I would recommend to friends more.
January 23rd, 2012 at 11:44 am
I found drawing really difficult at school
January 19th, 2012 at 1:16 am
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December 5th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
How to sketch and your techniques makes a lot of difference.
January 10th, 2011 at 10:47 pm
I am very glad I found your blog on facebook. Thanks for the sensible critique. Me and my friend were just preparing to do some research about this. I am glad to see such reliable info being shared freely out there.
July 8th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Hi Matt,
Thanks for the series of videos, they have been very helpful. You have a lot of energy and love for teaching. Thanks.
July 7th, 2010 at 11:47 pm
hi, It is a wonderful and absolutely inspiring video. thanks for letting me see it. Great work.