Modeling The Figure – Circular Blending

Modeling The Figure – Circular Blending

From critiquing artwork in the members area I often get questions concerning modeling. How to make the transition between values smoother. A lot of artists struggle with having their drawings look too rough in the shading department.

Delaney’ Sketchbook

Delaney’ Sketchbook

I knew right off the bat that I was going to ask Delaney is she wanted to film a sketchbook video, I was so happy when she said yes. I think it’s important to see a sketchbook like Delaney’s. Mainly because it shows no fear.

Complicating Your Edge Line

Complicating Your Edge Line

Have you ever wondered why your figure drawings look stiff? Perhaps they look too stylized for your liking. The antidote to stiffness is eliminating all straight lines. Straight lines on the edge of your figure drawings without a doubt create a stiff look and feel.

How To Draw The Structure Of The Lips

How To Draw The Structure Of The Lips

In this screencast portrait drawing lesson I share with you how I think about the structure of the lips. Thinking about the structure of the lips is completely different than using angles, shapes and tone to map out the lips on paper.   The key element to keep in...

Lin’s Sketchbook

Lin’s Sketchbook

Lin was a student enrolled in my drawing class last year at the School of Visual Arts. I guess I can start with the fact that Lin was the heart of the class. She really is the nicest person ever, the hardest working student truly devoted to improving.

Shea Portrait – Drawing The Mouth

Shea Portrait – Drawing The Mouth

In this portrait drawing lesson I share with you how to carefully lay in the mouth. By using a series of targets you can make sure you get proper placement of the lips. Simply put targets are little marks you place on paper. They help you to place the features of the...

Shea Portrait – Starting With The Eyes

Shea Portrait – Starting With The Eyes

I wanted to share with you lesson one from my latest portrait drawing course titled “Shea Portrait”. A few members had asked the question, can you start a portrait drawing with the eye first? The answer is of course. Diving deeper the real answer is that you can start a portrait wherever you see fit.

Portrait Painting Critique

Portrait Painting Critique

If you are looking for feedback on your artwork, I’m here to help. I devote every single Monday to critiquing member artwork. Sometimes we can get too close to our own artwork. Another set of eyes is always helpful. Thanks for sharing Yvon!

Portrait Drawing – Lesson Twelve

Portrait Drawing – Lesson Twelve

If you like a drawing style that is somewhat realistic you have to put in the time. An hour just won’t cut it. So know what you like, know what you aspire to. Be realistic with the time it takes to get there. This quite frankly is half the battle.

Portrait Drawing – Lesson Five

Portrait Drawing – Lesson Five

Okay lesson five, this video will show you the importance of solid shapes. It seems so simplistic, shading in a solid way. However I cannot stress the importance of being able to squint and see shapes, then shading them their appropriate value.

Portrait Drawing – Lesson Four

Portrait Drawing – Lesson Four

Okay great you have made it to lesson four. Once you have taken the time to get the basic shape of the head with a light middle tone it’s now time to dive in deeper. In essence you have basically drawn big shapes, then drawn smaller shapes within the big shapes. Start progressing into refining the features of the face.

Portrait Drawing – Lesson Three

Portrait Drawing – Lesson Three

In this lesson three I share with you the importance of adding shapes within shapes and refining edges. One you have established some basic shapes it’s then time to add smaller shapes within the big shapes. For instance once you have drawn the eye socket shape it’s time to place the eye within the eye socket shape.