I've come to notice more and more people who cry using a projector or other means to get the proportions right is "cheating" somehow aren't themselves creating art. It's a skill that, like any other, one has to have an actual interest in cultivating - for those that CAN free hand a perfectly proportioned/accurate copy onto a canvas (and I know they are out there, I've seen them on RUclips at the least), my hats off to the hard work they put in getting there. Myself I find I'm interested in the painting process itself, not the drawing part, and using a projector gets me to the painting faster and with less frustration. And the accuracy is something I especially wnat to have when I'm re-creating a photo of a beloved pet, for example. And like the lady said, getting the outline correct onto the canvas even with a projector is no easy feat. It's not a nothing step.
It's all what suits different people :) this makes pet portraits cheaper for people to commission. I love drawing free hand, but I take my time over it :)
Those people are uneducated in art history. DaVinci often used a camera obscura, (basically today's projector), to get an accurate outline on his canvas. So, if it's fine for him and others of that time, why is it bad for us now? It's not. Full stop.
Nou ja zeg het is nog wel moeilijk hoor om het een goed lijkend portret te tekenen zelfs met overtrekken en waarom zou je het niet doen het bespaard je veel tijd toch het gaat uiteindelijk om het resultaat niemand zal je beoordelen op over trekken je moet nog wel zelf de schaduwen en rondingen juiste kleuren kiezen anders lijkt het als nog niet het is geen kleurplaat hoor al zal je wel denken van wel
As an amateur artist here's what I like to do, I must have learned it somewhere but can't remember where - secure a sheet of tracing paper on top of a photo with blue tac, trace with a fine line black pen, turn tracing paper over and go over lines with a pencil, turn paper back over, then go around pen lines firmly with a sharp pencil onto your surface. The image won't always be exact to the photo, but you can add detail if you want to by freehand or stay less exact. Another way is to use a sheet of OHP film and pen, and then pinprick the tracing, then sprinkle charcoal or red chalk through the holes. Using OHP film means you have a sturdy tracing that you can use more than once because is not as fragile as paper, and you can see what you're making.
It does save time, and at the end of the day it’s part of a business for me so it’s important! I love free handing my paintings or personal work, but this needs to be bang on!
I think people that do NOT draw need to be given an outline and told to make it a work of art. It is not the outline but what happens after that makes it art. Simple as that.
You're so talented Emily! Thanks for your useful tips. May I ask if you use a projector and, if so, which one? Thanks and Happy 2024! Love your gorgeous doggie pic 🥰
One of the main reasons I haven't taken up pastels is because it's so difficult to frame and store them. You need to be extremely careful because they can be damaged in storage. The material can also stick to the glass, so there needs to be a space between the painting and the glass. Could you do a video on storing and framing pastel paintings?
Isn't that the reason though, that people who do pastel or charcoal, use fixatives? Do you mean, that fixatives aren't enough and those mediums, can't be stored properly, without been damaged? I was ready to order my 1st willow charcoal and a fixative that I was advised,that's why I ask.
@@greekveteran2715I use aerosol fixer on water color and oil pastel and so far I've had no issues. I put them under glass as well. If they are set up properly they shouldn't touch the glass
Do you mean fixative, with the word aerosol? Also, does watercolor need fixative? I thought that only Pastel,Chalk and Charcoal, are indeed those mediums who need fixative, to not smudge.@@ppmppm7010
I can do freehand but the proportions are not always too great. So I was taking a picture of the subject and using a light pad to trace it. I am now, most of the time, using the Camera Lucida app, my iPhone and iPad with a stand. It works very well after you get use to it.
I think tracing increases muscle memory. Trace 10-to infinity until you have the muscle memory then draw it freehand to your canvas or whatever substrate you use.
There was a video showing a pencil holder you use where they sit upright. Is this just a jewelry display holder you are using for pencils or where could I purchase. So annoyed with all my other methods. Thanks
A photo is traced, too ! A trace of nature f.e. by a maschine, by a camera ! A method I often use: I get an image and use an outline finding option from an imagemanipulating program ( has not to be potoshop ) and print it instantly onto the paper I want to draw/paint on !
A camera image is gained by using a lens to narrow the refraction of bounced light to get the sharpness on a light sensitive medium. To call it tracing is to suggest the dynamics of bouncing light has intent. It would imply using leaves to imprint against silk by using a sun sensitive medium is 'tracing', too.
Interesting video. *using a photo* as a reference or an image to _trace_ *saves time* O.k *But* is it creating? Or is it Just *copying* ? Whilst Drawing from real life *3d* object is *completely different* . Drawing from _real life_ onto paper requires your brain And eye and hand to use a _higher skill_ Using a photo/ Another 2d image as a reference is _easy_ because the complex work is already done by the original source (the photo reference simplyfys) Merry Christmas everyone And a Happy new year
Of course it also limits your image size in most cases as well unless you’re going to project and then you could enlarge the photo up to full imperial paper size. The only problem with simply tracing is you get out of practice of drawing so your skill level drops off or at the least doesn’t increase. You can’t focus on certain characteristics that you see either and that you think give the impression of the sitter either. Not that I’m the greatest draftsperson and take too long to draw as well. Ever since my school days I was pressured to speed up and even as an adult I’ve worked alongside others that could finish a sketch in a few minutes while I was still working on my construction lines,
Instead of printing reference photos on a computer, colour or B&W, I would recommend getting glossy prints made by one of the online photo labs - better quality, and cheaper than printer ink!
there is some pride for an artist to draw his own thing, even if you trace with a projector your own drawing later. Not a fan of direct tracing the photo reference unless the person is already a master at drawing
It defo is cheating if you don't tell people you are tracing. There is a whole lot of effort people put into accurate drawing and then tracers take credit for being better when they have bypassed a vital step. It's the same as natural bodybuilding vs steroids.
Can’t totally agree, but only because I can also accurately draw and of course don’t lie or conceal that this is how the portraits are done, so I guess your comment isn’t entirely relevant to me specifically. I think to keep the portraits affordable, this is a good ‘trick’ but I only get ‘total’ fulfilment from my art when I’ve done it from scratch, start to finish.
@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820 we are on the same page here, I don't mind if you are open about it. I would trace for a cheap production portrait for time savings. I hope I never have to do that though cos I feel like it would be no more enjoyable than stacking shelves. The fact that a tracing can be done so easily actually pushes me towards loosening up with my style since it's all for nothing if the small mistakes I make in my work, make it less desirable than a tracing or alternatively causes me to spend hours trying to get the same accuracy as something that can be done in seconds.
@@stevenhopkins2925there is no cheating in art. Everything is just a means to an end. 99% of people don't care how you got to the end product. If someone asked if you traced and you lied, that's being dishonest. Not cheating. Having an accurate outline is only one part of creating realism. Just because an outline is accurate doesn't mean you'll end up with a realistic drawing if you don't understand how to get to the end product.
@x3rascalflatts I disagree but you're entitled to your opinion. Really I think you're just giving it semantics, cheating is dishonest and creating an outline by tracing, if it was openly disclosed would absolutely devalue the painting wether it's a good peice or not so by tracing you will be tempted to be dishonest even if it's just for the fact that there are plenty of people out there who agree with my point of view.
Tracing is not drawing. If you trace, you should not say you drew, just say you traced. Tracing is fine as long as you don't let people think you freehand draw that which you trace.
Tracing is still technically drawing. The definition of drawing is "a picture or diagram made with a pencil, pen, or crayon rather than paint." Most people don't care how you got to the end product. You can still say you drew something even if you traced the initial outline. The only time it would be an issue if you lie. If no one asks how you got to the end product you have no obligation to say you traced the outline
each one of us, if we traced an image, would still bring our own artistic sensibility to a drawing. and she mentioned why she traces - it saves a day's time and is more affordable to her clients. her clients have a choice to hire her or not.
To enter an examination where your knowledge is being tested, where the answers are in front of you or on the board that is cheating. For art drawing an outline to highlight areas that is not cheating, it is using sense of perception of where shadows or some details are needed that you may miss otherwise.
I've come to notice more and more people who cry using a projector or other means to get the proportions right is "cheating" somehow aren't themselves creating art. It's a skill that, like any other, one has to have an actual interest in cultivating - for those that CAN free hand a perfectly proportioned/accurate copy onto a canvas (and I know they are out there, I've seen them on RUclips at the least), my hats off to the hard work they put in getting there. Myself I find I'm interested in the painting process itself, not the drawing part, and using a projector gets me to the painting faster and with less frustration. And the accuracy is something I especially wnat to have when I'm re-creating a photo of a beloved pet, for example. And like the lady said, getting the outline correct onto the canvas even with a projector is no easy feat. It's not a nothing step.
It's all what suits different people :) this makes pet portraits cheaper for people to commission. I love drawing free hand, but I take my time over it :)
Those people are uneducated in art history. DaVinci often used a camera obscura, (basically today's projector), to get an accurate outline on his canvas. So, if it's fine for him and others of that time, why is it bad for us now? It's not. Full stop.
Nou ja zeg het is nog wel moeilijk hoor om het een goed lijkend portret te tekenen zelfs met overtrekken en waarom zou je het niet doen het bespaard je veel tijd toch het gaat uiteindelijk om het resultaat niemand zal je beoordelen op over trekken je moet nog wel zelf de schaduwen en rondingen juiste kleuren kiezen anders lijkt het als nog niet het is geen kleurplaat hoor al zal je wel denken van wel
Thank you Emily for the video! Lots of useful techniques for getting the image to the support surface.
You're so welcome!
I also trace from the computer and sometimes I print in black and white. I am happy to hear I am not the only frugal artist
I like to think creative and resourceful instead of frugal 😉 nice to hear other people do it too!
That was one of the most useful videos I've seen for a while! Thank you!
As an amateur artist here's what I like to do, I must have learned it somewhere but can't remember where - secure a sheet of tracing paper on top of a photo with blue tac, trace with a fine line black pen, turn tracing paper over and go over lines with a pencil, turn paper back over, then go around pen lines firmly with a sharp pencil onto your surface. The image won't always be exact to the photo, but you can add detail if you want to by freehand or stay less exact. Another way is to use a sheet of OHP film and pen, and then pinprick the tracing, then sprinkle charcoal or red chalk through the holes. Using OHP film means you have a sturdy tracing that you can use more than once because is not as fragile as paper, and you can see what you're making.
Love love love your tutorials ❤️❤️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Really good tip! Especially as I‘m planning my 1st pastel of a bird. Thanks. It’s given me ideas to try out!
Hola excelente explicación👌sólo e notado que no tiene aún tutoriales de gatos 🐱🐈 sería muy interesante que nos compartieras uno👌saludos!
It's an awe-inspiring painting, a testament to the artist's creative vision.super
I do this and think is brilliant and gets me to painting faster, thank you!
That's what I think!
I do trace my pet portraits too and like you, I don't think it is cheating but just gaining time. :)
It does save time, and at the end of the day it’s part of a business for me so it’s important! I love free handing my paintings or personal work, but this needs to be bang on!
Thanks Emily....very useful
Thanks for sharing your talents❤
So nice of you
This video is soooo helpful. Thank you Emily
I think people that do NOT draw need to be given an outline and told to make it a work of art. It is not the outline but what happens after that makes it art. Simple as that.
wow your art is amazing xx
I have a light box which I find invaluable. I also use transfer spray, fast and efficient.
I'll try the spray, thanks for the tip!
Not sure how you see through pastelmat even with a light box, is that even possible
I can't wait to get my first pencil set and start your tutorials
You're so talented Emily! Thanks for your useful tips. May I ask if you use a projector and, if so, which one? Thanks and Happy 2024! Love your gorgeous doggie pic 🥰
Very interesting tutorial. Can you tell us which software you are using?
Enjoyed this, great demonstration. Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
You have absolutely inspired me to try my hand at this. Can you recommend a set of pencils?
Great tip thank you!
You're welcome :)
I paint in oil and use waxed carbon tracing paper. Excellent.
Nice sharing art work...
One of the main reasons I haven't taken up pastels is because it's so difficult to frame and store them. You need to be extremely careful because they can be damaged in storage. The material can also stick to the glass, so there needs to be a space between the painting and the glass. Could you do a video on storing and framing pastel paintings?
Isn't that the reason though, that people who do pastel or charcoal, use fixatives? Do you mean, that fixatives aren't enough and those mediums, can't be stored properly, without been damaged? I was ready to order my 1st willow charcoal and a fixative that I was advised,that's why I ask.
@@greekveteran2715I use aerosol fixer on water color and oil pastel and so far I've had no issues. I put them under glass as well. If they are set up properly they shouldn't touch the glass
Do you mean fixative, with the word aerosol? Also, does watercolor need fixative? I thought that only Pastel,Chalk and Charcoal, are indeed those mediums who need fixative, to not smudge.@@ppmppm7010
fantastic,thank you.
I don’t see a problem with it as long as someone isn’t tracing another person’s art and passing it off as their own.
Totally agree!
I also trace my portraits and I get great results in a much shorter time.
So true, it takes away the stress and makes them more affordable
I can do freehand but the proportions are not always too great. So I was taking a picture of the subject and using a light pad to trace it. I am now, most of the time, using the Camera Lucida app, my iPhone and iPad with a stand. It works very well after you get use to it.
I've seen those advertised. Good to know it works!
DaVinci Eye app is good for outlines too. I use a phone holder on a tripod to get it big enough and stable.
I use to use tracing transfer of pet portraits because I wanted accuracy and great proportions.
I think tracing increases muscle memory. Trace 10-to infinity until you have the muscle memory then draw it freehand to your canvas or whatever substrate you use.
What do you think about the neolucida?
Thank you!
There was a video showing a pencil holder you use where they sit upright. Is this just a jewelry display holder you are using for pencils or where could I purchase. So annoyed with all my other methods. Thanks
A photo is traced, too !
A trace of nature f.e. by a maschine, by a camera !
A method I often use:
I get an image and use an outline finding option from an imagemanipulating program ( has not to be potoshop ) and print it instantly onto the paper I want to draw/paint on !
A camera image is gained by using a lens to narrow the refraction of bounced light to get the sharpness on a light sensitive medium. To call it tracing is to suggest the dynamics of bouncing light has intent. It would imply using leaves to imprint against silk by using a sun sensitive medium is 'tracing', too.
Is there a cheap paper that could be used to practice on please.
I just draw the subject in the old fashion way...I try to measure it as much as possible to the best of my ability...I like painting & drawing
Wow super ❤
What pastels do you use for your pet portraits?
Hi, I use a mix but the faber castell are my go to!
Yup i trace too to save time!
I trace in my art, my coordination isn’t the best so it helps.
Interesting video.
*using a photo* as a reference or an image to _trace_ *saves time*
O.k
*But* is it creating?
Or is it Just *copying* ?
Whilst
Drawing from real life *3d* object is *completely different* . Drawing from _real life_ onto paper requires your brain And eye and hand to use a _higher skill_
Using a photo/ Another 2d image as a reference is _easy_ because the complex work is already done by the original source (the photo reference simplyfys)
Merry Christmas everyone And a Happy new year
Oh please. She mentioned clearly why she traces.
Of course it also limits your image size in most cases as well unless you’re going to project and then you could enlarge the photo up to full imperial paper size.
The only problem with simply tracing is you get out of practice of drawing so your skill level drops off or at the least doesn’t increase. You can’t focus on certain characteristics that you see either and that you think give the impression of the sitter either.
Not that I’m the greatest draftsperson and take too long to draw as well. Ever since my school days I was pressured to speed up and even as an adult I’ve worked alongside others that could finish a sketch in a few minutes while I was still working on my construction lines,
Instead of printing reference photos on a computer, colour or B&W, I would recommend getting glossy prints made by one of the online photo labs - better quality, and cheaper than printer ink!
Yes, i do this for in person workshops, the photos are much better to work with!
😮
THANK YOU!! non-tracing zealots drive me crazy. hehe it’s like the watercolorists that have a melt down about out of the tube black 😂
Haha not the black!! 😂 it’s all a case of what works for you and remembering not to take yourself too seriously 😉 it’s supposed to be fun!
there is some pride for an artist to draw his own thing, even if you trace with a projector your own drawing later. Not a fan of direct tracing the photo reference unless the person is already a master at drawing
Stayed for the beautiful boxer!!
Oh he is such a handsome boy!
Come on, hang in there. You're the best!
buy a cheap beamer. Mine was 50 dollas and works fine. As long as you can use an usb stick with it. Then project it to the canvas and start drawing.
It defo is cheating if you don't tell people you are tracing. There is a whole lot of effort people put into accurate drawing and then tracers take credit for being better when they have bypassed a vital step.
It's the same as natural bodybuilding vs steroids.
Well said I totally agree 👍
Can’t totally agree, but only because I can also accurately draw and of course don’t lie or conceal that this is how the portraits are done, so I guess your comment isn’t entirely relevant to me specifically. I think to keep the portraits affordable, this is a good ‘trick’ but I only get ‘total’ fulfilment from my art when I’ve done it from scratch, start to finish.
@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820 we are on the same page here, I don't mind if you are open about it. I would trace for a cheap production portrait for time savings. I hope I never have to do that though cos I feel like it would be no more enjoyable than stacking shelves.
The fact that a tracing can be done so easily actually pushes me towards loosening up with my style since it's all for nothing if the small mistakes I make in my work, make it less desirable than a tracing or alternatively causes me to spend hours trying to get the same accuracy as something that can be done in seconds.
@@stevenhopkins2925there is no cheating in art. Everything is just a means to an end. 99% of people don't care how you got to the end product. If someone asked if you traced and you lied, that's being dishonest. Not cheating. Having an accurate outline is only one part of creating realism. Just because an outline is accurate doesn't mean you'll end up with a realistic drawing if you don't understand how to get to the end product.
@x3rascalflatts I disagree but you're entitled to your opinion. Really I think you're just giving it semantics, cheating is dishonest and creating an outline by tracing, if it was openly disclosed would absolutely devalue the painting wether it's a good peice or not so by tracing you will be tempted to be dishonest even if it's just for the fact that there are plenty of people out there who agree with my point of view.
Tahe a what?
there is no such thing as cheating in art!!
Tracing is not drawing. If you trace, you should not say you drew, just say you traced. Tracing is fine as long as you don't let people think you freehand draw that which you trace.
Tracing is still technically drawing. The definition of drawing is "a picture or diagram made with a pencil, pen, or crayon rather than paint." Most people don't care how you got to the end product. You can still say you drew something even if you traced the initial outline. The only time it would be an issue if you lie. If no one asks how you got to the end product you have no obligation to say you traced the outline
Hahahahahahahahahah!
Get the stick out!
each one of us, if we traced an image, would still bring our own artistic sensibility to a drawing. and she mentioned why she traces - it saves a day's time and is more affordable to her clients. her clients have a choice to hire her or not.
In times of AI taking over, I am grateful for any art by hand 😊
To enter an examination where your knowledge is being tested, where the answers are in front of you or on the board that is cheating. For art drawing an outline to highlight areas that is not cheating, it is using sense of perception of where shadows or some details are needed that you may miss otherwise.