Observational skills

[Andantonius]

Hey there! I've been having some art issues lately and was wondering if anyone could help me out.

Basically I'm trying to do a lot of observational studies of figures and things in preparation for TAD, but I'm having a really hard time with accuracy to my reference. I think my studies themselves look fairly decent (there are a few in my sketchbook, link in sig), but if I overlay my reference over top of them I find that overall my accuracy is pretty terrible. Even if I trace a sort of boundary shape around the figure and mark important points directly from the reference (top and bottom of head, nipples, crotch, bottom of feet, etc.) I still can't seem to accurately place and proportion things when compared to the reference.

Needless to say it's rather frustrating, so I was wondering if there's some sort of technique that I'm missing or if I'm just bad and need to practice more. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks! :)

[JeffX99]

Don't be too hard on yourself - it just takes time and practice. After a quick spin through your sketchbook I would recommend more studies from life - still lifes and figures. Working from photos really isn't considered "observational" drawing as you noted a few times. Anyway, keep at it - good luck with the TAD program!

[Black Spot]

Also try to concentrate more on the negative space; even from life it can help to render the object being drawn better.

[dpaint]

Black Spot is right on with seeing negative space.

I think what happens is when you are newer at drawing you tend to focus on things in series, one at a time to the exclusion of all else. It is important to learn to see the whole thing and always comapre the elements to each other in all dimensions. This is why most teaching methods suggest developing from the big overall shapes to the smaller specifics.

[chris_kaw]

Try using your pencil/tablet pen as a guide to see if the parts of the model sync up with your drawing. It really helps!

[Andantonius]

Thanks very, very much for the advice, guys! I'll give it a try and keep on' practicing! :)