Frank D'souza
Frank D'souza
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Frank D'souza
A rhythm, flow, or a gesture is a line that connects objects in a drawing. We can use S curves, C curves, or Straight lines as rhythms. Finding the flow in a pose can be hard because it's an abstract concept that we cant see. But it is the most fundamental aspect in figure drawing. Flow exists in EVERYTHING. In trees, buildings, water, etc. It is our job as artists to find these rhythms and design them to be visually appealing and truthful to nature. In figure drawing, all aspects should be connected in a unified whole. In my drawing, you can flow from any part of the body to another. For example, you can go down the neck, around the arm, and into the wrist. Or you can start from the wrist , flow up the arm, go down the rib cage and flow all the way down to the toes. HOW TO PRACTICE 1) Watch a tutorial on it. [Aside from proko: Tim Gula is amazing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvB3bnj63oc), Mike Mattesi (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAfTHWEKx2A)]. Absorb the information as much as possible. Watch it as many times as you need to. And most importantly follow along. Don't just passively listen, but try to analyze the figure. 2) Draw the figure on your own and try to find and analyze the rhythms. This is the hardest but most important part, this is where majority of the learning happens. You can also draw the figure multiple times to experiment which type of rhythm to use C, S, or I. 3) Get feedback from an outside source. Or you can analyze it yourself by comparing your drawings with those mentioned above and see where the differences lie, where you can improve etc. 4) Take a mental note of the critique you receive and keep it in the back of your head during your next session so that you don't repeat it. 5) Repeat from step 1 until you master it.
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Asia
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Frank D'souza
Nice work
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Frank D'souza
Where'd you get your reference?
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Frank D'souza
Gesture is really hard cause it's simplifying the figure into it's most basic elements; often simplification is harder than making things look complicated. This is kinda depressing to say, but depending on how fast you learn, your first few hundred gestures will be bad. I know it seems kinda crushing but like Marshall said in the gesture critique video you just gotta power through them. Studying only gesture for a month is definitely sufficient. You should move onto the bean. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFB7deiL-3s&t=325s. As Stan says in this video, if you wait before you master a topic till you move onto the next you're gonna be doing gesture for 10 years. You should not wait till you fully master gesture cause that will just take too long. Even if you don't completely grasp the current topic, you should move onto the next. The course is designed so that the previous topic builds on the next, practicing the bean will improve your gestures significantly. I know it did that for me. Good luck with your practice.
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Frank D'souza
Some of these boxes and cylinders are looking a bit off to me. I think you should work a bit on your perspective.
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Dwight
Here again. This last week was not it, but today's gestures make me hopeful of a turnaround. Let me know what I can improve on. (Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzEw6ynDkvQ) Side note: I started a new sketchbook, one with recycled paper, and I don't really like it. It's slightly tinted brown which I don't really care about, but it's weight is slightly less than my previous, and so I can't draw on both sides of the pages (you can see my previous drawings through it, even with pencil). In addition, it has a tooth that seems to eat at my pencil so much that I sharpen it every couple of pages compared to rarely before. Well I guess it's better to know than not :/
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Frank D'souza
Wow, I really like these. The shape design is so eye catchy, it's screaming for attention. Not only that but it has nice flow too. I wish I could provide critique but I could only come up with praise.
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Frank D'souza
Hey I'd like to say good job on these drawings, there's a lot of variety to your subject matter and I see a mix of sketching and study work which is good. But I can tell you're new to asking for critique because this is not the most efficient way to do it. When asking for critique you should state the goal of your drawings very clearly and ask for feedback on certain aspects. Take your first portrait for example, I could give feedback on the shape design, anatomy, proportions, shading, accuracy, hair, line quality, etc. So next time you ask for feedback, state what your goal was for the drawing and request for critique on THAT specific aspect. For my critique, I'll be focusing on your first portrait. The largest issues I see are the planes of the head and shading. You don't really have a good understanding of the planes of the head. The drawing is feeling quite structural which I like, you have somewhat of an understanding of the different planes but I feel like there are still some gaps in your knowledge. For example, in the left cheek you indicated a top plane and front plane. But the front plane is filled in with the same half tone which is incorrect. The cheek kind of wraps around the face, so the plane furthest from the light source is shaded dark (which you did correctly) but Im not seeing any gradation as the cheek turns towards the nose. You captured this gradation successfully in the forehead but failed to notice it for the left cheek. For the top plane you indicated, there should be a shadow on the left side as the cheekbone turns towards the right ear (away from the light source). I used the left cheek as an example of incorrect shading but it can really be applied to every feature in your drawing. To improve your shading, Dorian Iten has great videos on the Proko channel. I also recommend you study the planes of the head using the Asaro Head. https://www.artstation.com/artwork/GX3Ax1 That being said, even though you missed certain aspects the drawing still feels structural. There's a clear separation of lights and dark. And finally, you're using the correct tone to indicate and add to that structure which is really good. Edit: the image is really low res for some reason. Open the image, click the three dots on the top right and click open original.
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@artpunk
I am learning a lot of new things all at once and want to make sure I am setting myself up for success. I want to start practicing the overhand grip that Stan uses in the gesture drawing lessons of figure drawing fundamentals. My question is what is his set up exactly? Table top? 45 degree or 90 degree easel set up? I don't own any kind of drawing board or easel and want to make sure I pick up the correct supplies to best practice both the overhand grip and gesture. Thanks in advance for any info! (Posting again so I can mark it asked for help)
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Frank D'souza
He uses an inclined surface at somewhere around 60 degrees to 30. He definitely does not use a 90 degree easel (except when painting). His setup changes a lot cause he's always moving but I found this old video from around the same time he made his figure drawing course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMC0Cx3Uk84&t=43s.
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Frank D'souza
Hey I'd like to point out the design of the anatomy. The whole figure is filled with the same design. All the fingers, digits of the abs, and even the deltoid and bicep have the same design. It creates a repetition that makes the drawing look unappealing to look at. Take a look at the left arm, both the deltoid and tricep have the same "C" curve design creating a snow man look when you really should be trying to make it look dynamic. I would suggest changing the apex of both the curves to make the arm look more dynamic. Addressing your repetitive design Stan has a great video on how to design interesting anatomy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ldiiFoEiek. Look at this page from Michael Hampton's book. Notice the asymmetry and design of each curve, you won't find Michael repeating the same curve. The reason why asymmetry looks good is because it creates a pin ball effect with the eye, they eye flows from the deltoid to the tricep, then to the bicep, then to the lower forearm. Contrast that with a "snowman" design where it really doesn't look appealing at all; the eye isn't guided where to look. In my drawing, I placed the apex of the deltoid a bit lower and the apex of the tricep a bit higher to create a more appealing design. (Please excuse my terrible draftsmanship I just wanna show the idea, the deltoid is definitely too small but im too lazy to change it). Another thing you could work on is the shading. The highlights are there but it's hard to tell what's in shadow and what's in light. Clear core shadows and adding more halftones to transition to the highlights will fix this problem. Having said all this, I think your painting is solid. You really captured a dark broody mood which I love. The fog, scenery, and lighting really come together to create that mood.
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Danet
Hi Frank, these are a lot of fun. I must confess I’m probably not the best person to ask about animal drawing, but as you tagged me, I’ll give you some tips. 1) It’s great that you are analyzing your drawings and assessing what can be improved. People here on Proko only draw each reference once (or only post the final one)I feel this is such a pity. The first sketch should just be a first approach. Try to apply your own critiques to the second and even third and fourth attempts. Try things that you think are wrong too, see what happens. Sometimes you’ll be surprised. 2) Try not to lose gesture when adding structure. ( I did my best to find it on the camel 🐪 but it’s probably not completely right.As I said, I’m not an expert.) 3) It’s super important to find the horizon line and put our animal in a box. I chose the camel because you can actually see the hL in the horizon. Sometimes you need to find it using the paws. 4) Boxes and cylinders can also have gesture. 5) In figure drawing I always try to find the centerline and the edge that is closer to us. I did my best to find them on the camel, but again... Centerline is in purple, The edge is in green. Let me know if you have any doubts and I’m looking forward to seeing some of your boxed animals 😊
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Frank D'souza
Thanks for the critique :)
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Frank D'souza
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Frank D'souza
Hello everyone, here's my homework for lesson 3. My main goal here was to use simple 3D forms to construct animals with proportion and likeness being an afterthought. I would love some feedback on how well i achieved that. Is the perspective right? How would you change my drawings to make it look better structurally? Looking at my drawings, I definitely see some mistakes. In the second page, The front right leg of the horse is too small. In the third page the left leg in the back definitely has the wrong orientation and Im showing too much of the side plane. In the reference only a sliver of the side plane is shown.
@silentmoonss
@Steve Lenze @Jesper Axelsson @Frank D'souza I wanted to ask for some critiques since most seem to have more experienced in these than me. If u all have some tips to give me some insight on what I may be lacking I know you all may be busy with your own art journeys so whenever you have time
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Frank D'souza
Hey, I have no feedback to give, sorry. I just finished the bean lessons a few weeks ago and I would not consider myself a master; I'll leave this for the more experienced to critique. But from the perspective of a beginner, I'd say these are looking nice. Except the two drawings in the top right corner (first page), something about them feels off can't put my finger on it. But the rest are looking good. Also, post your reference images along with your drawings. So we know what kind of choices you're making and whether they're right or not. It's hard to critique your work when we have no standard to measure it against. Finally, I just wanted to ask if you've been drawing just for fun on the side. Practice is good, but too much can burn you out. I'm not telling you to lessen your practice, but remember to sketch on the side too. Do you keep a sketchbook purely for fun? No practice, just turn off your brain and draw like a child again.
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Frank D'souza
Hey, I think these gestures are pretty good. You're finding the flow between the major forms and not focusing on the contour. There's a good use of S curves and C curves, generally I'd say you're off to a good start. The only thing that really jumped out at me is the proportions of the torso. You're drawing the ribcage way too small, while proportions are not the main focus during gesture you shouldn't distort the proportions too much. Usually a good thing to keep in mind is that the torso is about 4 heads tall (if there isn't any major foreshortening). Another thing I'd point out is that in the last page there's a figure off balance. In your drawing, the ribcage is leaning out way too far. While I do think it's good that you're exaggerating the gesture of the torso, you consequently put the figure off balance. That pose wouldn't possible in real life, if you tried it you would fall over. To check if a figure is balanced, determine the center of mass and draw a line down to the floor. The masses should be centered around the line that you drew. If I do this to your drawing, the ribcage is way out to the right side with no support. Notice how in the reference image that the ribcage leans to the right but to counter balance that the left leg also leans to the right. The left leg leaning towards the right is crucial to keeping the pose balanced (which is what's missing from your drawing). Overall, besides a few proportion issues these gestures are pretty good. Keep up the good work.
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Frank D'souza
The folds/ wrinkles on the head all have the same c-curve design. It looks repetitive, I'd say design each wrinkle and fold differently. Look at Stan's drawing, no two wrinkles look the same, he designed each one to be distinct. Here's a video by Court Jones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaY_KpFpHrk. I think it would help you design your shapes a lot better. Marco Bucci also has a great video on shape design: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZknWKTpc90. Otherwise, good job.
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@jvuozzo
I have been struggling with gestures. Two difficulties I have are the width of the limbs and attaching the arms to the torso. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks
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Frank D'souza
I do agree with the other commenters here but I'd like to add something else. You missed the gesture of the torso. Observe the relationship of the ribcage to the pelvis and you will see that there is a noticeable tilt and subtle twist. The tilt is present in your drawing but not as pronounced as it should be and the twist is missing entirely. Here in my drawing, (excuse the terrible lines), I use a bean to indicate the tilt and twist of the torso.
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Tim Malangen
Hi Im new here and i hope someone can help me improve my gesture drawing by giving your review and things where i could improve. Here are some of my attempts I did base on what Ive learned from the video. Your advice will be a big help on my improvement. I will keep posting my drawings and taking your advices. Big thanks
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Frank D'souza
For a beginner I'd say these are pretty good. The two biggest things that stand out to me are proportions and line quality. As for proportions, you'll generally get better the more you do gestures (and proportions is taught way later in the course). Second, your line quality is lacking in a few areas. Some lines are darker than others (when they shouldn't be), a lot of lines are discontinued or don't connect entirely, and continuity issues (in the fourth picture the left side drawing has a foot that doesn't line up with the leg in the back). Addressing your continuity issues I'd suggest drawing through your forms (when they overlap) and darkening the form in the front or you could erase the overlapping lines. As for your line quality I'd recommend a few drawing exercises. Draw from your shoulder and do a full page of lines and curves. Draw two lines on a page and connect them. Remember to "Ghost" your lines while you draw them. Practice the motions of the stroke with the pencil hovering over the paper. Then when you're confident; attempt the stroke. On your gestures I can see a lot of "searching lines". This is where multiple lines are used to describe a gesture because we are unsure where to place it. This is absolutely fine for a beginner. Envision the stroke in your mind and project it onto the paper, don't just mindlessly draw lines. Every stroke you place on a page needs to have confidence and a purpose. Stan has a great video on this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMC0Cx3Uk84. Overall, good job on your first attempt.
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James Connolly
i might recommend indicating the position of the hands, feet and head, even if its a quick gesture
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Frank D'souza
Yeah I'm not gonna lie I have no clue how to draw feet. Thanks, definitely gonna study these.
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Frank D'souza
Hello, I've been practicing the gesture assignments for a week now and I could use some feedback. My main goal in this exercise is to capture and exaggerate the gesture. I would love some critique as to how accurate I captured the gesture or whether I could exaggerate the poses more. Feel free to post your own interpretations of the poses, How would you exaggerate the gesture? We can compare our gestures and I could learn a thing or two. Thanks.
Frank D'souza
Not really a critique but it's good that you're drawing the same pose multiple times. It's definitely not a linear relationship but the later drawings look better than your first attempts.
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