I loved this video for a few reasons: 1- It shows how teaching simple techniques can take a complete beginner and guide them towards something they can be proud of 2- it shows the pleasures and frustrations every artist goes through 3- it shows the specificity of hyperrealism, how it encourages you to look super closely and appreciate all the little details of your subject. 4- it shows the specific techniques of a given medium (in this case graphite) My conclusions: there is no such thing as "good or bad at art" in general. Anyone can become decent at a specific style and medium with specific study. And that doesn't necessarily translate into other types of art either, like gestural drawing, character design, or, say, oil painting!
I mean the biggest hurdle in drawing is our brains struggling to interpret the big picture and the small picture at the same time, which is why the grid method works so well.
As an art teacher, I wish I had more than 3-4 people as dedicated as this guy (the student) in my classes every year. But I thank God for people like him. Because they make it all worth it.
Wish I had a teacher like you my art teachers never taught me to draw so I never learned I only learned to copy what I see and I thought that was drawing it just sucks because I feel like I can’t create anything.
@@sinceredtb3227 I rarely draw things what they're "supposed to look like". Exploring shapes and colours with a general direction is really freeing and lets me truly explore my creativity. I really recommend you to just start drawing and feel. Let how you feel about what you just put on paper dictate where you go next, that's how I do it ^^
The most difficult part about realism is how tedious and time consuming it can be but when the subject is something your really passionate about it can make it all worth while.
As a kid i enjoyed drawing and did fairly well at it, and got in a little trouble for drawing in math or English classes.. ! Well about 10 years ago i decided to freehand a ink drawing for a guy that retired.. Everyone loved the drawing of a substation and this fellow employee standing around a huge power transformer and switchgear etc…! Now this was a abstract drawing not being completely perfect.. it was done in pencil then black ink and copied. The owner put it up in their new home and said they really loved it..! I know i have some skills that i learned from BOB ROSS and a few others but not sure if i have the patience to do these perfect drawings unless they involve HOTRODs ..LOL..! What i really need to learn is the proper materials to use to get that true professional look , all my work has been done on standard note paper…And somehow i make it work..! I did subscribe to better my skills and learn the Ropes from a professional .. i am retired now and lets see what happens..! THANKYOU…😎🏆
James has so much drawing potential. I would love for him to continue down that path if that is something he truly wants to do outside of being an editor. Good video guys!
"Focus on an area and commit to it" was a helpful remark for me. I tend to jump around also. And the suggestion to get a sense of the hyperrealism was eye-opening. Thank you for the wonderful video!
Well Done! The finished image is so impressive, hard to believe that James never drew before. And great idea for the video, thank you so much! It gives us, stick-figure people, hope that we will be able to improve in our drawing abilities. :)
I like how he was teaching, very positive, no harsh critique, he was genuinly happy about the result and very supportive. When he pointed to the "problematic" areas he didn't said "this is not good" he instead gived advice on what he can to do improve. I find it very encouraging and a positive experience. When someone is a beginer at something they are already in big stress because they try to figure out a lot of things, new stuff they didn't deal with until that point, some to have someone experienced by your side offering guidence is such a releaf of the burden. But to have a master by your side who critiques you at every step it's just overkill. Well done to both of them 😊
My whole life people have been saying, "I wish I could draw." I always say to them, "You can, you just don't know it." Now I can reference your video, and show them what I mean. Thank you for this.
I agree with you. I also add that the individuality of each person's way of seeing makes the whole if the art world, like each facet of a diamond no longer in the rough. I want them to know they are always respected from the very start. I am going to refer everyone to this, too. I had someone just last week going through this desire to begin and specifically mentioned animals. I can't wait to give her this reference next time we meet!
There needs to be more people like you. I am so sick of the elitist attitude of "You have to be born with it, it's a gift sweetie" NO, it's not. It is a skill anybody can learn if you want to bad enough and put the time and effort in. Like anything else, it takes dedication. Some people may take to it faster than others but everybody can learn if the passion is there.
@@Coasterdude02149 The fact that someone can go from stick figures (not being able to draw) to realism...with enough practice and drawing time makes me believe fully that anyone can draw if they give it a true chance. I've improved quite a bit in the 6 months I was drawing last year, nowhere near realism but much better than when I started. ☺️
@@Coasterdude02149 that's what my grandma says about me. I am certainly creatively talented, but that doesn't mean I magically was born with the knowledge of how to paint and draw with different materials or understood anatomy without ever studying it. You still have to learn.
My whole life I joked that I couldn’t draw a straight line. A few years ago I started coloring books with pencil, then graduated to acrylic painting tutorials with traceables, and began thinking, “Maybe I could draw this”. Last year, at age 55, I got a pencil set and sketch pad, and started watching tutorials and even took a portrait course. I quickly got to the, “Oh. Ok I can draw” phase. The biggest “aha” moment came when I sat down with one of my Manga coloring books and started drawing the characters from the pages, and it felt natural and almost easy.
What a wonderful crash course in drawing! Lucky guy to have your in-person instruction, and I could see the joy it brought both of you. Thank you for sharing the gift with him, and us!
Yes art and drawing are 2 different things but anyone can learn to draw and the same is true for producing art. Anyone can learn to start using the right side of their brain to produce art.
I learned, in the 80's so pre-computer technology, to draw using the grid method. I'm not a realist artist, but I believe using a grid is helpful and immeasurable as an artistic tool. The potrait came out beautifully as well. Congratulations 😊
he did a super good job for not having much experience! I would say the "sharpness" of the highlights are the main thing holding it back from that photo-realistic image.
After watching your video, I just ordered a grid from Amazon. I've never thought about this awesome idea... I've lost of drive to draw again. I used to draw from 9yrs to 16yrs.. at 43 now I'm wanting to get back into drawing an start painting. Thank you Jono D for this idea to start getting people back into drawing again.
This type of art is not for me but as long as people having fun creating it that’s what matters. I think this video teaches you that if really you put your mind into it you can do it and that’s liberating. Then you will say, if they can do it, I can do it.
One pivotal book for me has been “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” by Betty Edwards. Basically she explains this technique in detail. Yes we now have the internet and talented artists who can teach us but sometimes seeing it in text really helps.
The "grid technique" is a fantastic tool. I use it for all of my realism-inspired drawings. Once I'm able to get what I'm drawing on paper, I add some fun/interesting textures once I start putting color down, whether it's paint/paint marker, alcohol markers, or colored pencil (in either standard format or oil based) I'm currently attempting, after a few years without doing a drawing like this.. to draw a memorial picture of my kitty, Princess Kaeda who passed away recently. So far I got the basic shapes down and I'm already seeing it come together. ❤️
These videos are very special too me. I came out of art school in the 80’s and joined a team of artists that worked in hyperrealism for advertising before computer graphics became financially attainable. Five of is would work on a drawing one after the other with some sleeping in the studio couch while waiting. I ended up hating that job though I made a lot of money and stopped drawing for decades. Now, thanks to these videos, I am rediscovering the great pleasure I used to get from drawing, retraining my eye and hand and learning these new techniques in hyperrealism. Thanks. PS what are your accents?
Actually, the self-imposed limitation of “not showing you how to do it physically” because they are present is actually what great teachers practice haha. As a math teacher, the thing we are taught never to do is to do a problem for the student. All my college professors were great at this, especially for the upper division mathematics classes.
That's a great piece of work! Goes to show that technique and attention to detail are the key, particularly for hyperrealism. Ive been drawing for 50+ years and struggle with the realistic detail - usually because i haven't the patience. I still aim for it and enjoy the process though, even if i do rush it somewhat. Great job, student and teacher!
Dude! You kick ass for this and just gave me some motivation to start doing a lot more! Just watching you struggle and listening to you talk through the steps, really makes me feel not so alone during my process! Thanks guys!! Luvv the work! Luvv the energy!
James, you rock! Jono, you inspire! This is now one of my favorite videos. Thank you both so much for putting this together. I had all but given up on my quest to teach myself how to draw. Maybe I should give it another go.
To me, getting it up to a better drawing angle is key. Prop your surface up to around 45. Otherwise people tend to elongate their stuff quite noticeably. Circles becomes ovals, etc.
What a wonderful teacher! Never judgmental or condescending. Talent can only take a person so far. It’s the coaching/teacher behind the talent that has the ability to level up the ability as we saw here
Great video! I smiled when the studio puppy was introduced because you went to another thought and said “…when you’re about to emBARK…” and the timing was awesome. 1:25
I think there's a time and place for tracing or this grid method (which is essentially a more complicated way to trace) but a huge component to the craft of drawing is your observation/hand-eye coordination which you don't really get to put into practice when you draw this way... just throwing that out there
i appreciate the detail and technique which goes into this grid drawing method; i do think that freehand drawing without a grid requires a greater understanding of thr subject, proportions, and it’s 3d structure. both are interesting!
This is a great study in mark making, but you don't learn anything about form, light, composition, seeing 3D in 2D, perspective... you know, that sort of thing. It's great that people get something out of it, but being able to copy a photograph is not knowing "how to draw." It's knowing how to copy a photograph with drawing implements.
@@andythebouncer 💯 Not to mention those skills are essential foundational tools that should become second nature if you want to use the craft to channel your creativity (which is what I believe separates art from studies, artists from craftsmen). Attempting to express creativity without the tools (or a good handle of the tools) will make creating art a frustrating process instead of spiritually liberating.
Yeah, it really doesn't sit well with me any drawing course who says it's going to teach how to draw and use the grid, because they are actually teaching you how to copy stuff. Copying it's a skill too that takes work to learn and perfect but learning to draw requires so much more. It can be even deceiving. I, per example, was very confused and felt like a fraud because I couldn't draw anything else without a photo (and didn't have something like aphantasia) but just having a vague notion of gesture and form was a game changer in my case. At least here the guy says that this method is for this style of drawing, hyperrealism, that it's the ultimate form of copying.
Wow! Unbelievable that you’ve never drawn before! I’ve seen “professional” artists who sell dog portraits, that are no where as nice as yours! Great job! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Drawing and painting is ALL about problem solving right from the start. Improving on your artwork boils down to your experience with solving previous problems and adapting that knowledge and skill to solve any future problems.
Just a few days ago, as I was setting up this kid (14) with drawing materials to make his great-grandmother a Get-Well card. The first thing he said to me was that he can't draw at all. I told him that's impossible. Everyone can draw, the difference is what a person decides they want to do and the skills that they have accumulated to get there. If you have an idea of what you want, you go after learning those skills. The directions are limitless. Some people find certain things more challenging than others but it's really determination that makes the difference with anything one chooses to do in this life. I did introduce him to "hidden lines" or scaling to get what he was drawing straight. And I told him that the more he investigated drawing and Art the more little helpful "tricks" he'd learn. The only thing in this video that I was surprised because it was never mentioned was "light source." The student talked about contrast but not what or why that contrast is important in interpreting what we see. When I have introduced this to various students over the years, I find it amazing how cohesive they start working. Honestly, it was a lot of fun to watch!
When I was a kiddo, my grandfather taught me this technique, but with the grid marked out on some clear plastic and he would lay that over whatever photo. One of the big benefits of the time (pre digital cameras) was that I could tape the grid to a window or a frame outside and do scenery this way as well. Anyway, thanks for the memory trigger :)
I got tired of paying for art pencils for big projects in art school so I only use a 0.9 mechanical drafting pencil and then used different technuiques for lighter/ darker tones. So you can do crazy realism with basic stuff BUT realism is a GREAT place to start if you are a beginner because it focuses on tones and shapes and those are good fundementals to build on as a starting reference. Really cool to show what its like to have a beginning perspective on art and "knowing what to do next" comes with experince and learning but you will get there.
I wish I have you as my teacher. The student's consistency is remarkable. I would have given up. So many things to learn from the video. Need more content like this. Huge support and thanks.❤
I’ve just found your channel via the TH-cam algorism and wow. I’m so glad that you came up on my page. I have just watched this video and now I’m going down the rabbit hole of watching more of your vlogs. I used to be good at drawing, art and any other crafts that I laid my hands on when I was still at school. I was always complimented on my work by my teachers and especially my use of colour and pencil drawing that had a lot of shading in them. I remember a drawing an empty papier-mâché egg box which was then shown around the school by my art teacher and put on display as it was one of my very best still life drawings. I really wish I still had it. I should have been proud of what I was creating but instead I found it embarrassing to be continually called out from the other pupils to show them my artwork. I even started studying art at college as this is what I wanted to do as a career but then I had to drop out to get a job to earn money to live on at the end of the first year. That was over cough (30+) years ago and as I got older and moved on to different things I lost my confidence in my abilities and over time stopped creating artwork. I now sometimes draw to help my children learn and complete homework but the only craft I have really kept up with is sewing. This has inspired me to pick up a pencil again and try to follow your tuition now that I the time because I no longer work due to illness and disability. Thank you so much. Let’s see if I still have the basic skills. ❤️xx
well done! the first steps of becoming a great artist is straight up copying exactly what you see. the practice is as old as time, the old masters would be proud.
You can absolutely make creative art in hyperrealistic style, mimicry allows you to learn how materials, shadows and lighting work without a reference image too
You are neither helpless nor hopeless...quite the opposite, You are on your way to becoming a really good artist!! Keep believing in yourself and listening to your mentors. Best wishes for your continued success!!
I have used this technique when drawing on a certain cement block wall in my school cafeteria, to first draw and then eventually paint our school's mascot. I made a print from the internet of an acceptable version of our mascot, upon which I superimposed, with a Word program, the grid that was to scale with the grid that the cement blocks made on the wall in question. This was probably twenty years ago. Anyhow, I drew on the wall one block at a time according to what each corresponding rectangle on my paper, gridded copy looked like. . . And I think that this guy has drawn before, based on his sketching technique. Beginners don't usually develop that sketching way until after some practice. Having said that, this was a very good video.
I've never seen this channel before (How I do not know!!) but the fact that you approve of the grid makes me so happy!! I've never used the grid before just the basic facial lines (because SOME consider it "cheating") but will be trying it now and not feeling a bit guilty about it! Thank you so much! ❤ oh and you gained a very speedy sub. ☺️
To relieve you of the doubt, I keep somewhere in my vast collection of references a drawing from few hundreds years back, depicting a tool, which casted a grid onto the paper. It was a framed piece of glass with a grid on it, that was put at the upper part piece of paper to cast the grid onto it. Why this tool died out, I have no idea, the creator of modern version would freaking rake in billions. Anyways, even masters used the grids, perspective lines, construction lines and measurements to help them with painting. The apprentices in master's workshops learned by copying and copying is one for the exercises still used in classical art teaching. Kim Jung Gi was incredible because he was an exception to the rule, but not being him and relying on help of available tools is not cheating. It's finding solutions to the problems :) Grid your art away, my young Padawan! :D
@@marikothecheetah9342 This reply had me grinning from ear to ear! I was so afraid of being accused of "cheating" since I have in the past posted some of my amateur scribbles and you know online people can be very vicious if you admit to gridding (or tracing which I technically never do, I do on occasion dot where the eyes outer points go or outer corners of lips go but never outright trace). I have gridded a few pictures of people I'd like to draw at some point and may give it a go today (I'm waiting on a Strathmore 300 drawing pad to come in, it was a paper I really wanted to try). Thank you so much again for your reply...I wish I was a "Young Padawan" but I'm 57. 😁(nice Star Wars reference BTW 👍🏻👍🏻)
There’s nowt wrong with ‘gridding’ or any other tools and techniques that you find useful - we’ve all been there - and the tools help you get that accuracy and speed in the initial stages… but it always comes down to your own interpretation of the techniques that get you to a final piece of art! I haven’t got to Jono’s level yet… but I keep trying - it’s hard having two loves - drawing and blues/jazz guitar!
@@charlottesmom Don't listen to some idiots on the Internet and type in artist tools or what artists use in you tube and you will see many things you wouldn't even think of, projector included. There are proportional dividers, rules, curves and whatnot. Artists "cheat" constantly :D
@@rebeccaabraham8652 , My two big loves right now are drawing and TRYING to learn piano (I feel like a complete idiot when it comes to reading music, its so hard!) guitar was on my radar for a bit and even bought an acoustic but it just never really clicked with me. You're lucky you can play its a beautiful instrument! (My name is Rebecca too!)😄
Will be referring others to this video as they want to learn; I hear it often. I think learning to cope with frustration through any process is a big part of gaining the skill that comes with it. Some of us appear to do that better, but that too, is a learned process, so do immerse in art, leave self judgement behind, and let it be your relaxing thing. If you tend to horde supplies, (I get this), just know it's like the value of a good cup of coffee and dust any supplies off. Explore how many ways you can use it in a journal for reference later.
I am so jealous of James that he got a one on one with you! He did great, I hope he continues to draw and you were a great teacher for him. The restraint it must have taken to not show him a technique directly on his portrait! Great job you 2!
After watching the video I took screen shots and uploaded them to see the differences side by side. For a first timer this is amazing. I wish I had a job and/or friends like him. Great video.
I'm impressed, for someone who has never drawn that is pretty good. You couldnt have chosen a harder example to draw, fur is not easy. Keep at it, you will improve with time.
What a beautiful end result! And hard won too. It takes grit to undo so much work & start again. And to stick with it until you really feel you can’t go further. And it looks like it got the seal of approval from the model too! 🐶 I had to laugh at the “I’ll be finished by today” moments. I do that all the time lol. Totally underestimate how long things will take me.
I really enjoyed this video and seeing the process and the challenges that comes up along the way. This gives me confidence to attempt something like hyperrealism. For someone's first time doing something like this, James did an amazing job!
This is incredible. As someone who has been drawing for many years (Not hyper-realism) I'm at a loss for words. I don't think I could replicate what you've done here on my best day. Well done.
The one thing I learned in art classes that I still use when doing a difficult piece! I love the grid method, it gives you the ability to believe in your capabilities! Amazing job. I'm gonna have to look into that eraser !
Well done James! This is such a precious contribution to your channel, Jono! Love it. Gorgeous photogenic doggie 🥰❤ 16:01 I screamed!! Beautiful drawing, yayyyy!!!!
Some People say art is long time process it takes years etc. But I'd say everyone has an artist inside them. I never touched colour pencils in over 6 years now but i use them as i liked and turned pretty well. And i did some realistic and 1 hyperealistic portrait sketches and turned better with each one by one as i kept doing.
I loved watching this video. It’s really well done. As someone who has struggled with art my entire life, especially drawing, I am inspired to try graphite again.
The way he described being anxious about screwing up what he already done at the end. I feel like that is literally every artist lol. Welcome to art, we are perfectionists.
I’m not a hyper realism artist but Ive always sworn by the grid method. It works amazingly. Great job on the piece, I definitely am going to be grabbing some graph paper to do this on a realistic piece.
I am impressed. Looks like hours and hours. Great beautiful likeness. Sweet puppy memorialized. A moment in time. I might try it for my black cat. Photos don’t capture it easily. That’s lovely.
This video helped me a lot, as it shows very clear what an artist needs the most of: Patience. The end result is amazing. Thank for this video. Greetings from Germany.
The grid technique is fantastic, I have found when teaching someone how to use the grid technique before doing something very complicated, is to turn the picture upside down removing visual reality and drawing it with the grid upside down out of context. I find that this helps removes some left to right swaying that can happen.
Realism is a great place to start! I always tell my tattoo clients that black and grey realism is the easiest as it's just 'copy and paste'. Once you get into the levels of surrealism and having the need to be creative is where the challenge comes in and you get to apply the tools learned from portrait work.
Great job. Kinda hard to believe you didn't know how to draw before this. If that's true then this is a testament to your work. To the teacher, great job as well.
It would be an honor to learn from Jono, and as someone who developed much of my pencil drawing with the grid method I can say it's the best way to go!
this reminds me of when I was like 10 I was doing that good of hyperrealism but them i disliked art after 10 yrs of doing it and now Im back to it I, don't know why i gave up and didnt like it anymore but I self taught myself, but now im turning 16.
I can honestly say that drawing from observation is far, far easier to pick up compared to creating your own interpretive style and drawing from your imagination. This is particularly true for people like me who lack a visual imagination.
"I feel like Im making it worse and ruining the illusions ive already made." That right there was the peak of artist issues with a piece they've invested in. When he said that I thought "yup, he's an artist now." Its just so relatable
I write the number or letter on each grid line in the margins, so as to not confuse which line you are on! The number or letter also appears on the photo grid.
If you are taught the basics of the grid I think this is the best way for anyone to learn how to do realistic drawings. Obviously this is hyperealistic but it gives you the knowledge of placement,shading,highlights etc.
It honestly looks GREAT! Seriously! You should be REALLY proud! I know it had to be hard. I enjoy drawing and painting but I haven’t took near enough time to learn techniques. I have two kids and a crazy life but I need to start taking time for me. Great job guys! Seriously! Just found you w this video! Definitely subscribing!
He did extremely well. Way to go, dude! Not only did he learn a lot of techniques and tricks, but also one of *_the_* most important lessons of art: When to quit. When you're done. When further efforts only detract from rather that add to the piece. What did the old man say? "That's good! You've taken your first step into a larger world."
@@dagan8659 Are you off your meds? Too much coffee? Not enough coffee? Take three deep breaths, in through the nose, out through the mouth. Count to ten slowly. Close your eyes, relax, say, "woo-sah, woo-sah, woo-sah."
I loved this video for a few reasons:
1- It shows how teaching simple techniques can take a complete beginner and guide them towards something they can be proud of
2- it shows the pleasures and frustrations every artist goes through
3- it shows the specificity of hyperrealism, how it encourages you to look super closely and appreciate all the little details of your subject.
4- it shows the specific techniques of a given medium (in this case graphite)
My conclusions: there is no such thing as "good or bad at art" in general. Anyone can become decent at a specific style and medium with specific study. And that doesn't necessarily translate into other types of art either, like gestural drawing, character design, or, say, oil painting!
Simple??? Maybe to you 😂
I mean the biggest hurdle in drawing is our brains struggling to interpret the big picture and the small picture at the same time, which is why the grid method works so well.
As an art teacher, I wish I had more than 3-4 people as dedicated as this guy (the student) in my classes every year. But I thank God for people like him. Because they make it all worth it.
Wish I had a teacher like you my art teachers never taught me to draw so I never learned I only learned to copy what I see and I thought that was drawing it just sucks because I feel like I can’t create anything.
I mean I feel like it's also cause he's getting paid to do this lol
@@sinceredtb3227 I rarely draw things what they're "supposed to look like". Exploring shapes and colours with a general direction is really freeing and lets me truly explore my creativity. I really recommend you to just start drawing and feel. Let how you feel about what you just put on paper dictate where you go next, that's how I do it ^^
He gets paid.
@@Teenywing wow you have such an insightful view on the world, you go girl
The most difficult part about realism is how tedious and time consuming it can be but when the subject is something your really passionate about it can make it all worth while.
As a kid i enjoyed drawing and did fairly well at it, and got in a little trouble for drawing in math or English classes.. ! Well about 10 years ago i decided to freehand a ink drawing for a guy that retired.. Everyone loved the drawing of a substation and this fellow employee standing around a huge power transformer and switchgear etc…! Now this was a abstract drawing not being completely perfect.. it was done in pencil then black ink and copied. The owner put it up in their new home and said they really loved it..! I know i have some skills that i learned from BOB ROSS and a few others but not sure if i have the patience to do these perfect drawings unless they involve HOTRODs ..LOL..! What i really need to learn is the proper materials to use to get that true professional look , all my work has been done on standard note paper…And somehow i make it work..! I did subscribe to better my skills and learn the Ropes from a professional .. i am retired now and lets see what happens..! THANKYOU…😎🏆
Agreed. This really inspires me to try this with a high-res photo of my black cat lol.
James has so much drawing potential. I would love for him to continue down that path if that is something he truly wants to do outside of being an editor. Good video guys!
I cracked up when you said you were at first liking'drawing then not liking it when you discovered your grid was off. Been there! Great job!
"Focus on an area and commit to it" was a helpful remark for me. I tend to jump around also. And the suggestion to get a sense of the hyperrealism was eye-opening. Thank you for the wonderful video!
Well Done! The finished image is so impressive, hard to believe that James never drew before. And great idea for the video, thank you so much! It gives us, stick-figure people, hope that we will be able to improve in our drawing abilities. :)
I'm a stick figure professional creator too
I like how he was teaching, very positive, no harsh critique, he was genuinly happy about the result and very supportive. When he pointed to the "problematic" areas he didn't said "this is not good" he instead gived advice on what he can to do improve. I find it very encouraging and a positive experience. When someone is a beginer at something they are already in big stress because they try to figure out a lot of things, new stuff they didn't deal with until that point, some to have someone experienced by your side offering guidence is such a releaf of the burden. But to have a master by your side who critiques you at every step it's just overkill. Well done to both of them 😊
The final portrait of the pup has a dreamy like quality, so I think you finished it at the right level. So inspiring!
My whole life people have been saying, "I wish I could draw."
I always say to them, "You can, you just don't know it."
Now I can reference your video, and show them what I mean. Thank you for this.
I agree with you. I also add that the individuality of each person's way of seeing makes the whole if the art world, like each facet of a diamond no longer in the rough. I want them to know they are always respected from the very start. I am going to refer everyone to this, too. I had someone just last week going through this desire to begin and specifically mentioned animals. I can't wait to give her this reference next time we meet!
There needs to be more people like you. I am so sick of the elitist attitude of "You have to be born with it, it's a gift sweetie" NO, it's not. It is a skill anybody can learn if you want to bad enough and put the time and effort in. Like anything else, it takes dedication. Some people may take to it faster than others but everybody can learn if the passion is there.
@@Coasterdude02149 The fact that someone can go from stick figures (not being able to draw) to realism...with enough practice and drawing time makes me believe fully that anyone can draw if they give it a true chance. I've improved quite a bit in the 6 months I was drawing last year, nowhere near realism but much better than when I started. ☺️
@@Coasterdude02149 that's what my grandma says about me. I am certainly creatively talented, but that doesn't mean I magically was born with the knowledge of how to paint and draw with different materials or understood anatomy without ever studying it. You still have to learn.
My whole life I joked that I couldn’t draw a straight line. A few years ago I started coloring books with pencil, then graduated to acrylic painting tutorials with traceables, and began thinking, “Maybe I could draw this”. Last year, at age 55, I got a pencil set and sketch pad, and started watching tutorials and even took a portrait course. I quickly got to the, “Oh. Ok I can draw” phase. The biggest “aha” moment came when I sat down with one of my Manga coloring books and started drawing the characters from the pages, and it felt natural and almost easy.
What a wonderful crash course in drawing! Lucky guy to have your in-person instruction, and I could see the joy it brought both of you. Thank you for sharing the gift with him, and us!
So glad to hear this enjoyable. We had a lot of fun with this one. It was such joy to watch James' improvement!
You helped James prove that anyone and everyone is an artist if they want to be. Well done!
Didn't know being a printer was called artist.
No, art is something else. Google it.
@@RainbowGhostOverdrive 😂
Everyone can draw (craft) making art means something else
Yes art and drawing are 2 different things but anyone can learn to draw and the same is true for producing art. Anyone can learn to start using the right side of their brain to produce art.
I learned, in the 80's so pre-computer technology, to draw using the grid method. I'm not a realist artist, but I believe using a grid is helpful and immeasurable as an artistic tool. The potrait came out beautifully as well. Congratulations 😊
I don’t believe this man has never touched a pencil in his life before this moment
he did a super good job for not having much experience! I would say the "sharpness" of the highlights are the main thing holding it back from that photo-realistic image.
Man you are very lucky to have this experience. You did an amazing job. Keep going forward.
After watching your video, I just ordered a grid from Amazon. I've never thought about this awesome idea... I've lost of drive to draw again. I used to draw from 9yrs to 16yrs.. at 43 now I'm wanting to get back into drawing an start painting. Thank you Jono D for this idea to start getting people back into drawing again.
That was outstanding. I use grids for drawing images on canvas to paint, and it has changed my paintings tremendously.
This type of art is not for me but as long as people having fun creating it that’s what matters. I think this video teaches you that if really you put your mind into it you can do it and that’s liberating. Then you will say, if they can do it, I can do it.
One pivotal book for me has been “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” by Betty Edwards. Basically she explains this technique in detail. Yes we now have the internet and talented artists who can teach us but sometimes seeing it in text really helps.
Many thanks!
Brain, not Mind.
@@lindyashford7744 Just fixed my post. Thanks.
The "grid technique" is a fantastic tool. I use it for all of my realism-inspired drawings. Once I'm able to get what I'm drawing on paper, I add some fun/interesting textures once I start putting color down, whether it's paint/paint marker, alcohol markers, or colored pencil (in either standard format or oil based) I'm currently attempting, after a few years without doing a drawing like this.. to draw a memorial picture of my kitty, Princess Kaeda who passed away recently. So far I got the basic shapes down and I'm already seeing it come together. ❤️
2:17 thank you that's all I needed to hear 🙏🏻
I love the large window in your studio. Beautiful natural light.
These videos are very special too me.
I came out of art school in the 80’s and joined a team of artists that worked in hyperrealism for advertising before computer graphics became financially attainable.
Five of is would work on a drawing one after the other with some sleeping in the studio couch while waiting.
I ended up hating that job though I made a lot of money and stopped drawing for decades.
Now, thanks to these videos, I am rediscovering the great pleasure I used to get from drawing, retraining my eye and hand and learning these new techniques in hyperrealism.
Thanks.
PS what are your accents?
I wish Jono did the same potrait besides him to show us what heights it could reach ! NONE THE LESS AMAZING ACHIEVEMENT JAMES !
Actually, the self-imposed limitation of “not showing you how to do it physically” because they are present is actually what great teachers practice haha. As a math teacher, the thing we are taught never to do is to do a problem for the student. All my college professors were great at this, especially for the upper division mathematics classes.
That's a great piece of work! Goes to show that technique and attention to detail are the key, particularly for hyperrealism. Ive been drawing for 50+ years and struggle with the realistic detail - usually because i haven't the patience. I still aim for it and enjoy the process though, even if i do rush it somewhat.
Great job, student and teacher!
Dude! You kick ass for this and just gave me some motivation to start doing a lot more! Just watching you struggle and listening to you talk through the steps, really makes me feel not so alone during my process! Thanks guys!! Luvv the work! Luvv the energy!
James, you rock! Jono, you inspire! This is now one of my favorite videos. Thank you both so much for putting this together. I had all but given up on my quest to teach myself how to draw. Maybe I should give it another go.
This was so incredibly cool and as someone just starting out late in life - incredibly inspiring.
To me, getting it up to a better drawing angle is key. Prop your surface up to around 45. Otherwise people tend to elongate their stuff quite noticeably. Circles becomes ovals, etc.
What a wonderful teacher! Never judgmental or condescending. Talent can only take a person so far. It’s the coaching/teacher behind the talent that has the ability to level up the ability as we saw here
Great video!
I smiled when the studio puppy was introduced because you went to another thought and said “…when you’re about to emBARK…” and the timing was awesome. 1:25
I think there's a time and place for tracing or this grid method (which is essentially a more complicated way to trace) but a huge component to the craft of drawing is your observation/hand-eye coordination which you don't really get to put into practice when you draw this way... just throwing that out there
i appreciate the detail and technique which goes into this grid drawing method; i do think that freehand drawing without a grid requires a greater understanding of thr subject, proportions, and it’s 3d structure. both are interesting!
This is a great study in mark making, but you don't learn anything about form, light, composition, seeing 3D in 2D, perspective... you know, that sort of thing. It's great that people get something out of it, but being able to copy a photograph is not knowing "how to draw." It's knowing how to copy a photograph with drawing implements.
@@andythebouncer 💯 Not to mention those skills are essential foundational tools that should become second nature if you want to use the craft to channel your creativity (which is what I believe separates art from studies, artists from craftsmen).
Attempting to express creativity without the tools (or a good handle of the tools) will make creating art a frustrating process instead of spiritually liberating.
Yeah, it really doesn't sit well with me any drawing course who says it's going to teach how to draw and use the grid, because they are actually teaching you how to copy stuff. Copying it's a skill too that takes work to learn and perfect but learning to draw requires so much more. It can be even deceiving. I, per example, was very confused and felt like a fraud because I couldn't draw anything else without a photo (and didn't have something like aphantasia) but just having a vague notion of gesture and form was a game changer in my case. At least here the guy says that this method is for this style of drawing, hyperrealism, that it's the ultimate form of copying.
Wow! Unbelievable that you’ve never drawn before! I’ve seen “professional” artists who sell dog portraits, that are no where as nice as yours! Great job! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Drawing and painting is ALL about problem solving right from the start. Improving on your artwork boils down to your experience with solving previous problems and adapting that knowledge and skill to solve any future problems.
Just a few days ago, as I was setting up this kid (14) with drawing materials to make his great-grandmother a Get-Well card. The first thing he said to me was that he can't draw at all. I told him that's impossible. Everyone can draw, the difference is what a person decides they want to do and the skills that they have accumulated to get there. If you have an idea of what you want, you go after learning those skills. The directions are limitless. Some people find certain things more challenging than others but it's really determination that makes the difference with anything one chooses to do in this life. I did introduce him to "hidden lines" or scaling to get what he was drawing straight. And I told him that the more he investigated drawing and Art the more little helpful "tricks" he'd learn. The only thing in this video that I was surprised because it was never mentioned was "light source." The student talked about contrast but not what or why that contrast is important in interpreting what we see. When I have introduced this to various students over the years, I find it amazing how cohesive they start working. Honestly, it was a lot of fun to watch!
When I was a kiddo, my grandfather taught me this technique, but with the grid marked out on some clear plastic and he would lay that over whatever photo. One of the big benefits of the time (pre digital cameras) was that I could tape the grid to a window or a frame outside and do scenery this way as well. Anyway, thanks for the memory trigger :)
I got tired of paying for art pencils for big projects in art school so I only use a 0.9 mechanical drafting pencil and then used different technuiques for lighter/ darker tones.
So you can do crazy realism with basic stuff BUT realism is a GREAT place to start if you are a beginner because it focuses on tones and shapes and those are good fundementals to build on as a starting reference.
Really cool to show what its like to have a beginning perspective on art and "knowing what to do next" comes with experince and learning but you will get there.
I wish I have you as my teacher. The student's consistency is remarkable. I would have given up. So many things to learn from the video. Need more content like this. Huge support and thanks.❤
I’ve just found your channel via the TH-cam algorism and wow. I’m so glad that you came up on my page. I have just watched this video and now I’m going down the rabbit hole of watching more of your vlogs. I used to be good at drawing, art and any other crafts that I laid my hands on when I was still at school. I was always complimented on my work by my teachers and especially my use of colour and pencil drawing that had a lot of shading in them. I remember a drawing an empty papier-mâché egg box which was then shown around the school by my art teacher and put on display as it was one of my very best still life drawings. I really wish I still had it. I should have been proud of what I was creating but instead I found it embarrassing to be continually called out from the other pupils to show them my artwork. I even started studying art at college as this is what I wanted to do as a career but then I had to drop out to get a job to earn money to live on at the end of the first year. That was over cough (30+) years ago and as I got older and moved on to different things I lost my confidence in my abilities and over time stopped creating artwork. I now sometimes draw to help my children learn and complete homework but the only craft I have really kept up with is sewing. This has inspired me to pick up a pencil again and try to follow your tuition now that I the time because I no longer work due to illness and disability. Thank you so much. Let’s see if I still have the basic skills. ❤️xx
Looking at my own art pieces I’m motivated to try these techniques and level up to more hyper realism🥰
you man you have inspired me l used to draw realistic pictures but it still failed now l will try to use the grid method.
well done! the first steps of becoming a great artist is straight up copying exactly what you see.
the practice is as old as time, the old masters would be proud.
You can absolutely make creative art in hyperrealistic style, mimicry allows you to learn how materials, shadows and lighting work without a reference image too
You are neither helpless nor hopeless...quite the opposite, You are on your way to becoming a really good artist!! Keep believing in yourself and listening to your mentors. Best wishes for your continued success!!
I have used this technique when drawing on a certain cement block wall in my school cafeteria, to first draw and then eventually paint our school's mascot. I made a print from the internet of an acceptable version of our mascot, upon which I superimposed, with a Word program, the grid that was to scale with the grid that the cement blocks made on the wall in question. This was probably twenty years ago. Anyhow, I drew on the wall one block at a time according to what each corresponding rectangle on my paper, gridded copy looked like. . . And I think that this guy has drawn before, based on his sketching technique. Beginners don't usually develop that sketching way until after some practice. Having said that, this was a very good video.
I've never seen this channel before (How I do not know!!) but the fact that you approve of the grid makes me so happy!! I've never used the grid before just the basic facial lines (because SOME consider it "cheating") but will be trying it now and not feeling a bit guilty about it! Thank you so much! ❤ oh and you gained a very speedy sub. ☺️
To relieve you of the doubt, I keep somewhere in my vast collection of references a drawing from few hundreds years back, depicting a tool, which casted a grid onto the paper. It was a framed piece of glass with a grid on it, that was put at the upper part piece of paper to cast the grid onto it. Why this tool died out, I have no idea, the creator of modern version would freaking rake in billions.
Anyways, even masters used the grids, perspective lines, construction lines and measurements to help them with painting. The apprentices in master's workshops learned by copying and copying is one for the exercises still used in classical art teaching. Kim Jung Gi was incredible because he was an exception to the rule, but not being him and relying on help of available tools is not cheating. It's finding solutions to the problems :) Grid your art away, my young Padawan! :D
@@marikothecheetah9342 This reply had me grinning from ear to ear! I was so afraid of being accused of "cheating" since I have in the past posted some of my amateur scribbles and you know online people can be very vicious if you admit to gridding (or tracing which I technically never do, I do on occasion dot where the eyes outer points go or outer corners of lips go but never outright trace). I have gridded a few pictures of people I'd like to draw at some point and may give it a go today (I'm waiting on a Strathmore 300 drawing pad to come in, it was a paper I really wanted to try).
Thank you so much again for your reply...I wish I was a "Young Padawan" but I'm 57. 😁(nice Star Wars reference BTW 👍🏻👍🏻)
There’s nowt wrong with ‘gridding’ or any other tools and techniques that you find useful - we’ve all been there - and the tools help you get that accuracy and speed in the initial stages… but it always comes down to your own interpretation of the techniques that get you to a final piece of art! I haven’t got to Jono’s level yet… but I keep trying - it’s hard having two loves - drawing and blues/jazz guitar!
@@charlottesmom Don't listen to some idiots on the Internet and type in artist tools or what artists use in you tube and you will see many things you wouldn't even think of, projector included. There are proportional dividers, rules, curves and whatnot. Artists "cheat" constantly :D
@@rebeccaabraham8652 , My two big loves right now are drawing and TRYING to learn piano (I feel like a complete idiot when it comes to reading music, its so hard!) guitar was on my radar for a bit and even bought an acoustic but it just never really clicked with me. You're lucky you can play its a beautiful instrument! (My name is Rebecca too!)😄
There is always hope. Especially for the artist 💜
What a kind and gentle teacher you are Jono masha Allah. You make loving you and your work much easier with every video.
Will be referring others to this video as they want to learn; I hear it often. I think learning to cope with frustration through any process is a big part of gaining the skill that comes with it. Some of us appear to do that better, but that too, is a learned process, so do immerse in art, leave self judgement behind, and let it be your relaxing thing. If you tend to horde supplies, (I get this), just know it's like the value of a good cup of coffee and dust any supplies off. Explore how many ways you can use it in a journal for reference later.
I am so jealous of James that he got a one on one with you! He did great, I hope he continues to draw and you were a great teacher for him. The restraint it must have taken to not show him a technique directly on his portrait! Great job you 2!
thats pretty impressive for first time
After watching the video I took screen shots and uploaded them to see the differences side by side. For a first timer this is amazing. I wish I had a job and/or friends like him. Great video.
Soooo encouraging!! Thank you!! Glad you both grew through this process
This was one of your most informative videos. Thank you so much!
Your drawing looks beautiful and very skillfully done. Thank you for your patience and perseverance. Great work! God bless you!
I'm impressed, for someone who has never drawn that is pretty good. You couldnt have chosen a harder example to draw, fur is not easy. Keep at it, you will improve with time.
Dude!!! That’s beautiful 😮
Very cool video!!!!!!!!! That grid does wonders when you are working towards realism or copying a work of the masters!
What a beautiful end result! And hard won too. It takes grit to undo so much work & start again. And to stick with it until you really feel you can’t go further. And it looks like it got the seal of approval from the model too! 🐶 I had to laugh at the “I’ll be finished by today” moments. I do that all the time lol. Totally underestimate how long things will take me.
I really enjoyed this video and seeing the process and the challenges that comes up along the way. This gives me confidence to attempt something like hyperrealism. For someone's first time doing something like this, James did an amazing job!
I’ve been dreaming someone hovering over me through my first serious drawing of a face! Awesome work and congratulations!
This is incredible. As someone who has been drawing for many years (Not hyper-realism) I'm at a loss for words. I don't think I could replicate what you've done here on my best day. Well done.
The one thing I learned in art classes that I still use when doing a difficult piece! I love the grid method, it gives you the ability to believe in your capabilities! Amazing job. I'm gonna have to look into that eraser !
I'm totally in love with hyperrealism as it makes it possible to take the real and apply imagination to influence its expression. Wonderful skill!
Pretty great. Hyperrealism can teach you a lot of things like focus, attention to detail which can translate to creative art as well.
This was really inspiring, thank you. Great sweater, James 🇵🇸
Found this very soothing to watch, loved the scene behind the window. Maya is a beautiful dog and drawing is fantastic.
Well done James! This is such a precious contribution to your channel, Jono! Love it. Gorgeous photogenic doggie 🥰❤ 16:01 I screamed!! Beautiful drawing, yayyyy!!!!
😅Amazing results for your first finished piece of art!! You should be proud of yourself in more ways than one!!
James, God bless you for wearing that hoodie 🇵🇸
Some People say art is long time process it takes years etc. But I'd say everyone has an artist inside them.
I never touched colour pencils in over 6 years now but i use them as i liked and turned pretty well. And i did some realistic and 1 hyperealistic portrait sketches and turned better with each one by one as i kept doing.
I loved watching this video. It’s really well done. As someone who has struggled with art my entire life, especially drawing, I am inspired to try graphite again.
The way he described being anxious about screwing up what he already done at the end. I feel like that is literally every artist lol. Welcome to art, we are perfectionists.
He must feel so proud of himself!!!❤❤❤ Well done🎉
I’m not a hyper realism artist but Ive always sworn by the grid method. It works amazingly. Great job on the piece, I definitely am going to be grabbing some graph paper to do this on a realistic piece.
i cant find the 2cm grid in decription,did you forget to add it??
I am impressed. Looks like hours and hours. Great beautiful likeness. Sweet puppy memorialized. A moment in time. I might try it for my black cat. Photos don’t capture it easily. That’s lovely.
Y'know, there's this thing called an *Opaque Projector.* It will take a photo and enlarge it. No messing with grids: A huge timesaver.
Beautiful, keep up the work, I’ll be at the library today myself finally getting back to working on my portfolio
This video helped me a lot, as it shows very clear what an artist needs the most of: Patience. The end result is amazing. Thank for this video. Greetings from Germany.
The grid technique is fantastic, I have found when teaching someone how to use the grid technique before doing something very complicated, is to turn the picture upside down removing visual reality and drawing it with the grid upside down out of context. I find that this helps removes some left to right swaying that can happen.
Realism is a great place to start! I always tell my tattoo clients that black and grey realism is the easiest as it's just 'copy and paste'. Once you get into the levels of surrealism and having the need to be creative is where the challenge comes in and you get to apply the tools learned from portrait work.
copying 1:1 drawing/painting is even easier than a photo because its a lot more simplified
Great job. Kinda hard to believe you didn't know how to draw before this. If that's true then this is a testament to your work. To the teacher, great job as well.
It would be an honor to learn from Jono, and as someone who developed much of my pencil drawing with the grid method I can say it's the best way to go!
I'm great full and in awe, Thank you so much!
Signed up on Patron! Excited to learn how to draw from someone like you Jono. Thank you!💕💕💕
this reminds me of when I was like 10 I was doing that good of hyperrealism but them i disliked art after 10 yrs of doing it and now Im back to it I, don't know why i gave up and didnt like it anymore but I self taught myself, but now im turning 16.
I can honestly say that drawing from observation is far, far easier to pick up compared to creating your own interpretive style and drawing from your imagination. This is particularly true for people like me who lack a visual imagination.
"I feel like Im making it worse and ruining the illusions ive already made."
That right there was the peak of artist issues with a piece they've invested in.
When he said that I thought "yup, he's an artist now." Its just so relatable
It’s so hard to believe that James isn’t already an artist. His drawing was incredible in my 👀 absolutely stunning
Because he probably is, "he 'd never touch a pencil before" is just a lie to bring clicks and views
You see everyone has the capability to draw! Love it! Jono you mention different styles of drawing. Would u care to elaborate on that?
Oh my!! What a wonderful gift!!
I write the number or letter on each grid line in the margins, so as to not confuse which line you are on! The number or letter also appears on the photo grid.
If you are taught the basics of the grid I think this is the best way for anyone to learn how to do realistic drawings. Obviously this is hyperealistic but it gives you the knowledge of placement,shading,highlights etc.
Great video, you are a true artist, keep helping people discover themselves 👍📹
It honestly looks GREAT! Seriously! You should be REALLY proud! I know it had to be hard. I enjoy drawing and painting but I haven’t took near enough time to learn techniques. I have two kids and a crazy life but I need to start taking time for me. Great job guys! Seriously! Just found you w this video! Definitely subscribing!
I at times draw realistic and paint impressionist. Do what makes you happy. I honestly love this guys work
He did extremely well. Way to go, dude! Not only did he learn a lot of techniques and tricks, but also one of *_the_* most important lessons of art: When to quit. When you're done. When further efforts only detract from rather that add to the piece.
What did the old man say? "That's good! You've taken your first step into a larger world."
omg stop, he clearly is a liar, he isn't a begginer, wake up, you probably never drawn instead, or you would understand that is just not true.
@@dagan8659 Are you off your meds? Too much coffee? Not enough coffee? Take three deep breaths, in through the nose, out through the mouth. Count to ten slowly. Close your eyes, relax, say, "woo-sah, woo-sah, woo-sah."