Eraser usage: Yes or no?
2yr
@miaowen
I am currently stuck on the robo-bean and mannequin stage of the proko course. I have difficulty seeing the larger shapes and frequently clutter my lines until I get distracted by my previous attempts. At the same time, when I start allowing an eraser, I get careless and start blindly drawing lines in a "guess and check" manner rather than actually thinking before drawing. What is the recommended eraser-usage for my current stage of learning anatomy fundamentals?
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Levi Chalot
It sounds like you may have 2 problems. Problem 1 - You have trouble seeing larger shapes. Solution 1 - Do some practice or warm-ups on more simple forms. Focus on "Macro" studies - larger form shapes and avoid being sucked-in to details. Stay "Zoomed Out" literally and mentally. Anatomy is 100% going to have some of the most abstract and challenging shapes you'll encounter. Squint at your reference or put it further away from you so you can only see or focus on those larger shapes. Problem 2- Eraser Discipline, the erase becomes an enabler of laziness and carelessness. Solution 2- Practice doing more "ghost strokes" as in- practice the stroke above the paper/tablet before you lay it in. Also practice longer length strokes. Be more mindful of taking strokes. This not only makes you better and gives better results, but it helps staying in flow-state with drawing- that autopilot feeling. Doing some warmups (Regular polyhedron are a great way to warmup line, form, and shading) before attempting whatever you're drawing can help put in that frame of mind so that you're feeling deliberate in actions and confident. If you're really struggling with something, there's no shame in erasing- it's absolutely necessary to save paper and erasing skills will become absolutely just as needed in rendering as drawing itself. If you go very, very light with the pencil however- you will be able to put down as many lines as you need and not feel confused or want to just guess and check.
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@miaowen
Thank you very much! I've been using your tips and find that my accuracy has improved a lot!
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