Having those skewing problems again... :(

[ceenda]

I've decided to go back to traditional media and just concentrate on pencil sketching, technical drawings and traditional painting until I feel ready to dive into digital artwork again as I sense that I am a bit rusty on the fundamentals.

Anyway, I have a problem. I know there are extremely serious proportional flaws with both these sketches. However, I can only see these problems when I look at them in reverse (i.e., in the mirror). If I go back to an incorrect drawing a few days later, it still looks correct to me! I have to see it in reverse to get all the flaws. Is this a common problem, or is there perhaps a way to 'see' better? It just surprises me that I can't 'see' problems once I know they are there in a mirror reflection.

http://www.ccir.ed.ac.uk/~nanderso/sketches/2004_07_20_a.jpg

http://www.ccir.ed.ac.uk/~nanderso/sketches/2004_07_20_b.jpg

[Aerythes]

It's a very common problem. As far as I know, it happens to everyone until they have overcome it. I also had this problem, and the solution I know of is to keep on correcting the skewing in every drawing you do. Just keep on doing that, and your perception in that matter will improve. Until the point where you don't really need to flip the drawing to see the problem.

BTW, instead of a mirror, I simply flip the paper, hold it up to the light and view the drawing from the back. Much more convenient, imo.

[ceenda]

Aerythes: Cheers. I guess it's just a case of "practice makes perfect". I guess I'm just concerned that it may be an issue with my 'perception'. Anyway, I'll keep on doing sketches regularly.


BTW, instead of a mirror, I simply flip the paper, hold it up to the light and view the drawing from the back. Much more convenient, imo.

That's genius. I can't believe I didn't think of that! :chug:

[FlipMcgee]

This "problem" is actually normal. Your dominant eye is causing you to skew your lines. You make it worse if your drawing surface is flat towards you (like it's on a table) while you have to look up towards your subject. Or your drawing surface is angled towards you so you could draw comfortably with your drawing hand while your ref is oriented in another angle (so you could see it better).

Do whatever it takes to double check your work. (You don't have to be rigidly shaolin about it.) Or make sure your construction lines, proportions, perspectice, etc. are correct before committing with bolder lines and tone.

If your copying from a photo, try copying it inversed (and see if it makes a difference).

[Elwell]

Also, when drawing a symmetrical object like that vase, draw the center line (axis of symmetry) and continuously refer to it as you draw.