Q&A: How can i get better at drawing from life?
How can i get better at drawing from life?
I’m really good at studying other artist’s works and working from pictures, to the extent my art tutor actually criticized some for being “too like prints”, but when it comes to working from life, everything goes out the window, and nothing turns out well. I don’t get to draw from life often, which I guess doesn’t help, but what can i do to help get better at drawing from life??
Thanks :)
Best answer:
Answer by Andrew
When you draw from a reference photo, the image has already been flattened for you. When drawing from a live model, you need to render the 3D image onto a 2D surface.
Based on what you said, it sounds like you are copying every detail of the photo, so your drawing looks almost exactly like the photo. Instead, try capturing the essence of the pose. Draw the gesture, capturing the flow and action of the pose. Get proportions down, and then build up volume with geometric shapes (cylinders, boxes, etc.).Then pay attention to light sources, cast shadows, and form shadows.
Once you are able to draw in simplified form, then more on to more refined and subtle shapes.
You also said you don’t get to draw from life often. It may be true that you don’t have a chance to draw nude models often, but you can always find live people to draw. Go sit in a cafe or in a park and draw people. Do lots of fairly quick drawings rather than fussing too much.
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