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Posted: September 15, 2012

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Drawing with(out) references

=DamaiMikaz Sep 15, 2012 Hobbyist Digital Artist

When drawing stuff, I always look up a lot of references. Especially for anatomy on different poses. It's pretty easy drawing that way. The problem is: that when I start drawing without the references, the result often looks horrible. But it's such a bother to only be capable of drawing in front of the computer (or any other place where I keep my references).

How are you guys doing this? Is there some kind of shortcut that makes it easier to stick that information into your head? I tried studying anatomy and proportions and such, but I keep having trouble with any pose that involves some kind of perspective.

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~MegKoolXx Sep 25, 2012

I have the exact same issue.
I can draw a thousand times better with a reference picture.

~DiableHaven Sep 25, 2012 Hobbyist Digital Artist

As everyone keeps saying, practice. But i find that's not the only thing involved. Try doing gesture drawings, anatomy sketches. For me, the biggest help is breaking down the body into shapes. But different people use different methods. Try doing different things and see what suits you best!

=DamaiMikaz Sep 25, 2012 Hobbyist Digital Artist

Thanks for the advice

~DiableHaven Sep 25, 2012 Hobbyist Digital Artist

No problem. From what i can tell, you're a much better artist then me, so you will probably have a much easier time improving

~Light-Lein Sep 25, 2012 Hobbyist Traditional Artist

You say to easily that it looks horrible

. I actually have to use more references since I don't use any and therefore I don't improve. Guess it's indeed practising, looking carefully, studying and finding the points in which you can improve the most.

I hope you manage to!

~draumstafur Sep 18, 2012 Hobbyist Digital Artist

Practice, and that's all to it. I use reference sometimes, and sometimes I don't. When I don't have access to it and just want to jot down a few quick concepts I just don't give a fuck about anatomy and go at it, and then refine it later when I do have access to it.
Eventually we'll both have better understanding of anatomy. Until then, practice it is xD

~Cardinal4 Sep 18, 2012 Hobbyist Digital Artist

I asked the same question before. My conclusion was: Practice, practice and practice the shape of the human body into muscle memory. For all else, find a reference, or construct the pose using knowledge of geometric shapes.

I'm inclined to believe that all artists would desire to have a reference if they want to achieve the best that they can draw. They may seem very able without a reference, but perhaps they have practiced that form before, or the result isn't going to be their best work. I'm not sure how much of that is truth, or just consolation to myself haha.

=DamaiMikaz Sep 18, 2012 Hobbyist Digital Artist

Thanks for your advice

~TheNecco Sep 17, 2012 Student General Artist

Even the masters used references

=DamaiMikaz Sep 17, 2012 Hobbyist Digital Artist

Lol. That's true ^^

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