Drawing Basics
Getting Started
Bonus Content
Now that you’ve all had some time to try the first project on your own, you can watch how I do it and figure out what areas you are exceeding and struggling with.
Here is my step-by-step demo on how to properly execute the first project for level 1 students.
Newest
Alejandro Martínez
3h
I did the second photo of the pear! I think it came out a lot cleaner than the first two I did, but I'm now unsure about my shadow shapes... I may have overestated the darkest shadows. Midtones are hard to find, but satisfying to get them right!
Schmase
4h
Here’s my drawings before and after the demonstration. Any tips on how to keep my pencil marks visible and organized all the way through like in the demo would be greatly appreciated. I also found it very hard to stay light enough with the HB to keep the midtones distinct from each other and to keep the dark midtone distinct from the shadows.
John Daniels
8h
Well since we don't have any other assignments left, I guess I'll keep drawing PEARS!
First one uses 2H for the lay in and 2H, HB, 4B and 6B for the tones
Second one uses HB for the Lay in with HB, 4B and 6B for the tones.
While we wait for the critiques and the next lesson I'll put in some work on portrait lay in, since I thin proportions are going to be a big obstacle for me.
Joel Martel
9h
I am peared out. This is the Final pear. I think the more I draw this pear, the worst it get. Unfortunately the light tone isn't coming through very well with the scan. Again. Hb .5 and .2 mechanical pencil.
Joel Martel
9h
Picture looks a little better.
Gene Plato
13h
2nd attempt at the pear. Definitely more edible this time.
boondra
14h
This is my first drawing in almost 10 years so there is still a lot to learn :)
misepuca
15h
Had to watch the first "simplify" video about 4 times, and this is the best I could do. Might try it on the ipad now that I've seen the demo. :/
marghe
18h
Attempts before and after watching the demo (pear 3). I'm not sure about the values at the bottom of the pear n.n
nick3d
18h
My before - after
VAGABOND
1d
Day 220: BANANA complete. I VAGABOND! THINK I did much better this time then when I FIRST started but I VAGABOND think there is still a lot more to work on when it comes the VALUES. What ARE your THOUGHTS!?!?!?!
Laurent Van Acker
1d
The way I see it you approached the values to bring out the banana's colors, and the result looks great, but I think if you add shading to the banana you could get an overall even more convincing result.
Show all replies (1)
E Arabie
1d
2 attempts after watching the video, planning to rewatch and try again. Stan is right simplification is not simple!
bevo
1d
First attempt at demo photo before watching the video
zombified
1d
second attempt, before I watched the demo -- got a page full of notes on what I can improve!
zombified
12h
here's level-1-pear-2 (my 3rd attempt, first after watching the demo, and first for that specific image).
Self critiquing, I think I weight my lines when simplifying shape to line a bit much, and squinting I think my dark half-tone gets washed out a bit in some places, so I think I could be more even in each value. I also think my highlights are probably describing too large of an area in this second image.
Process wise, however, I think I was paying attention to some key things I learned from the demo and started to apply them this time around.
Giacomo
22h
Very interesting shapes in the light part of the pear!
Fred Friel
2d
Third iteration pear. Still not happy with shades but better than prior attempts.
Laurent Van Acker
1d
Hey Fred, If it's okay for me to get you some feedback as you mention not being happy with the shades (values).
I think you've got the shapes and edges down great. I love the way your shading brings out the 3D planes simplifying the pear.
As for the values: I see that your darkest light value and lightest dark value (value 3 and 4 of the 5 values we use for this exercise) are about the same, or visually appear that way. Lightening up your light values (2 and 3) or darkening #4 will increase the contrast in your drawing...
Hope that helps!
Mark Manthorpe
2d
Second attempt at the pear after watching Proko's instructions. Pencils were 2H HB 2B 4B.
Shiloh B
2d
Retried my pear after watching this video. I realized a lot of my lines were harsher and darker on the first pear. So I went lighter overall, and set up some shading values so I had something to reference back to when I worked with the lighting. I liked the colors on this one a lot more, though it still feels like it's missing something. Great exercise, and great job sharing your process. Extremely helpful and insightful.
vis_
2d
I attempted the 1st pear once more after watching the demo. This time I used the right amount of values :D
Left is my first and right my second try.
It looks completely different which is a good thing I guess lol
Shaima
2d
Hello! I tried my best and had looots of fun :), I hope I can get feed back from everyone!
Armand Louw
2d
johnangel
2d
Here it goes before and after video. Interesting to realize the second time I saw some shadows with a different shape. I hope I still don't need my computer glasses for drawing... :-)
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About instructor
Founder of Proko, artist and teacher of drawing, painting, and anatomy. I try to make my lessons fun and ultra packed with information.
