This is the absolute best explanation and demonstration of how to use the proportional divider effectively. I’ve been so frustrated with the 1/2 baked explanations I’ve been getting from other YT channels. Thank you soo much. You are a GODsend.❤️😁
Rix, I have used a proportional divider since my days in University. In my mind it is the only way to go. I teaches you very quickly how to sight draw. Nice to see you post this for other artist.👍😃
I used to do proportional drawing years ago just by measuring distances with my ruler and doing the math to enlarge or reduce the scale. Yes i know, tedious procedure but it was all i could thing back then, i had no art teacher and youtube was not a thing :D My drawings did come pretty accurate though. I might have to invest in a divider now i have seen this. Thank you.
I bought a gold one. But i had to put a washers on it. Still struggling with it. Lol. Thanks for this video. I just subscribed. I'll be watching all your videos!
I’ve never used a proportional divider before. Wouldn’t it be better for me to sketch the basic area as I see it, then use the tool to hone in on details? Or should I start with the tool?
You can do it any way you like. However, if you end up not getting your proportions right, you'll need to consider measuring everything from the start.
@@RixCanDoit Both elements can be tightly twisted or loosely. Scissors, for example, work loosely (usually). Here it is important not to touch the dimension. Strict work is important. The Derwent has a screw and you can lock the dimension (squeeze). This is not possible with the other device.
A quicker method is to use a carpenters' sliding bevel and just pick points on the ref pic , set your angle and transfer it to your work space...you triangulate your way around the picture working from the corners of the pic or half-way points on the boundary. It is a lot quicker because you are just dealing with 2 angles and their intersection. You don't measure anything. Make sure that the area you plan to draw on is of the same side ratios of your ref pic . What you are doing is using similar triangles_lookem up in your maths book. This actually produces a triangular grid in the process where all proportions are correct, even shadows. Cheers.
Good one Rix. Thank you. I only enlarge so I will probably cut off one point (about 1/8 inch or so) on the enlarging side and tape a sharpened lead to the trimmed arm so it comes out the same distance as the other point. When the lead runs down I will have to re-tape tho. Maybe I can clip a long lead on somehow.
This is probably a little better than the grid method because of the fact that if you get your grid measurements are a tiny bit off, they get progressively worse the more lines you draw measuring from the grid line that is off.
Draw them lightly and you likely won't need to erase lines. Check out this video where I use the grid method and notice that I'm not erasing any grid lines. They simply disappear. th-cam.com/video/n9dpAFEFxnQ/w-d-xo.html
Exactly! In the grid method, a small error can have a multiplier effect and you're left wondering which grid you went wrong. This device eliminates that problem.
Awesome! Im a beginner and your instructions are so clear. Thank you so much for sharing your passion. Im going to go shopping for all the tools you talk about . you know what would be acgood idea if you could put together tailoredor beginners intermediate advanced tool boxes with all or some of the supplies at reasonable prices and run say different contest for all three categories to win each box or all boxes. Just an idea. Thank you again for your time much appreciated.
In my opinion, it takes much longer. That is one reason why I prefer the grid method. With the grid method, I can compare the minute details from photo grid to drawing paper grid for precise replication. However, there is so much more erasing of grid lines that can get in the way unless you draw it really, really light as I often do. With this method, you have less grid lines to erase, but that may be offset by having to erase and adjust your sketch more often. So try both and decide which is best for you.
Not really. For one, you need to do your trace with the drawing paper you're going to be drawing on. The thickness itself will prevent you from seeing the details even with a lightbox, of which I have a few from doing reviews on them. Tracing has its place, but if you are going to catch all the details necessary for photo or hyper-realistic drawing, you're going to have to manually draw them in by measuring exactly where they are located, whether you do this using a divider or simply by eye.
@@RixCanDoit I still find them hard use though, esp the cheap ones. I know I need to use them as it will train my hand and eyes, and eventually, I can be so good I will need need them
@@RixCanDoit Yeah you said, I think it's a case of getting used to it, etc. Though the peg is not as a tip as I would like. I never used these before. I drew from free hind and used my eye. I am not very good at life drawing though so that needs to be sorted out.
Every drawing tool has to be respected, but... I thinks grids are easier to use in order to reproduce an image. But may be there way to use this tool i do ignore.
I recently got a Proportional Divider called Prospek from Jerry's Artarama and I have been using it completely differently than the way you are using it. You have a way better method than I do. Good thing I came across this video.
it is an illusion to think of a portrait only because a proportional divider is used. A realistic portrait can help to rate, which if not corroborated then by the nuances, the result will never be satisfactory. (translated by google)
@@RixCanDoit Ciao, volevo risparmiarti la traduzione in italiano. Il testo sopra è questo a seguire: è un'illusione pensare a disegnare un ritratto solo perché viene utilizzato un divisore proporzionale. In un ritratto realistico può aiutare a costruire la fisionomia, che però se non corroborato dalle sfumature, il risultato non sarà mai soddisfacente.
I wont spend any time on mathematical calculations to paint, I will always use my eyes and concentrate in what is important, painting......better to buy carbon paper to avoid such waste of time, sorry
I am a hobbyist and my teacher shouts when I do reference about the COMPASSES ------- she always says that all the PROFESSIONALS and ADVANCED ARTISTS are FREEHAND focusing on a photo and using the OBSERVATION with the IMAGINATION ------- Yes indeed but all PRO artists until to achieve the level of ULTRA HYPER REALISM ART took them over a decade with daily or almost daily practice about 3 or 4 hours and in their beginning steps they used tools such as GRID LINES and COMPASSES or who knows what else ----- to become a talented experienced artist takes a long painful loneliness boring life time but again that doesn't means you became GOD or GODESSES ----- because the real super artist of all is the SUPER POWER the creator of universe and we are the human dolls for that power
Well, I'm not going to touch the God or Goddesses subject, but as for your teacher's opinion, it is just an opinion and not a good one at that. Such dogmatic opinions are arrogant at best. Many professional artists use grids or other measuring methods in order to get the initial sketch, whether it be on paper or canvas. Hey, to each their own.
lagno kormi even Robert Bateman uses a projector......do what you want ! I love proportional dividers but I don’t start with a reference line ....I take the measurement from the top to the bottom of what I want ( highest place on the head, lowest place on the neckline ) and put the top of the hair mark on the canvas first ....then I work down from there . You can map out a person in about 15-20 minutes . I don’t bother with shade depths...just the min features. Top,of hair to top of eyelid, top of hair to bottom of eyelid width of face , top,of hair to bottom of nose , side of face to left nostril, side of face to right nostril etc....
This is the absolute best explanation and demonstration of how to use the proportional divider effectively. I’ve been so frustrated with the 1/2 baked explanations I’ve been getting from other YT channels. Thank you soo much. You are a GODsend.❤️😁
It’s great to hear you found the video useful. Thanks for the support!
Rix, I have used a proportional divider since my days in University. In my mind it is the only way to go. I teaches you very quickly how to sight draw. Nice to see you post this for other artist.👍😃
What size is best for portrait drawing vs landscape drawing?
Is it better to get a brass vs plastic?
@@cc-qu7gz Brass is the best and one that slides. Reason being that the range of proportional movement is not limited. Happy drawing ✍️😃
@@PaulMollon Thank you. What is the best size to get for portraits and landscapes? 6 inch? 9 inch? Do I need both sizes?
This was a great demo video!!!
You put a lot of work into this for us, and I really appreciate it.
Thank you..😀👍
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and commenting.
Loved this demonstration. Really appreciate you showing us the actual drawing, sketch, how to double check. Thankyou so much
Glad you enjoyed it!
I used to do proportional drawing years ago just by measuring distances with my ruler and doing the math to enlarge or reduce the scale. Yes i know, tedious procedure but it was all i could thing back then, i had no art teacher and youtube was not a thing :D My drawings did come pretty accurate though. I might have to invest in a divider now i have seen this. Thank you.
Same.
Thank you! This actually is going to save me as an artist. Thank you
Thank you for taking the time in demonstrating how to use these proportional dividers. And also the difference between the Derwent and the AccuraSee.
My pleasure. The AccuraSee is definitely better.
Plain and simple explanation that people like me can understand. Thanks so much Rix. Love it when you teach us stuff!
Great! I love teaching stuff. Glad you liked it. Thanks for commenting!
I've always done this the old-fashioned way. I ran across this tool on Amazon. I'm glad I saw your video. I'm buying it. Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for taking the time to explain how this tool works. I am just learning to draw and struggle with proportions on portraits. New subbie.
Glad you found the video useful.
me too that warped part of face lol
Thank you, this is a very helpful video! 😊
I want to order one, what size is the one you are using. I see smaller ones but I think I should use the size you have.
I don't know about 'size'. I like to use the plastic Accurasee Artist Proportional Divider. Bought mine at Amazon
Thank you I got one now from Amazon. Works great!!
I bought a gold one. But i had to put a washers on it. Still struggling with it. Lol. Thanks for this video. I just subscribed. I'll be watching all your videos!
Thanks for subbing!
I’ve never used a proportional divider before. Wouldn’t it be better for me to sketch the basic area as I see it, then use the tool to hone in on details? Or should I start with the tool?
You can do it any way you like. However, if you end up not getting your proportions right, you'll need to consider measuring everything from the start.
You got the numbers wrong...at 1.5 : 1.0 ( ie 3 : 2 ) enlarging , for reducing the reciprocal ratio is 0.67 ( 2 : 3 ) , not 0.75. Cheers
thankyou ---magic method ! works well !
Thank you. I learned a valuable lesson
Awesome. Thanks for commenting.
Does this instrument work tightly?
What does "tightly" mean in this context?
@@RixCanDoit Both elements can be tightly twisted or loosely. Scissors, for example, work loosely (usually). Here it is important not to touch the dimension. Strict work is important. The Derwent has a screw and you can lock the dimension (squeeze). This is not possible with the other device.
@@Gawron.. However, the Derwent has a stubby end whereas the Accurasee has a real point. So for precision, it's the Accurasee for the win!
@@RixCanDoit That's why I am asking about the latter and you still haven't answered. Does it work tightly or loosely?
@@Gawron.. That's probably because I don't understand your question.
A quicker method is to use a carpenters' sliding bevel and just pick points on the ref pic , set your angle and transfer it to your work space...you triangulate your way around the picture working from the corners of the pic or half-way points on the boundary. It is a lot quicker because you are just dealing with 2 angles and their intersection. You don't measure anything. Make sure that the area you plan to draw on is of the same side ratios of your ref pic . What you are doing is using similar triangles_lookem up in your maths book. This actually produces a triangular grid in the process where all proportions are correct, even shadows. Cheers.
I might have one of these in my woodshop. But I don't quite follow the suggestion. Anyone produce a video on this?
please make a video. I would like to see this
I would love to see a video on this as well 🙏 💖☺️
yaaa great use them a lot, did a brief intro to using one for friends some time ago, thanks for the in depth how to.
can you please do a review on the BOSTITCH twist & sharp pencil sharpener.
I will try to acquire one.
hi,whats the brand of this calipers?
The big wooden one is Derwent. The plastic thinner one (and better) is AccuraSee.
Good one Rix. Thank you. I only enlarge so I will probably cut off one point (about 1/8 inch or so) on the enlarging side and tape a sharpened lead to the trimmed arm so it comes out the same distance as the other point. When the lead runs down I will have to re-tape tho. Maybe I can clip a long lead on somehow.
Saludos
This is probably a little better than the grid method because of the fact that if you get your grid measurements are a tiny bit off, they get progressively worse the more lines you draw measuring from the grid line that is off.
You also don't have to erase lots of grid lines
Draw them lightly and you likely won't need to erase lines. Check out this video where I use the grid method and notice that I'm not erasing any grid lines. They simply disappear. th-cam.com/video/n9dpAFEFxnQ/w-d-xo.html
Exactly! In the grid method, a small error can have a multiplier effect and you're left wondering which grid you went wrong. This device eliminates that problem.
@@AniCusp If all lines are measured from the beginning instead of the last line then it shouldn't be an issue to begin with.
Awesome! Im a beginner and your instructions are so clear. Thank you so much for sharing your passion. Im going to go shopping for all the tools you talk about . you know what would be acgood idea if you could put together tailoredor beginners intermediate advanced tool boxes with all or some of the supplies at reasonable prices and run say different contest for all three categories to win each box or all boxes. Just an idea. Thank you again for your time much appreciated.
What kind of paper is that? And how many GSM it has?
90# drawing paper. I use these for demos and throwaways. Bristol smooth paper is my paper of choice for realistic drawings.
Aww thankyou sir for sharing these.
Rix you do a great job! :D
Thanks!
Awesome 💯 dude
Rlly helpfull
Glad it helped
What kind of compass is that?? Thanks 💚
Please read the title of the video. :-)
Simplify --grid method still the fastest and most accurate ---!
Agreed!
Is this any quicker than the grid method?
In my opinion, it takes much longer. That is one reason why I prefer the grid method. With the grid method, I can compare the minute details from photo grid to drawing paper grid for precise replication. However, there is so much more erasing of grid lines that can get in the way unless you draw it really, really light as I often do.
With this method, you have less grid lines to erase, but that may be offset by having to erase and adjust your sketch more often. So try both and decide which is best for you.
amazing tools i wish i have that kinda tools maybe will make my drawing getting better :D
Sir What the name of tool?
What tool? You mean the tool used for measuring that is part of the title?
or just use paper trace and make dhe outlines for 2 min
Not really. For one, you need to do your trace with the drawing paper you're going to be drawing on. The thickness itself will prevent you from seeing the details even with a lightbox, of which I have a few from doing reviews on them. Tracing has its place, but if you are going to catch all the details necessary for photo or hyper-realistic drawing, you're going to have to manually draw them in by measuring exactly where they are located, whether you do this using a divider or simply by eye.
I have a dervent one, it's very helpful. I agree the blunt tips are not the best, but workable.
Thanks for this.
My pleasure!
@@RixCanDoit I still find them hard use though, esp the cheap ones. I know I need to use them as it will train my hand and eyes, and eventually, I can be so good I will need need them
@@Mulberry2000 I find the Accurasee easy to use. It's made of plastic but works better than my more expensive Derwent wooden one.
@@RixCanDoit Yeah you said, I think it's a case of getting used to it, etc. Though the peg is not as a tip as I would like. I never used these before. I drew from free hind and used my eye. I am not very good at life drawing though so that needs to be sorted out.
@@RixCanDoit I have got the Derwent wooden one and you are right.
Thank you very much
You are welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Very helpful, thank you.
I need this....
I have a question about the accurasee I think that's how u spell it idk I use 9" x12" paper where should I put the peg to get right proportions?
That's up to you. You decide whether to enlarge or shrink the image or make it 1:1. Just move the peg and measure the two ends.
ceep practice my friend
Every drawing tool has to be respected, but... I thinks grids are easier to use in order to reproduce an image. But may be there way to use this tool i do ignore.
sod that I use a pico projector soooooo fast
Perfecto gracias
I recently got a Proportional Divider called Prospek from Jerry's Artarama and I have been using it completely differently than the way you are using it. You have a way better method than I do. Good thing I came across this video.
Fred Gregory Shtevensh Herbert Jerry’s artarama
Fred Gregory Shtevensh Herbert non
I saw a pair of these also in Jerry’s Artarama.
$6.00 in the sale.
Alas, the estimated S+H to Scotland was $47.99. Yikes!!
Yhanks.
It just seems to just take too long for me but good info.
It does take some time and patience. But worth it in the end.
Is there not a less tedious way of using a divider lol
I like the queen of course, but on this picture she looks scary :D thx for video
Petr Machane she’s not pretty, that’s for sure. 😂
She just finished her breakfast of childrens' fingers on toast + HP sauce.
Important is just the Queen
Yeah grids are never very useful - it gets down to about 1/10 of the squares are ever useful
Thank you so.much....
it is an illusion to think of a portrait only because a proportional divider is used. A realistic portrait can help to rate, which if not corroborated then by the nuances, the result will never be satisfactory. (translated by google)
Unfortunately Google did a bad job translating. I have no clue what you just said.
@@RixCanDoit Ciao, volevo risparmiarti la traduzione in italiano. Il testo sopra è questo a seguire: è un'illusione pensare a disegnare un ritratto solo perché viene utilizzato un divisore proporzionale. In un ritratto realistico può aiutare a costruire la fisionomia, che però se non corroborato dalle sfumature, il risultato non sarà mai soddisfacente.
yes she is the queen, no disrespect of she will cart you off to the tower LOL
Ian Jackson out with royalty. Ridiculous
I wont spend any time on mathematical calculations to paint, I will always use my eyes and concentrate in what is important, painting......better to buy carbon paper to avoid such waste of time, sorry
This was a really tedious explanation. Try Stefan Baumann.
Great drawing what a shame about the subject matter!
Thanks for teaching me how to draw reptiles. Could we please get a human next time? 🙂
It was a great tutorial but I was over and over unnerved by having to stare at her, or whatever she is.
Elizardbeth the 🦎 lizard queen
It would have been so much simpler if you enlarged for the demo. For you and you audience.
Even simpler if you watch my other videos where I actually did just that! ;-b
Thank heavens I already know how to use mine. I would never bother if I went by these directions. Tedious.
So then, show us what YOU can do with it? LOL!
I am a hobbyist and my teacher shouts when I do reference about the COMPASSES ------- she always says that all the PROFESSIONALS and ADVANCED ARTISTS are FREEHAND focusing on a photo and using the OBSERVATION with the IMAGINATION ------- Yes indeed but all PRO artists until to achieve the level of ULTRA HYPER REALISM ART took them over a decade with daily or almost daily practice about 3 or 4 hours and in their beginning steps they used tools such as GRID LINES and COMPASSES or who knows what else ----- to become a talented experienced artist takes a long painful loneliness boring life time but again that doesn't means you became GOD or GODESSES ----- because the real super artist of all is the SUPER POWER the creator of universe and we are the human dolls for that power
Well, I'm not going to touch the God or Goddesses subject, but as for your teacher's opinion, it is just an opinion and not a good one at that. Such dogmatic opinions are arrogant at best. Many professional artists use grids or other measuring methods in order to get the initial sketch, whether it be on paper or canvas. Hey, to each their own.
lagno kormi even Robert Bateman uses a projector......do what you want ! I love proportional dividers but I don’t start with a reference line ....I take the measurement from the top to the bottom of what I want ( highest place on the head, lowest place on the neckline ) and put the top of the hair mark on the canvas first ....then I work down from there . You can map out a person in about 15-20 minutes . I don’t bother with shade depths...just the min features. Top,of hair to top of eyelid, top of hair to bottom of eyelid width of face , top,of hair to bottom of nose , side of face to left nostril, side of face to right nostril etc....
Made this too difficult to follow. Don’t distract viewers with a picture of one of the most famous woman in the world.
Now dead, thank God!