Stan Prokopenko
Stan Prokopenko
San Diego, CA
Founder of Proko, artist and teacher of drawing, painting, and anatomy. I try to make my lessons fun and ultra packed with information.
Activity Feed
Stan Prokopenko
Stan Prokopenkoadded a new premium lesson
4d
Stan Prokopenko
Stan Prokopenkoadded a new premium lesson
13d
Stan Prokopenko
Stan Prokopenkoadded a new lesson
20d
Stan Prokopenko
Stan Prokopenkoadded a new premium lesson
22d
Jyayasi (*Jay-o-she*)
Level 1 assignment I have a doubt regarding this. For this particular assignment, are we supposed to think about the logic of the direction of light or just go for aesthetically pleasing placement of different value groups? I understand that I should put emphasis on whatever I choose to prioritize, like the light or the face or the hair or hands, but my confusion is whether in each thumbnail I should decide the values after establishing a certain light direction or go for the aesthetically pleasing design and then figure out the lighting?
Stan Prokopenko
I agree with Melanie here. Good design is king. If you think changing the light direction will improve the composition then go for it. Play with that idea. But keep in mind that one of the reason we use reference is because inventing realistic lighting is very difficult. In real projects, I usually don't change the light direction too much. Maybe subtle things like changing the shape of a cast shadow, or shifting a shadow a little to expose more of a cheek bone, etc. but if I decide that I want the light to switch sides, I will just search for different reference or take a different photo. Since this is an exercise targeting exploration and design, I say don't let what I just said be limiting factor. Explore anything you want.
Stan Prokopenko
Stan Prokopenkoadded a new premium lesson
28d
Stan Prokopenko
I’ve got some big news! My family just welcomed our third child! It was a bit of an early surprise, but we’re all doing great. Basics students - With this change, the next three months might run a little differently. I’ve built up a backlog of content to keep things moving, but there might still be an occasional gap. If a week goes by without new material, just know it’s temporary. Things will get back to normal soon. Thanks for your patience as I adjust to life with three kids and gives some attention to my little one. In the meantime, keep practicing, revisit older lessons, or share your progress with the community. I appreciate all of you. Thanks for being such a supportive group!
Alex Jevan
20d
Congratulations.
@angeliccox
aww good luck <3
Isaiah
1mo
🙌CONGRATULATIONS🙌
Rachel Dawn Owens
Wow! Congratulations 🎊
@aleks_wa
1mo
Congrats and speedy recovery to your wife!
@rezatheboss
Congratulations Stan!!!!
@skytreader
It feels like it was just yesterday when Stan had to take a Paternity Leave from the Draftsmen podcast. Congratulations!
Sterling Hundley
Congratulations, Stan! That's big news, indeed.
David Bryan
Congratulations!!! There’s nothing better than being a Dad. Enjoy the time it goes by quickly.
Thieum
1mo
Congratulations ! 😊
@writedrawface
Congratulations to you and your family, Stan!
Pat Calaski
Congratulations! That is awesome!
Scott
1mo
That is awesome, Stan! Congratulations!
Gabriele Minelli
Congratulations Stan! Take your time and sleep enough!
onigi *pronunce [on-ie-gee]*
Sara
1mo
Congratulations! 🎉
Stan Prokopenko
Stan Prokopenkoadded a new premium lesson
1mo
Stan Prokopenko
Stan Prokopenkoadded a new lesson
2mo
Stan Prokopenko
Hey Basics students. I'm quite sick, probably flu, so the next lesson is a bit delayed. If you're looking for something to do, I would recommend researching some old master painters and illustrators and doing 3-value studies. I was going to announce it with the next lesson, but it'll be useful now, so please check out: https://proko.com/values It's essentially the gradient map tool in Photoshop but made much more convenient and some additional features. It's something I hacked together in a day so apologies if there are any bugs. I'll have my dev team remake it professionally later. Let me know your thoughts.
HAK24
2mo
Great tool.
HAK24
2mo
Just now I saw this message,Take good care of yourself, yes I am still working on sketching master studies. We hope you are well, Best regards Thanks dear Stan!!
Brandon
2mo
take care my dear teacher, the 12 day sketch challenge is fun and keep me busy enough, the tool definitely will be in good use, thx for developing it
John Edgeworth
Being sick does suck, , I I saw this message yesterday, but wanted to finish lesson two and post it before I messaged you. There is enough on the site to keep the student busy, you should have a #2 person take over for the time you are out and you can check on him/her every hour :), to make sure they have not run off with the funds. Anyway get well, we will ALL be here, wait for you!
Tommy Pinedo
Feel better Stan! :)
@procyonlotor
Flu is no fun. Hope you feel better very soon!
Sita Rabeling
Take lots of rest and get well soon!
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