It’s time to simplify those snails and boots! I show you how I would do it in these step-by-step demos for the level 1 CSI project. Make sure to check back tomorrow for my level 2 demonstrations!
Newest

@maxhouse562
4h
I guess I messed up the angle in the right boot. But in general it looks better than my first attempt. The laces took a lot of mental preparing.

Carolina
2d

@drewskeezy
3d
These were my attempts, after completing I think I need to work on committing with fewer strokes. In the laces where it got more complicated things got a little muddy

@happy_arting
5d
Hi! Here are my tries. The first 2 are before the demo and the last one was after. I think I did a good job on proportions on the first two and did a better job on lines in the last one.

@miroslav34
6d
Hello everyone, here my attempts (before and after watching the demo). I think the demo helped me to get better proportions and shoelaces. During my second attempt I spent more time. Any feedback is welcome :)

@donnelly
6d
Quickly realized not enough movement in snail.
Jesse Brands
6d
Decided to give that snail another go after watching this, and yeah it helped a lot!
Before -> after

@miguelsolis19
6d
Before and after

@franciscoperez
7d
I struggled with the laces. Had a hell of a time simplifying the shapes and curves on the left boot especially

@merlini
8d
Got really confused by the shape of leathers on both sides when I first drew the boots and was not sure about the laces. I think the second attpemt is slightly better.
The guy from BluishDot
11d
Another round of simplified drawings. I always find it good to come back to these exercises for a quick refresher and some much needed practice.

@andreeat
12d
Drawing the container is something that I never did before. I think it was very useful for my second attempt. Otherwise, I am pretty happy with the results. The difference between the first and the second attempt is not so big. I had more patience in drawing the laces the second time, and the design looks better, my lines look more confident and less "pecky", what do you think?
Ahmed Salahuddine
13d
8d
You did a good job with the shoes, especially showing clear simplification of the edges. With the laces (definitely the tricky part!), they do appear less controlled and planned out, instead following along with the original reference. It can help to lightly place marks to signal where one lace will start and end to anticipate and even "ghost" (practicing the stroke without actually touching the paper beforehand) the lines, and also have a clear vision for the curve you will use. Simpler curves will work best, especially for the smaller bottom laces, which could be simplified down to just one sweep on each edge. Once you reach the larger, more complex lace areas, breaking it up into curves is a good strategy (which you did a pretty good job with already), just make sure to still be aware of the general flow and direction of the lace to avoid getting caught up in smaller details.
@gothamdemon
14d
level 1 assignment, I feel this isn’t so bad may still try the boots maybe. Any feedback is welcomed.
14d
Hey there, pretty good! There are some curves that can start to get a bit more complex and could benefit from being broken up, whether into more distinct curves or even some straights. Like the bigger shell area, instead of trying to tackle it all in one curve, looking for different sections and edges of it can help both with clarity in simplification and help you get a more accurate lay-in.
Show all replies (1)
ALEX FLORENSA
15d
The snail exercise was easier for me than the boots, especially because of the laces...

@lurkingseamonster
21d
I feel like my proportions always get a little messed up. But I'm not too sad about either of these.
Matt Wilding
21d
I did the boots before I watched the demo and the snail after. The demo was really helpful in getting me to think about shape outlines in particular.

Vin
21d
Hi, here are my level 1 drawings before and after watching the demo. I must say, the demo was really helpful. Initially, I was unsure how to draw the shoelaces, so I didn’t complete the boots before watching the demo. After watching it, I was able to draw the shoelaces successfully! Additionally, I feel that my line drawing skills have improved slightly. Thank you, Proko!
Sean Hennigar
22d
Here's my first attempt at the boots. I think I captured the rhythms pretty well, but my proportions were a bit off and it crowded the middle of the drawing. I found the detail around the laces to be difficult.
Brando Gould
19d
great work Sean!!!! Look at those lines! A lot of great stuff going on in here. I think one of the hardest things about this subject matter is keeping a balance to all of the line weights and an evenness to the overall composition, but you did a great job of accomplishing that while also getting pretty accurate proportion! Nice S curves, C curves, and Straights!
James Anderson
20d
I wasn’t brave enough to try the boots!

Yvonne Oliea
22d
The drawing of the boots is my first attempt without watching the demo first
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Founder of Proko, artist and teacher of drawing, painting, and anatomy. I try to make my lessons fun and ultra packed with information.