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Happy to help. And thanks for the thumbs-up 😉

Ouch!!! I really feel for you! I can only repeat what I said in the video: It took teams of highly trained chemists to formulate an efficient fixative... so why use anything else?! And always apply a few light coats. Never soak your drawing.

Thank you! Happy to help.

Thanks, ToniMarie. Like you, I've used multiple layers of Levels for those dreaded gradated photos. But I've also used DODGE and BURN in attempts to manually rectify the problems. I use both of those in the full version of this video, and cover other problems too, such as skewed images. I used to receive those very often at Starving Artists. Ultimately, my argument has always been that artists really should show their work looking its best. Otherwise, you simply can't expect anyone to fully appreciate it. Hence, this video, which I hope helps at least a few artists - if only to give them something to base their own experiments on. Given the lovely detail you accomplish in your artwork, I'm assuming clarity and sharpness are aspects you need to carefully control in your images. You certainly do in your videos.

Use the Contact page on my website. You'll find it there: SibleyFineArt.com

True! Although I do consider STAGE 2 - where you incorporate changes to turn the image into YOUR image - to be essential. Ultimately, if your guideline drawing is inaccurate, you simply waste time creating the subsequent drawing. That was particularly true in my case, because I drew dogs for people who know absolutely everything about their chosen breed.

Hi Sarah. Thanks! Happy to help. You should find more to help you on my website: SibleyFineArt.com - "Drawing from Line to Life" book, workshops, and the DrawWithMike community. The last isn't free, but it's only £1.50/week and that keeps the spam away. And you'll find over 50 videos there to help you get started - plus a Support Forum.

Well, you've absolutely made my day! Thank you - that was so very kind of you. And now I feel even more encouraged to continue. 😊

Coming from such an excellent and respected artist such as your good self... you've made my day, Owen. Thank you!

You're welcome. 🙂 I think there are four stages of development, so (probably) two more videos to come. I'm not a youngster any more, so I'm trying to unload my mind while I still can. 😉

You like Mark Knopfler? Me too! I just wish I could have included more in the video. 😉

If I'm understanding you correctly, you want to embed a previously-drawn image - a small remarque - into the margin of another artwork or print? I regret I don't have an answer for you. All the indenting I've ever used revolves around simple line, not complete areas. And, while I've drawn hundreds of remarques in the past, I've always drawn them directly on the print itself, and not tried to later insert one. If you ever find an answer, please let us know, because I can't think of any way to achieve it.

Thanks, Sara. One of the benefits of making videos is that I get to understand things that I was never completely certain about myself... and this is one of those. 😉 I do understand the use of contrast and lighting, but I was unsure about using the Low- and High-key terms correctly. Well, I am now. And I'm happy it's helped you, too.

You're very welcome - and I'll continue to make them.

Thanks! That makes all the work very worthwhile.

Like you, I accidentally discovered the sharpener. I think I was just bored one day, peered up the end with the big hole and saw a couple of blades. 😉

You're welcome, Barbara. Possibly those other two artists aren't as bothered as I am with filling the tooth and removing holes in their shading. Or they might prefer the light and softer approach? Or maybe they build up their values from light to dark? I've never understood that approach. If you want it very dark or black, just be bold and GO FOR IT, and fill the tooth! 😉

You're welcome. 😃 And thanks for that, you've made my day. I don't think I've used charcoal, but I did at one time dabble with carbon and graphite. And then I decided to be a graphite purist. I have over 50 videos now, online courses that I run at Drawspace.com, and of course my book "Drawing from line to life". Any one of those should help you, although you'll have to join us at DrawWithMike.net to see all the videos.

Thanks, because it's you they were made for. 😉 I have over 50 of these videos at DrawWithMike.net, I run drawing courses at Drawspace.com, and you'd find my book "Drawing From Line to Life" very helpful too. Details of all at SibleyFineArt.com.

I prefer to use clutch pencils (aka Lead Holders)for good reasons. They are slightly heavier, for example, which I find aids control. And the main reasons are that they remain CONSTANT in weight, length and balance. So, every time I pick one up, I know EXACTLY how it's going to perform. Where wood-cased pencils shorten and lighten in use, and need constant relearning. I explain it more fully in this video (complimentary access): sibleyfineart.com/video_access.htm?iiv

Welcome to the club! There’s nothing intuitive about the sharpener, and no instructions. I discovered the hard way how to use it. Although I didn't understand the use of the "blunt" hole until much later.

I'm not the best person to ask, because I only use Staedtler. However, I believe Tombow are considered to be both dark and creamy in application. And any Japanese brand might be darker too. Their HB is both softer and darker than the European HB, which is why they developed the F grade for writing - it's similar in hardness to a European HB. So, I'm assuming all their softer grades are probably darker too.

@@drawwithmike thank you, I can't buy it but it's good to know. I use faber castell and it's so light.

Thanks! I'll have a Part 2 for you as soon as I finished working on another video for my DrawWithMike members.

Thanks, Mark. I should have more for you soon.

Thank you, Linda!

Thanks, Lesley. I'll have a Part 2 to this video for you in a couple of weeks. I've a video to complete for my DrawWithMike members first. And Drawing From Line to Life is still very much alive... I've sold two in the past hour. 1 UK, 1 USA 😃

Hi Rich! It's been a while since the workshops. Many thanks for that. This is a video I've been wanting to make for ages, and there'll be a Part 2 next month.

Thank you! I should have another for you next month.

Sheila, I so agree with you! Over the years, I've found "owing fancy stuff" to be one of the most common reasons for an artist not starting on their journey. At the peak are the "All the gear and no idea" group. I've no doubt that group is found in almost every hobby and interest. It's the belief that if you own all the "right" tools, you'll automatically be good at that craft. But it doesn't work that way. Put it all away in a box, grab an HB/#2 pencil, a sheet of paper or the back of an envelope, and begin to draw. Then draw some more... and more... And THEN you'll become good.

@@drawwithmike You're so right! And love the phrase "All the gear and no idea." 😄

Next month... if all goes to plan. 😉

Good to hear! 😉 I meant to write at least one more book, but video does the job so much better.

@@drawwithmike great to see the vids Mike, I cant believe its around 16 years that I attended one of your weekend courses ! I still have my drawing framed, one day ill purchase "Done Balin" my favourite drawing...

@@OurFrenchHouseRenovation 16 years.... I can believe it... I'm getting old! 😊 "Done Balin'" is probably my favourite drawing, because it's the view across the fields behind our house, and features my then-neighbour. I thoroughly enjoyed haymaking with him every year. And, of course, Beardies are my favourite breed - although this pair lived 10 miles away.