Can You Give 5 Minutes to Improve Your Freehand Drawing!

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  • čas přidán 5. 09. 2024

Komentáře • 150

  • @gautambarua8260
    @gautambarua8260 Před rokem +13

    My search for the perfect pen drawing tutorial on CZcams ends with your channel. I look no further. Thanks for your wonderful teaching.

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +1

      This must be the perfect comment for a CZcams Creator. Thank you for telling me. (And please tell your friends)

  • @bullsquid42
    @bullsquid42 Před rokem +52

    A pro showing off mistakes they make, and how it happened is an amazingly helpful thing! Thank you so much.
    I feel a little less like an imposter now ;)

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +6

      Thanks. That’s great to hear. I’m so glad I no longer feel the need to be perfect. One of the benefit age, perhaps. All the best with your drawing. 😀

  • @hauntedmilk8540
    @hauntedmilk8540 Před rokem +74

    As a painter - I can say that this exactly right. It is the observation that is lacking when trying to get fresh "easy" marks. Doing some little studies like this - just a few minutes worth - makes you observe these sections so much more closely! And that then relates to being able to make the marks more easily in a fresh way. Really great video!

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +6

      Glad to hear you think so. I painted in oils full time for 10 years before I began to draw, and I was surprised how much I was aware it was directly relevant to my drawing. Didn’t expect that. 😀

    • @masterklep
      @masterklep Před rokem +1

  • @jeffmastin
    @jeffmastin Před rokem +5

    When my final sketches look like his practice scratches

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +2

      Sometimes I feel my practice scratches have more feeling than my final sketches. 😀

  • @pchabanowich
    @pchabanowich Před rokem +23

    Observation. I could observe that word for a while. Why on Earth was (and am) I so impatient? Your deeper secret, I think, is your willingness to spend time with mistakes. You cannot believe how important this tutorial is for me. Your work has invited me back to all my 'demons', and, really, that is the job of the guru.❤

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +3

      Thanks Peter. Yes, deciding I don’t need to be perfect has been a wonderful discovery for me. And mistakes are so seldom as bad as they feel at the moment I make them. Drawing felt a bit like therapy for a while, but very effective therapy in dealing with issues. All the best with your moving on with your drawing. 😀

    • @pchabanowich
      @pchabanowich Před rokem +1

      @@stephentraversart Thank you.🙏

  • @AFAskygoddess
    @AFAskygoddess Před rokem +34

    I just finished a drawing class in perspective and composition. You summarized a month of teaching beautifully. Our instructor really stressed the importance of making five minute thumbnail sketches before embarking on the final drawings.
    So glad that your channel was in my CZcams recommendations. Thanks from a grateful new subscriber.

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +3

      I’m really glad you found my channel as well. Please tell your friends if you find my videos helpful. 😀

  • @watercolourmark
    @watercolourmark Před rokem +10

    When I do a watercolour I will often do two little studies before. The 1st is a pen line study to observe the form. The 2nd is a worksheet on problem effects and textures, like how will I render the gradient of colour on a flower with those specks. So this way I am solving problems before hand. Going in hot, rather than cold.

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +2

      Sounds like an excellent method Mark. I don’t use colour of course, but my practice study is often more about surface textures than composition or proportions. 😀

    • @watercolourmark
      @watercolourmark Před rokem +2

      @@stephentraversart - You have stunning skills, so inspirational.

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem

      I’m honoured Mark. Thanks 😀

  • @NameLikeNobodyElse
    @NameLikeNobodyElse Před rokem +11

    For some reason this made me think of walking out into an area you don't know & having someone point & say 'watch your step here'. Or like being the 2nd person on a hiking trail after the first person scouted out the best way thru.
    I just found your videos last night & after the first one on drawing the effects of detail, I subscribed. I look forward to watching all of your generously helpful videos.

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem

      What a wonderfully encouraging analogy. Thank you for taking the trouble to think of it and tell me. 😀

  • @tracyheath6076
    @tracyheath6076 Před rokem +6

    I have a couple notebooks that are just for my practice sketches or dress rehearsal even if its just for a small detail. What I find is how fun it is to go back through those notebooks and remember the lessons learned and the struggles and even finally success at getting the drawing right. Lol others like to look at those notebooks. I had a friend once who wanted to look at my notebook, I was so nervous because they were full of mess ups, she said in a glee moment while brushing her hand across the page of many attempts " Now that's art". I was stunned. People like to see others dress rehearsals. 😊

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +2

      I have a few drawings from my teenage years I gave to my wife when we were at school that she kept. It’s fun to see them again. Although I don’t often draw battleships any more! 😆

    • @tracyheath6076
      @tracyheath6076 Před rokem +1

      @@stephentraversart how cool

  • @kathleenalbright3908
    @kathleenalbright3908 Před rokem +6

    Drawing complex castles or estate homes is above my skill level, however I think your suggestions will help beginners as myself to better draw even simple shapes, such as a coffee cup or vase. Thank you for a wonderful lesson.

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +2

      What you draw will grow with your experience and confidence. Start at whatever place you feel is the natural start point for you. That will be the spot you’ll grow fasted from. All the best with this journey. 😀

  • @sarahyip2825
    @sarahyip2825 Před rokem +5

    Framing, muscle memory, eye-hand coordination, the position of pen/pencil and paper... who would have thought all these matter! I thought perspective, angles and flow was fun when I rediscovered the joy of drawing some weeks ago (trees with awesome branch systems). I was lucky the first drawing, a slow start, was mostly on target. But your extensive vocab on the very drawing process, focusing also on how we ourselves are interacting with the task at hand, is very on point. Self awareness, "catching" ourselves in the process of it all is central to learning. Are we getting it or are we not? Why not? What do we need to do differently? By helping us to help ourselves, you are the wonderful Art teacher we never had 😊

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +1

      Thank you for such an appreciative comment Sarah, it’s very encouraging. Yes, there is so much more than simply lines on paper, and you seem to have an excellent grasp of all this. All the best with your drawing. 😀

  • @sociallyresponsiblexenomor7608

    I find this really great. He's an advanced artist, but just now is recounting the fundamentals of "Dynamic sketching theory" that many ink practitioners will teach you on; except he is literally just immediately adapting to the medium through his own experience and his own visual lense. I feel like this really shows the flexibility of a good artist, and how we shouldn't be afraid to experiment and branch out.
    I took a class with Peter Han that actually went over a lot of these things but just with a slightly different take, but that is someone who predominantly works in ink.
    Thank you for the video. This was quite interesting.

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +2

      How interesting to read. I think you have described my journey well. Hope the video was helpful. I’ve just posted a video to celebrate my first million views on CZcams with my considered top three tips from all the advice/ teaching that I’ve given in over 470 videos. Have a look if you’re interested. 😀

  • @xxcu83xxxx4
    @xxcu83xxxx4 Před rokem +5

    Tried this recently on accident, when i was drawing some figures from reference. Instead of rubbing wrong lines, i did multiple attempts at the same pose. It really helped with getting the proportions and angles right.
    The best part of it was my boosted confidence in drawing, since i already „broke the ice“ with putting the first lines down!
    Ty so much for reminding, had sorta forgotten it. ❤

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem

      I use this more and more when I draw. It always brings results. 😀

  • @tsunayoshisawada6828
    @tsunayoshisawada6828 Před 9 měsíci +2

    Not only did i enjoy hearing all the tips, but i sure enjoyed the visual treat as well. Man, all those sketches are astonishing.

  • @primecomputer4145
    @primecomputer4145 Před 2 měsíci +2

    very productive video about freehand drawing

  • @miedzystrunami
    @miedzystrunami Před rokem +14

    Brilliant advice as usual, thank you so much, Steven! I'm definitely guilty of making my marks and lines too precious, of trying to get it right at the first try. I can see how quick rehearsal drawings could help here. The problem I have is that I only have a limited amount of time for drawing, and it's not every day, so I end up wanting to have achieved something, have some drawing done in a session - and because of that I put that pressure on myself to try and make it finished with a single session. That in turn makes me want to skip preparations, to go right into it. I recently thought that I could use a pencil underdrawing as my preliminary sketch, but actually it did not turn out great either - I did get the perspective right, but proportions were not accurate, and I faced having to figure out some aspects of the texture and details on the go. So I think I'll try out your suggestion next time, see where it takes me.

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +5

      I have different style for drawing according to how much time I have to complete the drawing - whether it’s 15, 30, 60, 90+ minutes. Generally, the shorter the time the looser the lines. But in each of them there is still time for 3-5 minutes drafting. I did a 5 minute drawing for a video once where I got the proportions wrong. I suddenly realised that it would only take me 5 minutes to redraw it. 😆 The second version was much more accurate, even though it was drawn in the same time. I can recommend persevering with trying this. All the best. 😀

  • @theroadhome_Liz_Summers
    @theroadhome_Liz_Summers Před 7 měsíci

    Thanks! At 68, 3.5 months ago, I started drawing. Actually, I started with watercolor but realized I needed/wanted to be able to draw for my watercolor and also for the enjoyment of drawing. So, like another commenter, I am at the "drawing my coffee cup" stage and mostly from reference photos although practicing with objects also. I put the concepts of this video into practice and am finding things a bit easier - Thank you!! The other thing I have done when I can't get the proportion/curve, etc. right is to trace from a reference photo and compare that with my tries to see where I am going wrong. YIKES ... it is the observation ... what I think I see vs what it is. Bottomline, new and happy subscriber!

  • @ranjancse26
    @ranjancse26 Před 8 měsíci +1

    One of the greatest and the best lessons for the life time. Thank you Stephen. I can personally feel your voice.

  • @lunatopia2219
    @lunatopia2219 Před 11 měsíci +1

    I've just started to urban sketch and after watching a few dozens of your videos, I can proudly said that I improved so much ! Couldn't find a better channel than yours on the topic. Thank you for your precious tips and the time saver, my sketches are so clean now !

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před 11 měsíci

      Wow. How encouraging to hear. What a great recommendation. Thank you, and all the best with your continued drawing journey 😀

  • @annihilist1983
    @annihilist1983 Před rokem +1

    this is exactly why i've recently taken to making my own "sketchbooks" of threehole punched plain white printer paper bound in duotangs, so i can just have access to a wad of cheaper paper for "getting ready" on at all times.
    great video, as they all are! Thanks!

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem

      It’s a great strategy for improvement Anni. All the best with it. 😀

  • @scribblingjoe
    @scribblingjoe Před rokem +3

    This is good info. I’m going to carry some scrap copier paper with me from now on.

  • @rebeccawong1
    @rebeccawong1 Před rokem +2

    I was attracted to the energy of your voice. I love that kind of love to art which at times can be tiring ❤❤❤

  • @karincarter4962
    @karincarter4962 Před 6 měsíci +1

    Thank you ! Great motivation to practice practising !😊

  • @stripstew1729
    @stripstew1729 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Thank you very much sir, I'm starting out with architectural drawings tonight and I will say I needed this.

  • @wik_wav
    @wik_wav Před 8 měsíci +1

    I'm wondering why my art teacher never told me the reason for making these. I could never get the point, until you made it very clear to me with this video. Thanks

  • @dickbudig6693
    @dickbudig6693 Před rokem +5

    Good info, Steve, I'm a painter, but I often do small color studies to get a feel of the shapes and values for my painting much as you do in your drawing warm ups..

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem

      Excellent practice. And we can’t really read the colour and values until we see them next to their neighbours on the canvas. Mixing colour on white pallet paper is so misleading. Ahh, memories of paint are coming back. 😀

  • @Azidust
    @Azidust Před 9 měsíci +1

    I’ve always thought my issue was not having beautiful lines work and worked hard to improve them but after following your channel I realized that my problem was lack of observation ( drawing quickly)and perspective .

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před 9 měsíci +1

      Great lesson to learn. There’ll be no stopping you now!😀

  • @erinray878
    @erinray878 Před rokem +1

    So obvious and yet I never would have done this before- thank you!

  • @arkanoid77
    @arkanoid77 Před rokem +1

    Thank you. This tech helped easing me into just starting to work on a subject I was avoiding. And it's no small thing.

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +1

      Well that sounds like a great outcome. All the best getting on with your project. 😀

  • @joseluiscastanorestrepo
    @joseluiscastanorestrepo Před rokem +1

    Some very useful tips, which are often overlooked. Thank you so much.

  • @juxtapos1034
    @juxtapos1034 Před 9 měsíci +1

    this is huge! thank you a lot for this tip

  • @cindylong2782
    @cindylong2782 Před rokem +4

    Wonderful, thanks, Stephen. Great advice as always.

  • @7173bpest
    @7173bpest Před rokem +2

    True, sketch it before you sketch it...😅
    ❤️

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +2

      Particularly with a focus on detail or elements that might be tricky. 😀

  • @matsf8268
    @matsf8268 Před rokem +1

    5:05, the drawed building looks better than IRL :D

  • @Danny451
    @Danny451 Před rokem

    Those drawings are absolutely mind blowing.

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +1

      That’s very kind Danny. Thanks. I hope you are inspired to draw more. 😀

  • @keithscholes6158
    @keithscholes6158 Před rokem +1

    Great advice I will definitely give this idea of preliminary quick sketches a try.

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +1

      I’ve made it an essential part of my method. It really has been paying me dividends. But they’re not thumbnails, they are to test marks and capturing form etc. 😀

  • @satharthajam6662
    @satharthajam6662 Před rokem +4

    Stephen, Are you an Architect by profession using your architectural skills to use in your past time enjoying drawing/painting. I am amazed how you get your one point, two point, three point perspectives almost perfectly right without drawing lines to the perspective points initially as one is advised to do at art classes. You drafts, if they are slightly out of synch, you are able to identify it immediately and correct it in your next draft sketches. It is obviously your constant practice sketches that helps you to almost perfect reproductions in every drafts that you do. It is humbling to see that you make mistakes, but are able to share it with us to help us improve our drawing. I am going to study all your techniques, as you are indeed the best art teacher that I have come across so far. Hope you have a nice day. Till next time. Ciao.👌💯💥

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +1

      No Sathar, I’m not an architect. I think learning to observe deeply before the pen hits the paper is crucial, and then we need to critique our line and improve it if necessary and possible. I’m always happy to point out my mistakes. I no longer feel the need to be perfect!😆 And thank you for your kind words. Please help me out as well, and tell your friends about my channel. 😀

  • @XD-rd8zd
    @XD-rd8zd Před 6 dny +1

    I'd love to see you doing a one line drawing, sth like tobysketchloose scribbles.

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před 5 dny

      Maybe one day, but it’s not the way I process when I draw. It would be more a doodle for me I guess. 😀

  • @kraigjardine
    @kraigjardine Před rokem +1

    It makes sense to warmup. Thank you!

  • @isaacsamuel7517
    @isaacsamuel7517 Před rokem +1

    Ya thats a good way to learn.

  • @grabble7605
    @grabble7605 Před rokem +2

    "Often they are stiffer, more wooden looking lines..."
    Problem: Understood.
    Solution: Incorporate wooden lines into tree.
    Dominance: Asserted.
    Pun: Terrible.

  • @grabble7605
    @grabble7605 Před rokem +2

    I only very recently decided to work on learning to draw. Right now I'm still very much in the 'filling a sketchbook with circles and lines' stage.
    Architecture seems easy enough. Trees can be faked quite a bit detail-wise. It's the organic stuff, bodies and such, that's going to make me throw out the whole endeavor.

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +2

      I don’t think any subjects are really more difficult, but inaccuracies are less obvious in subjects we don’t have such an acute accuracy in how we remember them. That’s why bodies seem more difficult. We have always observed people more carefully than trees. 😀

  • @borleyboo5613
    @borleyboo5613 Před rokem +1

    I have terrible trouble with angles like roofs etc. I can never see wether they go up or down. And the width of a gable end is also a problem. I seem to have a blind spot with these things. So I measure with my pencil and attempt to put it on paper. I get there eventually but it’s difficult. So thanks for these tips. 👍

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +1

      Knowing proportions we tend to get wrong in a consistent way is a great start to learning how to adjust them towards accuracy. You’ll get there! 😀

  • @Powerphail
    @Powerphail Před rokem +1

    Great, learning and problem-solving with pen in hand.

  • @katsmith8263
    @katsmith8263 Před rokem +2

    👍👍👍👍 your sketches are great

  • @rodolfolarrea8493
    @rodolfolarrea8493 Před rokem +1

    extraordinary video …

  • @mattsuran1270
    @mattsuran1270 Před rokem +2

    You should go more micro for a few videos and really get close up to explain the rendering piece, like how all the lines connect around a window and how to make something look complex but isn't actually complex.

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem

      I’ve responded to your later comment already Matt. But a good suggestion. Might do a video close up on those windows with little panes, 😀

  • @justmejhbmed9778
    @justmejhbmed9778 Před rokem +1

    I am learning so much from your advice: WONDERFUL. IVE SUBSCRIBED TO YOUR CHANNEL NOW. THANK YOU,

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem

      Welcome aboard. Great to hear. All the best with your drawing. 😀

  • @lbuxani
    @lbuxani Před rokem +1

    So intricate...commendable 👍

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem

      Thanks. Appreciate that. I’ve just posted a video to celebrate my first million views on CZcams with my considered top three tips from all the advice/ teaching that I’ve given in over 470 videos. Have a look if you’re interested. 😀

  • @crashrr2993
    @crashrr2993 Před rokem +1

    I often paint the same watercolour painting twice at the same time. The first one I use as a test for colours and brushstrokes, the second one is the real painting. The difference between the two at the end is … scary!

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem

      That’s quite a commitment, but clearly you understand and see the benefit. Well done!👏

  • @flickaJay
    @flickaJay Před rokem +1

    I needed this. thanks.

  • @theMuritz
    @theMuritz Před 9 měsíci +1

    Excellent from a fellow whitebeard

  • @matthewandresen2225
    @matthewandresen2225 Před 9 měsíci +1

    Hello Steven, I use charcoal because I love the rough finish product I am left with it seems a much more approachable work at my beginner level. Now I realize many draw as realistically or are better rendered with it as you are with the pen with no doubt. My question is, could you show your method of utilizing charcoal from willow (If needed) to compressed?

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před 9 měsíci

      I think it’s a mistake to consider one medium as easier and better suited to beginners. Use and practice the one you want to excel in. And then work at it. There are some brilliant charcoal artists in social media. They are the ones who can best answer your questions. I am not even a beginner in charcoal 😀

  • @samycovo3170
    @samycovo3170 Před rokem +1

    Awesome advice, thanks a lot!

  • @KeepCalmCapybara
    @KeepCalmCapybara Před rokem +1

    Wonderful! It gave me some light about drawing things from reference. I like the way you draw, friend! Thanks for the tips, +1 subscriber

  • @masterklep
    @masterklep Před rokem +1

    Worth to try! ❤🤓🙏

  • @bjorn7355
    @bjorn7355 Před rokem

    Great idea!

  • @primecomputer4145
    @primecomputer4145 Před 2 měsíci +1

    drawing as it is

  • @marest
    @marest Před rokem +1

    again learnt a lot ...danke

  • @kenesufernandez1281
    @kenesufernandez1281 Před 3 měsíci +2

  • @SUL-KSA
    @SUL-KSA Před 5 měsíci +1

    Do you use guidelines before you start your drawings?

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před 5 měsíci

      Not for these CZcams drawings. But my larger, more detailed instagram drawings are not freehand, but use a 4x4 grid and pencil underdrawing 😀

  • @TheTimCotton
    @TheTimCotton Před rokem +2

    What kind of pen did you use for the drawings?

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +2

      Generally I’m using black ink COPIC Multiliners, from 0.5 to 0.1 mm. 😀

  • @chantalbazire8222
    @chantalbazire8222 Před rokem +1

    very informative

  • @adnanseraj6550
    @adnanseraj6550 Před rokem +1

    Hi, could you please tell about the brand of the fine liner pen you use or probably make a recommendation video about them.... Thanks

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem

      I use COPIC Adnan, both the refillable and the disposable ones. 😀

  • @thesilverunicorn9384
    @thesilverunicorn9384 Před rokem +1

    I take inspraiton from medieval art and real life into my art, i try to make it simple so the details from the ilumenated book and beasteary books do not take so long.

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem

      Sounds like a good strategy. All the best with your drawing. 😀

  • @ahmedzedan24
    @ahmedzedan24 Před rokem +1

    What 🖋️ do you use?
    Ur videos are very helpful

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem

      Thanks Ahmed. Mostly I draw with COPIC Multiliners 0.5, 0.3, 0.2 & 0.1 mm

  • @patriciabarbosa3656
    @patriciabarbosa3656 Před rokem +1

    Do you draw directly with a pen without any pencil sketch?

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +1

      For my CZcams videos, yes. I have a number of videos on my process for doing that. 😀

  • @greekveteran2715
    @greekveteran2715 Před rokem +1

    Does anybody know,what pen is this please?

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +1

      I use Copic Multiliners for the line work, and Copic Sketchmarkers for the tone, using the brush end, not the chisel end. I use Neutral Grey colour for the tone, usually 4-6 tones each drawing. The markers are refillable and the pens can have their ink cartridges and nibs replaced. I mostly desaturate the colour when I post to make the tone look more even.

    • @greekveteran2715
      @greekveteran2715 Před rokem

      @@stephentraversart Wow! Best reply I ever had.Thanks a lot sir! Happy drawings!!

  • @katsmith8263
    @katsmith8263 Před rokem +2

    Your sketches are much better than 95% of youtubers. But I'm not interested in buildings much. Do you draw something else? People?

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +5

      That’s very kind of you Kat. I’m afraid I love drawing architecture, but that can include streets and trees and people in the streets. I draw cars as well in the streets, more reluctantly. I have a few videos more to do with landscape. There’s one on a brass planter, and another on a battleship, but they are mostly architectural. Sorry about that. 😀

  • @KBABYOG
    @KBABYOG Před rokem +1

    I feel like if you painted it, it would be a completely different picture than drawing it

  • @justinstorm
    @justinstorm Před rokem +2

    goated

  • @janettepolt2815
    @janettepolt2815 Před rokem +1

    Is this what "thumbnailing" is all about?

    • @stephentraversart
      @stephentraversart  Před rokem +1

      I think this is more exploring the technical elements we’re thinking of using. Thumb-nailing is more about composition and tonal values. There is overlap, but in my mind there’s a useful distinction. 😀