How to Shade When Drawing Knowing how to shade when drawing is important if you want your artwork to look believable. What types of shadows are there? Where do shadows fall? First, let’s discuss the anatomy of highlights and shadows. There are five basic types: The highlight is the brightest point of light that falls […]
Safe and Free Reference Photos Artists are always on the prowl for free reference photos. And why shouldn’t we? Everyone likes free stuff. There are sites online if you take the time to really look for them. It’ll take even more time to search for ones with quality photos. I’ll give you two at the […]
Draw What You See, Not What You Know Draw what you see, not what you think you know. That was one of the first bits of advice given in more than just one of my art classes. Most beginners try to draw what they know, not what they see, although they think they’re drawing what […]
Art Therapy Ideas This post about art therapy ideas is by no means meant to replace the help of a licensed art therapist. If you are in a situation that requires professional help, please seek that help. This type of art therapy is meant more for the day to day stresses or the occasional upheaval […]
How to Match Color Value How to match color value (shading) is an important skill if you want your drawings and paintings to look remotely believable. Value is what causes our eyes to register form, depth, and distance. If everything was the same flat shade, we’d have a difficult time determining the space around us. […]
3 Tips to Improve Your Drawings How to improve your drawings is probably the most common question when it comes to art. Now keep in mind that I am of the firm belief that anyone can be taught to draw. It is a skill and it isn’t one that only the artistically gifted have. You […]
Your Reputation as an Artist Of course, my reputation as an artist is important to me. I always use archival materials that I know will last over time to prevent fading. My work is sprayed with a fixative to prevent smearing and also to aid with light fastness. When I mail work, it is wrapped […]
Pandemic, Riots and Art A pandemic, riots and art. We’re not quite halfway through the year and that’s what 2020 boils down to so far. By late 2019, there were the beginnings of the reports of a pandemic coming from Wuhan, China. The first case in the U.S. was reported in January 20, 2020. We […]
How Drawing with a Grid Can Help Drawing with a grid has been around since the time of the ancient Egyptians. Old masters like Albrecht Durer, John Singer Sargent, and Leonardo da Vinci used it. So, there shouldn’t be any shame in using this method. It isn’t cheating. It’s a tool that many, many artists […]
5 Tips for Drawing Realistically Drawing realistically requires time and practice. That’s not the answer most people want to hear. They want the secret on how to do so now. The truth is, there is no magic pencil that can help you do that. And in fact, for many years, I did so with your […]
Our pets become part of the family. “Keo-boy”, my siamese, was just a month shy of 20 yrs old. It was very difficult when I had to put him down. It was so hard that I even had him cremated. Myra surprised me with a picture of him, which sits in my bedroom til this day. “Babe” followed “Keo” & if you know a bit about Maine Coons you know they have long beautiful hair with striking patterns. She surprised me one Xmas with a portrait of the big boy. I can’t believe it is done with only pencil. She captured every detail perfectly. I have known Myra all her life, as I am her auntie. She has always had a knack for drawing. At 4, she even placed her artwork on my white leather chair! I have seen her develop into a fantastic artist. I will treasure my works of art forever.
- E. Naito
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