I just bought your book. Mainly because you've been so generous to put so much education up here for free! You're inspiring in more ways than one. Thank you!
Hi Alphonso, thank you for this video. Landscapes and buildings are my biggest weakness(es? LOL) and as much as I want to be better in drawing, I always feel afraid of trying new stuffs, such as drawing landscapes -- because I know it's my weakness. Somehow I forgot how we should have fun in drawing, not getting stressed out in the process. Thank you for the tips and your words on drawing landscapes. Thank you very much.
i appreciate the way you go about explaining and recommending how to proceed with a sketch. For a beginner/untrained person, it's reassuring and encouraging to know that its ok if a line isn't strait, its ok to invent as you go, etc. thanks
I really liked you speaking of the gestalt effect. I am an engineer by trade, and it is a HUGE "pivot point" in design concepts, if that makes sense, and applications. I saw you had a background in science as well, so you know only too well how sometimes we can get caught up in intricate details that are just put plainly "understood." Keep up the great work. I love urban and landscape sketching as well, and you have been incredibly helpful, especially in showing how to see the big picture and not to get caught up in details. BTW, the line and wash with watercolors are my favorite, just in case you wanted an idea :-)
Based on the relative size of your hand, this seems to be a really small scale drawing. I struggle with how big to make stuff. The amount of detail you get "right" is amazing. I know the blocking in really helps, but man, there's just so much you do here that is incredibly difficult :)
Alphonso I have found this truly inspiring. I am not a drawing type. I am a photographer. You are so right about making photos. It always amazes me how much I see in a photo later when its on the computer screen that I didn't notice. I think some people with "the eye" as you have, will "see" things with some kind of unconscious eye if that makes sense,and it's only when looking at it a second or third (or hundredth haha) time that unconscious thing pops out into the real world. My partner sent me this video (she is a drawer and finds you so very helpful and inspiring). I have to say it is a real pleasure to find someone with a nice manner, giving freely as you are. A very refreshing change in a world so full of people trying to always sell something..keep it up!!
Having 'the eye' helps a lot. I like it how Alphonso helps more people to have 'the eye'. I also remember one of his remarks in another tutorial where he mentioned to sometimes just sketch out 'some details' of a scene, or'you decided where you place the emphasis' in a sketch (compaired to a photograph that just captures 'everything'). Those two things have helped me a lot to get back into drawing (after being paralysed in both my hands) but mainly to get me into a good mood and motivation for 'landscape' or 'outdoor' sketching again. Alphonso is just a great teacher and a marvellous motivator. Explaining things well, but mainly making things fun. I needed that after several horrible years :-) Tnx!
A couple of question for you Alphonso: 1) How do you store and archive your drawings? Both physically, and do you divide them into categories or just by date? 2) Do you draw fantasy or sci-fi art? Landscapes or creatures or space ships?
Yes, I have portfolios that have slots lined with archival sheets to store them. Also I fantasy work more when I was a kid. Havent done much since. They were fun though sigh
Thank you for the video! Drawing cityscapes is by far one of my biggest struggles in art! Recently I started painting a landscape of Venice and I struggle so much with the drawing of the architecture!!! This helps a lot!
Terapeutic? Man I've never get so tired drawing, when I finished it my hand was shaking and my back was killing me, it's a real challenge, you put so many tiny details on it, but when finished it's really gratifying, beautiful work 👍
Your artistic skill blows me away. Thanks, especially for the tips on how to start. At first, the scene just overwhelms me and I just don't know where to begin. I generally give up before I even get started. Your instruction of marking the 1/2 and 1/4 points first is an excellent starting point, and also using black and white photographs to better see the shapes and the values. I have read this before but there's nothing better than seeing it done. Great tutorial. You should package all your videos and sell them as one. I would certainly buy it for constant reference. Reserve a space in heaven for me when you get there. Thanks.
Dear Alphonso, the way you draw is just amazing. Congratulations! All your videos are really useful . I'm a 45 years old beginner from France and I'm a fan!
Thank you for sharing! So inspiring. I do pen drawings too but always struggle with what to shade and how dark. I learn so much by watching your flow, from what you draw shade, move on, and shade by using different hatching techniques. I hope to get better at my own drawing after seeing your videos! Please keep posting and sharing more. Thanks so much!
Wow! You are soooo good Alphonso. In fact I finally got you book in my cart ight now. Just waiting to find the right fountain pen I want to order. Thank you for all you teach.
I would love to see more videos on how you go about approaching something like this (like the initial pencil sketchings)... I have always wanted to get into scenery (landscapes, cities, all of it) but when there are so many buildings and trees and landmarks, I feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start.
Confession time ! I like your voice, I can listen to it like forever. LOL . Don't worry I am a 60 year old retired lady. Having said that, can you go a little slower on the fast forwards? I like to see more of your actual drawing technique.
HI Alphonso, thanks for this tutorial. :) I am making an effort to really have the eye to see things in order for me to draw them. This has helped me a lot as I have only started delving into skyline drawings. Looking forward to watch more of your videos.
I love your videos. I've commented this before on a few of your other videos, but it merits repeating. You've reignited my passion for drawing and art in general. Thank you!
I take pictures, but mainly my inspiration and reference comes from pictures I find on the internet, mainly DeviantART and from Google images. I have A LOT of pictures saved from the internet. How do you organize all of your pictures? My buildings mostly look flat, I can never get them to look like the way you have drawn them. I always enjoy your tutorials, especially the way you simplify and break things down.
***** What I mean, is that, your drawing is basically made up of 3D geometric shapes at different angles. These different angles make is more realistic, and makes the drawing more interesting. When I try to draw a city, I don't really know which angles buildings should be facing, in order for the composition to make sense. A bit of topic, but I also struggle to draw in the details on the 3D shapes. The details make the shapes look like buildings.
***** I haven't really tried that. When I get some free time, I'll try to find a good picture on the internet to draw. It was such a simple answer, sorry for sort of wasting your time, and thanks for the help, I appreciate it :)
Hey Alphonso, you are an inspiring artist to me, I have a question : what kind of the materials you use for drawing. i used to draw only with pencils , but i have no idea about ink thanks in advance
Is it frowned upon in the art world to use a ruler? I know I don't necessarily need one, but for certain buildings I'm drawing, I would rather a straight line than free handing it
I just bought your book. Mainly because you've been so generous to put so much education up here for free! You're inspiring in more ways than one. Thank you!
thanks so much
Hi Alphonso, thank you for this video. Landscapes and buildings are my biggest weakness(es? LOL) and as much as I want to be better in drawing, I always feel afraid of trying new stuffs, such as drawing landscapes -- because I know it's my weakness. Somehow I forgot how we should have fun in drawing, not getting stressed out in the process. Thank you for the tips and your words on drawing landscapes. Thank you very much.
you'll know if someone's a pro when he suddenly scribbles on a random spot after finishing his piece 9:52
Enjoy your videos very much. Thank you for the lessons. Xx👍👍👍🎨🎨🎨
No worries 😊
Like your hints/ideas. Wonderful to watch.
i appreciate the way you go about explaining and recommending how to proceed with a sketch. For a beginner/untrained person, it's reassuring and encouraging to know that its ok if a line isn't strait, its ok to invent as you go, etc. thanks
August Schuller No worries..thats how I do it
Best city drawing ever
Heather Wilkinson thanks :-)
I really liked you speaking of the gestalt effect. I am an engineer by trade, and it is a HUGE "pivot point" in design concepts, if that makes sense, and applications. I saw you had a background in science as well, so you know only too well how sometimes we can get caught up in intricate details that are just put plainly "understood."
Keep up the great work. I love urban and landscape sketching as well, and you have been incredibly helpful, especially in showing how to see the big picture and not to get caught up in details.
BTW, the line and wash with watercolors are my favorite, just in case you wanted an idea :-)
Based on the relative size of your hand, this seems to be a really small scale drawing. I struggle with how big to make stuff. The amount of detail you get "right" is amazing. I know the blocking in really helps, but man, there's just so much you do here that is incredibly difficult :)
thank u Alphonso, ur the best!
All the shading techniques are really what pull it together. it looks fantastic!
+Emma Groesbeck : ) thanks
Alphonso I have found this truly inspiring. I am not a drawing type. I am a photographer. You are so right about making photos. It always amazes me how much I see in a photo later when its on the computer screen that I didn't notice. I think some people with "the eye" as you have, will "see" things with some kind of unconscious eye if that makes sense,and it's only when looking at it a second or third (or hundredth haha) time that unconscious thing pops out into the real world. My partner sent me this video (she is a drawer and finds you so very helpful and inspiring). I have to say it is a real pleasure to find someone with a nice manner, giving freely as you are. A very refreshing change in a world so full of people trying to always sell something..keep it up!!
Paul Donohoe thanks much! I try to see a lot and expose myself to as many images as possible
Having 'the eye' helps a lot. I like it how Alphonso helps more people to have 'the eye'.
I also remember one of his remarks in another tutorial where he mentioned to sometimes just sketch out 'some details' of a scene, or'you decided where you place the emphasis' in a sketch (compaired to a photograph that just captures 'everything'). Those two things have helped me a lot to get back into drawing (after being paralysed in both my hands) but mainly to get me into a good mood and motivation for 'landscape' or 'outdoor' sketching again. Alphonso is just a great teacher and a marvellous motivator. Explaining things well, but mainly making things fun. I needed that after several horrible years :-) Tnx!
A couple of question for you Alphonso:
1) How do you store and archive your drawings? Both physically, and do you divide them into categories or just by date?
2) Do you draw fantasy or sci-fi art? Landscapes or creatures or space ships?
Yes, I have portfolios that have slots lined with archival sheets to store them. Also I fantasy work more when I was a kid. Havent done much since. They were fun though sigh
Thank you for the video! Drawing cityscapes is by far one of my biggest struggles in art! Recently I started painting a landscape of Venice and I struggle so much with the drawing of the architecture!!! This helps a lot!
Looks even better in ink :-)
: )
you are quickly becoming my secret addiction and my inspiration - thank you and please don't stop
: ) very welcome
Terapeutic? Man I've never get so tired drawing, when I finished it my hand was shaking and my back was killing me, it's a real challenge, you put so many tiny details on it, but when finished it's really gratifying, beautiful work 👍
Glad stuck it through : )
+Alphonso Dunn :O you answered. Sir could I sent you my draw and you tell me what should I improve or practice more, I would be so grateful! :l
Sure. Share it on FB
Thanks for sharing Alphonso...
Very welcome
I wish I had you as an art teacher in schools. Great lesson as always.
gold zipper :-)
Your artistic skill blows me away. Thanks, especially for the tips on how to start. At first, the scene just overwhelms me and I just don't know where to begin. I generally give up before I even get started. Your instruction of marking the 1/2 and 1/4 points first is an excellent starting point, and also using black and white photographs to better see the shapes and the values. I have read this before but there's nothing better than seeing it done. Great tutorial. You should package all your videos and sell them as one. I would certainly buy it for constant reference. Reserve a space in heaven for me when you get there. Thanks.
+Teri English Thanks so much! And I appreciate the support and the suggestions. I will definitely give it some serious thought :-)
You are the drawing master! thank you so very much for showing us how to simply the art of drawing.
Karen Krosnick lol I wish, but thanks much. Once I can help in making the process much simpler :-)
Good techniques and insights. Dunn made a very solid, watchable tutorial.
+Sean Meehan Thanks. Glad you find it useful :-)
I love your drawings so much because they have an own character!!! ♥
Shayla Berman thanks :-)
Dear Alphonso, the way you draw is just amazing. Congratulations! All your videos are really useful . I'm a 45 years old beginner from France and I'm a fan!
Sébastien Foissier Glad you find them useful. Thanks
Awesome your drawing!
Well done! Inspiring. I enjoy these outdoor cityscape lessons.
AcousticSummit thanks
Beautiful
Thank you for sharing! So inspiring. I do pen drawings too but always struggle with what to shade and how dark. I learn so much by watching your flow, from what you draw shade, move on, and shade by using different hatching techniques. I hope to get better at my own drawing after seeing your videos! Please keep posting and sharing more. Thanks so much!
Glad they help. I sure will
Alphonso, for me, you are one of the best.Keep the good work.I love your videos.
thanks much
Your tutorials are the best always learn a lot, thank you for sharing.
very welcome
So beautiful and detailed!
Thanks
+Alphonso Dunn how long did it take for u to complete the drawing?
Alphonso Dunn Happy sanat sus velet
You are so bloody MARVELLOUS!
I wish I could draw just like you.
+Norman Mont thanks much. I'm sure the potential is there :-)
Ur the best alphonzo
Thanks
Nice series. The more I draw the more I find interesting around me. Great job again.
Steve McCracken definitely agree
Parabéns! Lindo trabalho. Congrats good work!
Wow! You are soooo good Alphonso. In fact I finally got you book in my cart ight now. Just waiting to find the right fountain pen I want to order. Thank you for all you teach.
You really draw, Sir!
Wow Mr. Dunn... That's a nice one!
Thomas On Tube thanks
I would love to see more videos on how you go about approaching something like this (like the initial pencil sketchings)... I have always wanted to get into scenery (landscapes, cities, all of it) but when there are so many buildings and trees and landmarks, I feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start.
8imee thats what the next video in the urban sketching series addresses
I want to thank you!
This is easily understandable, inspirational and encouraging.
Thank you very much :)
As always, just awesome! The jazz piece you selected was just right, very therapeutic 😉
Another GREAT video! Alphonso, how long does it take you to sketch something like this in actual time?
I'm super impressed with this rendering. Awesome. Thanks
Thanks : )
I just discovered this and can't begin to tell you how helpful it is! Thank you 😍
Thanks much, and youre very welcome : )
Verry nice Alphonso thanks for uploading !
hello mr Alphonso Dunn, may I know how many hours did it take in order to finish this masterpiece?
Hi really enjoyed watching this thanks
Thanks : )
Keep coming back to your videos Alphonso - they are such a great resource. Thank you. Time for an urban sketching book?
It was pleasure to an eye! Superb work! thank you for sharing! ❤
Thanks much
That looks like Paterson NJ. I go to high school there.
Thanks Alphonso
Bartholo Clumpdink very welcome
VERY nice!
ziolp thanks
i have started to take pics inspired from ur urban sketching......havent started with sketching anything yet..but soon i will
tashuforyou Yup, its fun to go through them and scavenge for inspiration
Your tutorials are really valuable.But can you summarize a little bit.Maybe using numbering important points you can emphasize.
Thank you so much for your tips and help
Very welcome
Confession time ! I like your voice, I can listen to it like forever. LOL . Don't worry I am a 60 year old retired lady. Having said that, can you go a little slower on the fast forwards? I like to see more of your actual drawing technique.
Gretha Kemp lol thanks..you got it
Hey Alphonso...really digging this urban sketching.
Always look forward for your next video.
Thanks
CHRIS HARTMANN Hey thanks. Havent seen a comment from you in a while, hope all is well
You are amazing man ... you say good hints and good psychological sentences ... keep going
IDesign thanks much
Great video man!
+PhantomDrawing THank you
Very inspiring, very helpful, well done. Thank you!!!
thanks :-)
Your videos are very helpful and you've inspired me to start drawing landscapes. I'm having a lot of fun with them!
Eve Br Thats awesome. For some reason, landscape drawings are most therapeutic for me
Your drawings always look so amazing. And your videos help me alot. Thanks
Lilith Sophia glad they do, thanks
Love this tutorial - thanks so much. I have trouble sketching/drawing buildings - this helps a lot. Thanks!
Glad it helped 😊
this is stunning,nice details,but not overworked,absolutely marvelous work!,you get 5 stars from me lol
Tim Bettcher thanks much :-)
Thanks for a great video. You bring inspiration for sketching!
:-)
thanks for the helpful tips-and to watch your brilliant drawing skills.
thanks so much
hey bro, your videos are very helpfull‼
Great channel‼
cool stuff as usual.
: ) thanks
Great video! So informative and full of helpful tips and techniques. Thank you Alphonso.
猫小爱 thanks, glad you found it useful :-)
Great !! It's seems so easy when you draw...Thank's a lot four your advices...A big hello from Spain !
bigtwinable :-) thanks
Your work is amazing. Keep it up!
Andrew Marz thanks much
HI Alphonso, thanks for this tutorial. :) I am making an effort to really have the eye to see things in order for me to draw them. This has helped me a lot as I have only started delving into skyline drawings. Looking forward to watch more of your videos.
Thats the key
I love your videos. I've commented this before on a few of your other videos, but it merits repeating. You've reignited my passion for drawing and art in general. Thank you!
Derekliese Cutsingus thanks so much for sharing that...I hope that passion stays lit :-)
What is this beautiful city full of domes and spires?
I found this very useful
Thanks
This is Paterson! Hi neighbor ❤️️! I love that view too!
It sure is
Really great video Alphonse. Keep up the great work.
Ryan Kirk thanks
at some point I'll do that too
5:50 When he actually starts drawing lol
What fine liner are you using and I really liked how you explained the techniques and also nice artwork I hope I can do just the same or better
You can 💪
Thanks Alphonso - really enjoyed this vid and appreciate the time and effort you put into it....
Phil Dynan thanks
Thank you very much
I take pictures, but mainly my inspiration and reference comes from pictures I find on the internet, mainly DeviantART and from Google images. I have A LOT of pictures saved from the internet. How do you organize all of your pictures?
My buildings mostly look flat, I can never get them to look like the way you have drawn them.
I always enjoy your tutorials, especially the way you simplify and break things down.
KnightsGambit think of the geometric shapes, a cube is not a square, a sphere is not a circle, a triangle is not a pyramid
***** What I mean, is that, your drawing is basically made up of 3D geometric shapes at different angles. These different angles make is more realistic, and makes the drawing more interesting. When I try to draw a city, I don't really know which angles buildings should be facing, in order for the composition to make sense.
A bit of topic, but I also struggle to draw in the details on the 3D shapes. The details make the shapes look like buildings.
what happens when you just draw what you see
***** I haven't really tried that. When I get some free time, I'll try to find a good picture on the internet to draw. It was such a simple answer, sorry for sort of wasting your time, and thanks for the help, I appreciate it :)
lol its a pleasure, trust me. Once I can help
Which pointer you are using...drawing pointer or any other ?
I really love your videos. Every video always teaches me something!
Ivanna Perez :-)
You’re awesome
Thank you
Outstanding
yeah I agree its good ton use eye judgement learn to use the eye and practice every day
Luis NgchongJrArt thats the best way to do it
so cool
***** thanks :-)
Looks amazing !
texnonik art thanks
Thank you, great tips! Keep making videos like this please! :)
Luciana Klink no worries
Hi can you please tell me what music you played while you're drawing : )
may i know what is that jazz song while you were drawing in time-lapse? i love it.
Danial Seman Song: "Watercolors" by John Deley and 41 Players
Great video, i have been watching your vids for a while and have to say they are always enjoyable to watch.
charles gladsden thanks :-)
Awesome
yang su :-) thanks
Is this an area in Minneapolis, MN, it looks like one I've seen when visiting our children living there?
He didn't use an eraser.
That pic looks like CT
Hey Alphonso, you are an inspiring artist to me,
I have a question : what kind of the materials you use for drawing.
i used to draw only with pencils , but i have no idea about ink
thanks in advance
Woooooooow
: )
Is it frowned upon in the art world to use a ruler? I know I don't necessarily need one, but for certain buildings I'm drawing, I would rather a straight line than free handing it
It is very useful. The point is to not understand estimate the power of your own judgment first.
awesome! thank you for your reply