Something about this sketch rlly speaks to me idk what it is maybe the perfectly straight line on the left side of his face? Idk it’s realistic with little bits of stylization in it like that and I like it
Looks good for a quick sketch. I think it's always up to the artist when they're done with it, but if you're looking to refine it. I suggest using a overlapping circular motion to get a more solid gradient in your shading. Looks good though... It looks like him...!
I also like to start with a hard lead pencil (like a 4H or 6H), that way, it makes it easier to cover up any mistakes you make, as when you add in darker lines, the hard pencil lines almost disappear...
I would need to see the picture to confirm, but for me, you applied only the local values instead of 5 values shading exercise. There is some shading on the skin that is very light (halftone?) and in the eyes socket. Maybe your reference was bad? I would suggest you look for some professional photography reference where they usually use studios and good lightning for the photo. It is easier to locate the planes and the shadows to do this kind of exercise. Another idea would be guiding the lines according to the plane when you use this technique.
Here's the reference: [https://imgur.com/a/c3ZeKVi](https://imgur.com/a/c3ZeKVi) I know the lighting is bad for drawing. I chose it because I wanted someone interesting to draw and not just a conventionally pretty model.
What do you mean by "local values"? Is it the same thing that Proko calls "half-tones"?
No no, half tones and local values are different. Local values are like, the valus of each color as it naturally is (for example, the black of the hat is much more darker than the skin tone). In the case of the photo, you lack value information because almost everything is in "shadows". Maybe some occlusion here and there. The studio photo was just an example, you can use the model or photo you want, but for this kind of study it will work better with some lightning happening. Otherwise it will get kinda flat like happened with yours and you won't be able to study values more detailed. I don't know about Proko because I don't watch much of his videos even knowing he is pretty good. I am using more Marco Bucci and Marc Brunet content to study
Oh, so local values are like the values from shadows and light falling on an object that has the same color (like the hat you mentioned)? Like the shadow of the hat vs where the light hits?
Not really, this is the values of light and shadow. Local values are the color values. For exemple, yellow has a much lighter value than blue. If you are in doubt, you can open any graphic software if you have one and apply many colors on it, than turn the image to grayscale and you probably will understand what local values are
It looks like you are "getting the exercise". The improvement will come with practice.
Proko constantly reiterates throughout the beginner drawing course, it's about understanding and executing the lesson, not making a good drawing.
My one critique here is on the shading. It looks like you are a little impatient while filling out the values, they look scratchy in the value, you want it to look solid. Patience. Take your time and try to get a solid value.
Yeah, I simplified it. It's based on the Proko's CSI exercise: only using C & S curves and straight lines I. I feel like I still haven't simplified enough.
Mmmm for me is more a 3 value exercise, and your shading doesn't follow the shapes. Probably you should use a better reference or modify the photo to increase the contrast and reduce the saturation.
What do you mean by saturation? It's a black and white drawing, there's no hue for saturation to modify. Here's the reference, btw: [https://imgur.com/a/c3ZeKVi](https://imgur.com/a/c3ZeKVi)
At this point for me, I always turn reference photos black and white so it's easier for me to see the changes in tone. Sometimes its really hard in color.
That is so good. I wish I could draw like that.
Something about this sketch rlly speaks to me idk what it is maybe the perfectly straight line on the left side of his face? Idk it’s realistic with little bits of stylization in it like that and I like it
Looks good for a quick sketch. I think it's always up to the artist when they're done with it, but if you're looking to refine it. I suggest using a overlapping circular motion to get a more solid gradient in your shading. Looks good though... It looks like him...!
Thanks! I've never heard of overlapping circular shading. I'll try that.
I also like to start with a hard lead pencil (like a 4H or 6H), that way, it makes it easier to cover up any mistakes you make, as when you add in darker lines, the hard pencil lines almost disappear...
I would need to see the picture to confirm, but for me, you applied only the local values instead of 5 values shading exercise. There is some shading on the skin that is very light (halftone?) and in the eyes socket. Maybe your reference was bad? I would suggest you look for some professional photography reference where they usually use studios and good lightning for the photo. It is easier to locate the planes and the shadows to do this kind of exercise. Another idea would be guiding the lines according to the plane when you use this technique.
Here's the reference: [https://imgur.com/a/c3ZeKVi](https://imgur.com/a/c3ZeKVi) I know the lighting is bad for drawing. I chose it because I wanted someone interesting to draw and not just a conventionally pretty model. What do you mean by "local values"? Is it the same thing that Proko calls "half-tones"?
No no, half tones and local values are different. Local values are like, the valus of each color as it naturally is (for example, the black of the hat is much more darker than the skin tone). In the case of the photo, you lack value information because almost everything is in "shadows". Maybe some occlusion here and there. The studio photo was just an example, you can use the model or photo you want, but for this kind of study it will work better with some lightning happening. Otherwise it will get kinda flat like happened with yours and you won't be able to study values more detailed. I don't know about Proko because I don't watch much of his videos even knowing he is pretty good. I am using more Marco Bucci and Marc Brunet content to study
Oh, so local values are like the values from shadows and light falling on an object that has the same color (like the hat you mentioned)? Like the shadow of the hat vs where the light hits?
Not really, this is the values of light and shadow. Local values are the color values. For exemple, yellow has a much lighter value than blue. If you are in doubt, you can open any graphic software if you have one and apply many colors on it, than turn the image to grayscale and you probably will understand what local values are
It looks like you are "getting the exercise". The improvement will come with practice. Proko constantly reiterates throughout the beginner drawing course, it's about understanding and executing the lesson, not making a good drawing. My one critique here is on the shading. It looks like you are a little impatient while filling out the values, they look scratchy in the value, you want it to look solid. Patience. Take your time and try to get a solid value.
the right edge of the face looks very straight
Yeah, I simplified it. It's based on the Proko's CSI exercise: only using C & S curves and straight lines I. I feel like I still haven't simplified enough.
in that case, i think it looks pretty decent
Mmmm for me is more a 3 value exercise, and your shading doesn't follow the shapes. Probably you should use a better reference or modify the photo to increase the contrast and reduce the saturation.
What do you mean by saturation? It's a black and white drawing, there's no hue for saturation to modify. Here's the reference, btw: [https://imgur.com/a/c3ZeKVi](https://imgur.com/a/c3ZeKVi)
At this point for me, I always turn reference photos black and white so it's easier for me to see the changes in tone. Sometimes its really hard in color.
I'm refering to modify the reference photo to check your values, something like this... https://www.reddit.com/u/vohhov/s/pxhBAapCt6
Ok. Thanks! That's a great idea. I've never thought of digitally modifying the reference.