Project - Learning to Sketch from Observation

13K
Course In Progress

Project - Learning to Sketch from Observation

13K
Course In Progress

Use the three reference images of clean line drawings and sketch them using simple loose lines. Don't try to match the cleanliness of these drawings. Instead, sketch them out with energetic, tapered strokes. Don't hesitate. Just practice moving your arm with confidence. If you draw some lines and then you realize that, Oh, shoot, I need to curve that more. Go ahead and just draw the new curve right over it. As you get more confident that you've found the shape, you can darken those lines and the lighter lines start to disappear. Focus on the big idea and the shapes the lines represent, rather than on each individual line. 

For you, Level 2 monster trucks, I want you to start with this Level 1 project as a warmup, and then head over to the Learning to Sketch from Imagination project page for your instructions.

If you'd like to have a chance to be included in the upcoming critique videos, you must submit your drawings below by March 9th 2023

Good luck and please have some fun!

Newest
@deepanshu12
‱
4h
open for suggestions please
Nicole
‱
1d
My penguin looked a little like the concerned Spongebob meme so I put him in there. Didn’t think I’d have so much trouble with the VR girl

Nicole
‱
1d
More penguins
@dukal
‱
2d
I've try some sketchs. I try not to draw the lines I was seeing but the flow like in the demo. I really struggle with the nose, if some of you can help me on this.
Wesley Womack
‱
2d
think of the nose as a triangle with a rounded tip raised up
@gecko_cs
‱
2d
I sketched all the level 1 references, thought that I was a bit too clean and detailed with my first girl so did another to properly focus on just the shapes and the flow. Tried the same with the other 2, I especially liked my penguin but struggled a lot with the hand, and had to try it a few times. I struggled with the size of the fingers relative to each other and making the hand too static. My last attempt was definitely the best one though. Any feedback would be appreciated!
Ogechi Ike
‱
3d
I finished the penguin yesterday. I need to work on both my line and self-confidence.
Rachel Dawn Owens
Self-confidence comes with practice. Keep it up and you will be a natural before you know it. This is looking nice so far.
Thaddeus Mikle
My attempt at the project I stuck with the reference for the hand and the penguin for the VR girl I use the reference but tried changing the pose with imagination any critiques would be appreciated.
@dukal
‱
2d
Very cool what you did for the VR Girl
@harrow
‱
4d
First stab at the level one assignment. I like the arm a lot and the penguin is okay. I should definitely have drawn the girl bigger.
@harrow
‱
4d
I really wasn't happy with the VR girl so I gave it another go. I think I did much better this time
@dukal
‱
4d
Just finished this one. I had more trouble with the last one.
@piba
‱
4d
Wwwoooooowww I like the hand đŸ€ŒđŸ»đŸ€ŒđŸ»
Gara
‱
4d
@christalynn
‱
4d
Kathryn Kerr
‱
4d
@lancerharris
‱
5d
@labuge
‱
5d
Just did those 2 exercices and now I realize I didnˋt follow the goal
 didnˋt simplify the Line and shape and get caught again in something pretty messy. Will continue to try
@dukal
‱
5d
You can do it :)
Mr. Renso
‱
5d
This exercise felt like a breath of fresh air after finishing the 2 week challenge. I had fun! Gonna try to do more of them tomorrow.
Ingrid S
‱
5d
Feeling more and more confident with my lines. It's not perfect (the hand was a bit challenging) but I tried to focus more on the lines and less on the details.
@dukal
‱
5d
Good job ! Keep at it ! For what I can see, I think that what will help you is find the perfect speed when you're tracing your lines. Keep practicing and you'll get there !
Dylan Jagiello
One studio ghibli inspired sketch for good luck.
Melanie Scearce
Great study!
Dylan Jagiello
In addition to the three required assignments I decided to practice drawing from observation with some additional references. I slowed down and realized that I don't need to go fast which improved my line quality. Seeing Stan's demo's really helped me recognize the importance of accuracy still.
Melanie Scearce
Wow, way to go above and beyond! Keep it up :)
Dylan Jagiello
Joe Burris
‱
9d
I feel like a dummy for saying this but I for the life of me dont understand how to physically do a tapered line. Ive filled sheets with lines trying to do it and its just not clicking. Nonetheless I wanted to truck forward with the projects and just add the line exercises to my daily warmups. I tried going really loose and light for these and for a first attempt am decently happy with the results . The entire time I worked on the hand I thought it was a mess until near the end when it started to come together. Definitely lots Ill do different next time I try it but I think (I hope) I at least captured the energy of the source. I was running out of time whole doing the VR girl so my lines there are definitely hairier and more rushed. Im excited to try her again.
Melanie Scearce
It's really muscle memory. Try your best and keep doing those drills, they will pay off! If you've ever tried to learn a choreographed dance or a skateboard trick, you know how many times you have to repeat for it to become ingrained 🔁 I think you're in a good place with your lines, so keep it up!
Sara
‱
10d
Level 1: Sketch from observation
Melanie Scearce
The hand looks awesome! Nice work :)
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Founder of Proko, artist and teacher of drawing, painting, and anatomy. I try to make my lessons fun and ultra packed with information.
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