Project - Learning to Sketch from Observation

15K
Course In Progress

Project - Learning to Sketch from Observation

15K
Course In Progress

Use the three reference images of clean line drawings and sketch them using simple loose lines. Don't try to match the cleanliness of these drawings. Instead, sketch them out with energetic, tapered strokes. Don't hesitate. Just practice moving your arm with confidence. If you draw some lines and then you realize that, Oh, shoot, I need to curve that more. Go ahead and just draw the new curve right over it. As you get more confident that you've found the shape, you can darken those lines and the lighter lines start to disappear. Focus on the big idea and the shapes the lines represent, rather than on each individual line. 

For you, Level 2 monster trucks, I want you to start with this Level 1 project as a warmup, and then head over to the Learning to Sketch from Imagination project page for your instructions.

If you'd like to have a chance to be included in the upcoming critique videos, you must submit your drawings below by March 9th 2023

Good luck and please have some fun!

Newest
@cgble
55m
My attempt at level 1. Figuring out good ergonomics for drawing from the shoulder on an ipad has been tricky...
@syncere
1h
I struggled with the hand and the hand of the Dance lady. Otherwise I’m not too sure what steps I could take to improve. Would love feedback as always.
@hampop
1d
After going through a couple of follow up tutorials on improving line quality and critique videos, I decided to give this project another go and pick my own images this time around.
Rachel Dawn Owens
This guy is perfect
Beth L
2d
I think I'm going to post and follow along so I can see my progress on Proko as I go. I did try to go darker and I'm proud that I did them, not my normal images but the CSI lines helped a lot. :)
Alice Charlington
my first attempt at the project
@amirston
Gordon Clark
This is my assignment, before watching the Demo. I did use the eraser as I didn't realize we were not supposed to :(
@ason
3d
These are the sketches I made, please do let me know if I did it with tapered strokes, as when I sketch I do construction, and then just erase and draw clean lines over them. By the way, it was REALLY difficult for me to resist using an eraser as that's what I'm used to when sketching as whilst I know the whole pint of sketching is that it's kinda meant to be dirty, going to have to work on that, but am glad to have knocked this out for today, definitely will come back to these, was fun to do them though! :)
@chikki
2d
I think you should work on making the lines darker.I can't see any tapered strokes for now because the lines are too light. I can relate with you about the fact that theyre supposed to be sketchy and I couldnt get that on my first try, so I reckon all you need is just some more practice. try to use those searching lines and try to do rough work and dont use an eraser because fluidity(that includes tapered strokes) comes in rough works and once you master that, most of your rough artwork starts to look pretty cool!
Robin Rand
This is my homework assignment would love feedback if possible
Keith Hayden
Mad penguin
@hampop
6d
All three Level 1 drawings. I tried my best to keep it clean, but I feel like I’m still having problems with drawing smooth lines. Appreciate any feedback and criticism. Thank you in advance.
Gordon Clark
Those are really good, congrats !
@ason
3d
were we supposed to clean it up?
Pat Lou
7d
The strokes are pretty soft since I tried to keep it clean... Any feedback is very welcome!
@amirston
Tech girl
@ason
3d
bit of foreshortening going on, nice!
@mordu
8d
folk
8d
traditional this time around i think he’s nifty
@amirston
Pinguin
Marco Sordi
2025/6/7. Good morning everybody. Here's my assignment for this section. Thanks for any comment or critique.
Dylan Bragg
Went from penguin, hand, then VR girl. The hand was quite enjoyable to attempt.
Jackie Rossi
Here are my draw from observation assignments. The penguin was pretty comfortable for me as I draw a lot of animals, and this guy was just so nice and smooth. im starting to learn figure drawing, and hands are A Thing, but I also liked how this came out. the VR girl intimidated me, and I straightened her up a little, but I did enjoy drawing her
@jottyloo
If my main criticism is to slow down, I would totally agree. I started these with an hour left before I went to a meeting. I did Penguin, then Hand, then Girl. You might see a decrease in quality...but I did it! (digital, Krita, medium Wacom pad)
Melanie Scearce
Proportionally these look great! You really have an eye for this. I would point out the short strokes. Try to pull longer lines when you can; I would say it's better to overshoot than undershoot the length. Longer lines will be more gestural than the short scratchy ones. Keep up the sketching!
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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.
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