This was a great demo!!! I never really understood how this worked during my first year of basic drawing and my results proved it. After several years and lots of videos, I was making it more complex than it should have been. This looks achievable. Thank you.
Love the video. This is how I do my portraits when I do them. I'm old enough that I don't remember who taught me how to do this, it must have been an art teacher somewhere long ago. I find this is the most accurate way to draw a protrait. I found that tracing and grids are not at all accurate, it's easy enough to prove when you look at protraits created with grids and tracing, there is something always really off. Thank you for creating this video to artists wanting to learn a better way.
This method teaches you haw to draw. It's the beginning of "seeing" the whole image and how things relate to each other. More complex measuring techniques come later but this establishes the basics of shapes, alignment, angles and proportions. Its a step up from the grid which I do not think teaches you how to draw and i personally find very confusing.
I’m amazed by your patience with the ignorant comments! None of them use their common sense! Thank you for a wonderful and easy to understand tutorial! This is exactly what I needed to replicate a photo of my muse! I totally subscribed! (Sorry in advance for the comment I’ll be posting next addressing those people I mentioned) Sending love! ❤
Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it. I appreciate your support. Most people are kind, but yes there are those who don't get it, and are really rude. I keep saying ... you have to start somewhere. Its like learning to drive, they don't hand you the keys and say good luck. They take you to a parking lot, sit beside you, tell you what to do and let you lurch and sputter in a safe space till you start to get the hang of it. Some learn faster than others. THEN you go out onto a quiet street an PRACTICE ... The basics... till you master that step and move to the next level. And on and on it goes. Eventually, with time and practice, one day you wake up an you know what the heck you are doing. Its called ...learning.
For those of you commenting this: “Just use transfer paper” “It’s better to use the (insert different technique)” “you don’t show the drawing part” “this doesn’t work if you want to(insert different goal)” “Other artists can do it without a grid” 1. If you want to charge people for your DRAWING skills, and you trace, shame on you. 2. This video is about the technique SHOWN. the existence of other techniques (better or otherwise) are irrelevant. Use some common sense! 3. This video is demonstrating HOW to utilize this technique, not necessarily a real time example of it being used. Just a simple step by step so you know how to apply it to your own work. 4. The artist here never said this technique works for other projects such as scaling up, instead of pointing out the obvious, go search for that SPECIFIC method, Sherlock. 5. For the love of God. Do you think those artists just woke up an art master?! They used numerous techniques and practiced their asses off to get to that point. Your comment is about as brain dead as commenting “there are 5 star chefs who can cook this with their eyes closed” under a tutorial on how to cook a certain recipe. I mean c’mon you guys! Get a grip! End rant 😆
OH MY GOD , Thank You so much, for the 14 years i didnt know that😂, i just use free hand estimate and its hard since i need to concentrate and focus all my senses to every details, it now easy with the help of that technique.
Sight size is a great method to teach students the fundamental principles of measuring. The next step up is Comparative measuring, eventually working up to just using the eye. but its a matter of practice and skill building, like any skill you want to master. Start with the basics then add incremental layers of complexity. In my first year of training I practiced this method and comparative measuring a lot, just on the constructs until they became second nature. Totally worth the effort! Check out my Patreon site I have courses on both methods with more coming. www.patreon.com/CareyAlvezArt
I really enjoyed the video explaining the sight-size drawing technique using a wooden stick for measurement. Thank you for creating such a clear and informative tutorial. I appreciate the effort you put into it. However, I'm curious about how relying on a measuring tool for drawing can help develop the skill of freehand measurement?
Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it. This introduces students to the concepts of measuring, the next step is "Comparative" measuring> this is much more freehand but builds on the concepts we talk about in the video. Those videos are coming, in the meantime you can visit my Patreon sight and see if there is anything in there you find helpful. patreon.com/CareyAlvezArt
Thank you - I've never been shown this before. I do wish you had shown what you are doing with your arm/elbow when talking about angles as I'm at a loss without seeing it in practice.
hold your arm out while holding you measuring stick steady, lock the elbow, support that elbow with your drawing hand and line up your stick with the angle you are focused on. Once you have it, still holding your arm out, simply pivot over to your drawing paper and establish the angle. Step in make a mark, step back, double check and step back in and adjust where needed. Hope this helps
I will try this. I was taught to use an acetate grid taped on the reference portrait. You can still use a measuring stick, but you also can focus on what you see in each box.
in my experience the grid does not teach you how to draw. It helps to replicate what has already been figured out, but you are so fixated on each little square that that you don't see the image as a whole and are not training the eye to build a drawing or how to see accurately. Measuring techniques like sight size and comparative teach you this.
Might I suggest the 2-point technique for angled lines that have proven successful in more than just portraits. Mark the two endpoints of the angled line on the reference and find their distances from both the horizontal and vertical grid lines. Plot them on your paper much as you did graphing coordinates when in high school. Your crossing grid lines serve as coordinate axes and their crossing point is the origin. You can connect the plotted points with a straight line or an arc. If you want to check your arc, simply get the distance between the origin and the furthest point of the arc, and place that point on your drawing.
@@WeezieV Sorry I can't, I don't understand what they are talking about either!!!! Perhaps its triangulation, but the way it's explained here is as clear as mud.😶
❤ thank you. Teacher you droop down from rhe skies to me. I have to improve my skills on this part of a good level figurative painting. I am so greatfull. Piero Brasil.❤
Tracing out is not the same as free hand drawing.If someone is paying you money to create a portrait, they expect you to have the drawing skill and do everything from scratch not trace the reference photo and color it.The painting part is the easier one.If short on time, don't accept the commission in the first place.
This is only ok if you’re offering your PAINTING talent. If someone commissioned you for a drawing, it’s borderline fraudulent to trace. They’re paying for your skills. If you don’t have the skill to draw, please don’t offer it as a means of income.
Love your videos, I find great usage of them! I found your channel through a video of how to take the best reference pictures of people. I had a question,where can I buy a measuring tool like yours?
the grocery store! just use a bamboo kitchen skewer, a pack of 25 costs a few dollars. You need a point on the end. if not a knitting needle works also.
@@careyalvezartschool Well this is embarrassing, that comment was meant for a video that followed yours, but while we are here, Carey, I do appreciate that your share your talent. I have been using this method recently, but my references are on a 11" computer screen so I get about 3X4 picture and would like to do a slightly larger drawing. How would you recommend doing that?
This is sight size which is great for introducing students to these concepts and system of measuring. The next step up is "comparative measuring" which allows you to scale up or down. A bit more demanding but is based on many of the same principles. This is a good way to get oriented and practice, then take on the more challenging method. Those videos are in the works. I will be presenting a crash course on this method starting this Friday Oct 11.
Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it. I'll be releasing a 5 part crash course on this method in the next few weeks so be sure to come back and watch it!
This is a great technique. Angles and proportions are the area I struggle most with in my drawing. How do you use this technique if you want to scale your drawing up so that it is larger than the reference?
you move to the next level of complexity called "comparative measuring". Same basic principles only a scaling component is added. These videos are coming down the road. One step at a time. Master this stage and you are ready for comparative and it won't feel overwhelming.
Bonjour Carey❤ Enfin j'ai la réponse à mes questions de prises de proportions pour un visage et sans doute également pour un paysage... Je recherche ces précieuses informations depuis plus de 30 ans... J'ai l'impression qu'Elizabeth Vigée Lebrun utilisait aussi cette technique... Gratitudes pour l'excellence de votre pédagogie 🕊️🌹❤️
@@gglendinningok In October I am going to post a 5 week crash course (1 video a week) going in depth with this method. Its a good entry point measuring technique, will teach you what to look for, the clues to help you see proportions, alignments, angles and shapes accurately. hope you tune in. Best of luck
Hi Carey, would you consider adding oil painting tutorials to your patreon platform? Your drawing course is excellent and I would love to see your approach to oil painting. Thank you very much for your wonderful, very professional and helpful courses!!!❤
Yes Its coming, one step at a time, a lot of work to produce an manage these courses. I have 1 full course I would like to release in Jan 25. The best thing is to get your drawing skills up to speed using the principles I teach that prepare you to transition to painting.
I have noticed several art instructors who teach realistic drawing use something similar to this method. I’m trying to learn the Loomis method right now and I’m finding it very challenging. Then I watch videos like this and something resonates. I have no drawing experience so neither method feels easy but i have a hard time looking at picture of a face and seeing in my mind where are the Loomis circles are suppose to go. At least with this method it feels more straightforward. I think I want to try more of this method. Is there any benefit to pressing on with the Loomis method? Perhaps if i wanted to draw a portrait from my imagination?
Depends on what your goals are. Portrait artists need one thing, animators need something else. I intend to show 3 methods of starting a drawing, Sight size shown here, Comparative Block ins and the Loomis method. All work! Sight size is generally a very good introductory method, its pretty simple and it teaches new students what to look for in terms of information to help them, Shapes, angles, proportions alignments and an awareness of values. Once you "see" those things, other methods are not so confusing. This method has its limits but its a good place to start. hope this helps. BTW: I am offering a "Crash Course" here on RUclips, in October showing this sight size method in detail with a 5 video series. hope this helps😊
not sure what you are referring to , but if its about using a vintage photo, I used one in this course because you would not believe the number of students that come to class with vintage photos of family members, parents & grandparents to use as reference for their projects. Just felt like a reasonable thing to use one for one of my courses.
Problems would arise ofcourse when one is attempting to draw a bigger or smaller sketch compared to the size of the source image - which one would mostly tend to be doing especially if drawing from life ? I find proportional dividers very helpful !
Thank you for this. It's a shame that drafting isn't the natural first step in art instruction instead of just turning you loose to draw or paint something. The craft of art is important, isn't it?
I agree. I was a student a long time before I taught and all too often I was left wondering "what the heck am I paying for here". When I was finally able to go to an academy I was sooo grateful for the the actual skill building instruction that I got. Mastery is important for me, I recognize its not the main priority for everyone but I enjoy the challenge and feeling of accomplishment. However having said all that technical skills are not the whole show. Personal expression, your own voice and equally important... But one step at a time.
@@careyalvezartschool Thank you for your return comment! Your "What the heck am I paying for here?" brings back memories of my first (and only) acrylic painting class where absolutely nothing was said about the characteristics of that particular paint. I look back and think what a scam that pricey summer college class really was. There is nothing to stop developing artists from expressing whatever their hearts desire but it sure seems like alongside of that aspect of it art school is there for training you in skills. Art is a job like any other and requires knowledge of materials, tools, and skills to get where you want to go with them. I shall be watching more of your videos (this was my first) and have subscribed, of course. I feel so lucky to have stumbled upon your channel. Thanks again!
Students are usually introduced to the principles with sight size, once they are familiar with the technique they go up to the next level of complexity with a method called "comparative measuring". That method deals with scaling. This is not the only system obviously, just one that helps students develop an eye for accuracy and teaches them what information to look for. Videos on this Comparative method are coming soon.
This Sight Size method is an introductory method the teaches students in a very easy and accessible way to see measuring clues such as proportions, angle, alignments and shapes. Once you are familiar with these principles the next step up is "comparative measuring" same principles but it allows for scaling up or down. its more challenging and easier to understand if you have the basics of sight size under your belt. that video will follow
Near the start when you mention everything needs to be lined up ----- for some strrrange reason, every time I needed to cut a bit off a large sheet of paper, I'd slapdash it onto my cutting mat, not caring how 'optical delusional' the grid lines showing along its side, put a straight-edge down, and from any angle (usually did this on the floor) I'd reach out to the farthest part and draw my blade fully across. From simply eyeballing it, i would manage to bypass all visual cues to blooper, and if I brought the ends together, they'd either match perfectly, or be 1/2mm off. And though I forget the number, it would always be the same width .. (1-1/2cm?). No. Sir --- I am not from Mars. I haven't needed to cut in a decade ... I should give it a go to test now.
There is another measuring technique called "comparative" that video is coming. Site size is a great introductory method if all this is new to you. Comparative builds on there core principles but is a bit more challenging, particularly for new students.
Students are usually introduced to the principles with sight size, once they are familiar with the technique they go up to the next level of complexity with a method called "comparative measuring". This is not the only system obviously, just one that helps students develop an eye for accuracy and teaches them what information to look for. Videos on this Comparative method are coming soon.
sight size is a great technique to learn the basic principles of measuring. the next step up is comparative measuring. Takes the same principles but relies more on the eye and being able to gage proportions. Start with this method then move to the next level up. Will provide those videos in the future.
not sure, I get all my music from Epidemic Sound. ( copyright issues) I go in and look for a particular non intrusive pleasant sound and it presents several options. I download what works.
Well this is about learning to draw and develop your skills and your eye. Tracing will never do that. Personally I found that tracing sabotages the learning process. As a professional who has tight deadlines I get it, its all about production, but as a student wanting to master a skill , you need to go through the process and PRACTICE. That's the path for anyone who wants to get better.
Students are usually introduced to the principles with sight size, once they are familiar with the technique they go up to the next level of complexity with a method called "comparative measuring". This is not the only system obviously, just one that helps students develop an eye for accuracy and teaches them what information to look for.
Well just getting a copy is not the objective here. If you want a fast and easy solution to get going, by all means trace. This is an introductory method to LEARN how to draw. if just producing a finished piece is your objective, or in the case of commercial artists who have deadlines, yes projectors or tracing make sense. But you will never learn to draw that way. I use my phone to help translate a foreign language when dealing with a relative of mine, but I'm not "learning " the language, I'm just getting through the moment. If you want to learn to draw and draw well, sooner or later you have to get in the game and learn the skill. Sight size measuring is ans "introductory" measuring technique. It teaches you to see proportions, alignments, angles, shapes etc. Once you've grasped these principles you can move up to "comparative" measuring, a more sophisticated version of this, This method really helps students get into the game of drawing accurately at a very doable level.
Is there a reason you don't use metric measurement? I find them so much easier to be accurate than our wonky system. Not to say this makes me a good portrait artist 🤪
This is not about metric or imperial, its about learning to see proportions, angles, alignments and values and training the eyes to see valuable clues to improve accuracy. the next step up is comparative measuring, where measurements are arbitrary, no units of measurements are even used, just calculated by eye. But you have to learn the basic principles first. That's what this system does, its an introduction into a way of seeing.
*Using a photo* as a reference for drawing.... It's just *copying* Try - drawing from real life or your imagination. Thats real skill (grab a pen and draw what's in front of you). It's more fun using real life objects to draw from :)
That's true but it depends on what you are interested in doing and saying with your art. It all has merit. I personally like to paint allegorical scenes with figures. In a perfect world I would have access to the models I needed and have no budget or logistical considerations, but I do. Hence the photos. This is the reality for most people. But I agree, mix it up, learn to become fluid and adaptable, learn new things and styles and integrate them as best you can.
Some people are so good that they do it by using their plain eye , they are the best , they don't need measurements to measure, they develop a keen eye over time after immense practice . I consider them the best.
yes that's true, but how do you get to that point? you have to start somewhere! This method is a practical starting point for many people in order to develop "the eye"
He most like used something like it! In order to even learn how to paint a landscape for example, you have to train the eye to get the perspective even close to the subject your painting. And Van Gogh’s paintings included interior settings as well as landscapes outdoors. Even if all he did was use his brush handle as a guide, ALL artists use guides.
This is basically the sight-size method when reference and drawing are to be, and of, the same dimensions (size). Your process here is very good though. However, I think it could be even more helpful to demonstrate measuring methods when the reference and drawing/painting dimensions are NOT the sane size; where one is dealing with 'proportionate' measurements.
Thnak you I agree and do not worry they are coming, comparative and block in and Loomis. Lot of work though, just give me a bit of time.Appreciate the feedback
This is an introductory measuring technique and its designed to train the eye. You need to develop the perceptual ability to see proportions, angles and alignments. How to read an image. that's why we don't use a ruler or calipers here. These are baby steps to train the eye to "see" . Next level up is comparative measuring. Next level after that is freehand and interpretive.
Nothing wrong with this demo, but if ever you plan to do live portraits you still have to develop hand eye coordination. That will only come with constant practice. Personally, rather than spend time with rulers and other gadjets, youre best using photos and cheap copy paper to do loads of pictures. Better still if you can get people to sit for you.
I agree, but this technique introduces students to the concepts of what to look for, shapes, alignments, angles, proportions. When working with a live model you need to move up to comparative measuring. Also as an instructor I need to be sensitive to people's circumstances and, resources and what their goals are. For a lot of people this helps them take the next step forward. I've been teaching for years now, and I've had to adjust my methods and and expectations to to fit the students needs, abilities and work ethic as well as their reasons for doing this. This method IS popular! So I'm happy to share.
It depends on what your objective is. If producing a drawing is your goal, why not trace, but if you want to master your drawing skills you need to train your eye. Leaning measuring techniques is part of that learning curve. Sight size is an introductory method, next is comparative which builds on that then with practice you can rely on your eye. By then your awareness if proportions, alignments and shapes are hardwired in your thinking and its second nature, but you have to start somewhere.
t depends on what your objective is. If producing a drawing is your goal, why not trace, but if you want to master your drawing skills you need to train your eye. Leaning measuring techniques is part of that learning curve. Sight size is an introductory method, next is comparative which builds on that then with practice you can rely on your eye. By then your awareness if proportions, alignments and shapes are hardwired in your thinking and its second nature, but you have to start somewhere.
@@careyalvezartschool I totally agree! Training the "perceptual abilities" is the objective. I once remember measuring up the base of a shed with rulers and spirit levels and plumb lines...etc. and an experienced builder came along and with a quick glance spotted a half inch (1cm ish) discrepancy in a 20 foot (6 metre ish) ayout. That's perceptual ability!
@@isaaca6445you know, you just made me realize something. I've been drawing and painting all my life and I could never figure out why other people would think things would or wouldn't fit on shelves or through doorways or how deep a hole was just by looking. They would be off by a foot or a couple of inches. I guess I trained my eye because I just know, now I'll stop saying, "well just look at it! It's obviously not going to fit" 😂
and art projector does NOT teach you how to draw. Learning about shapes alignments, angles and proportions is a skill and learning about it has to start somewhere. This is a good introductory method. From there you move to comparative and eventually freehand. Projectors to not do that. Depends on what you goal is, make the picture, or learn to draw.
No I am sorry, but that is not the objective here. This is an introductory method to LEARN how to draw! if just producing a finished piece is your objective, or in the case of commercial artists who have deadlines, yes projectors make sense. But you will never learn to draw that way. I use my phone to help translate a foreign language when dealing with a relative of mine, but I'm not "learning " the language, I'm just getting through the moment. If you want to learn to draw and draw well, sooner or later you have to get in the game and learn the skill. I want mastery not a quick solution.
I do, but that is not always possible, is it. Particularly if you have a specific composition or painting in mind. I spent years in the academy system, I understand the benefits and the limitations of working directly from life. Particularly the expense and logistics of accessing appropriate models all the time. Or just getting stuck with a live academic model in life class. How many naked people can you, or do you want to draw in a lifetime? Both have their pros and cons. But you do need to be aware of the issues when working from photos, distortion, flat lighting, creating form etc. Appreciate the feedback.
It depends on what your objective is. If producing a drawing is your goal, why not trace, but if you want to master your drawing skills you need to train your eye. Learning measuring techniques is part of that learning curve. Sight size is an introductory method, next is comparative which builds on that then with practice you can rely on your eye. By then your awareness if proportions, alignments and shapes are hardwired in your thinking and its second nature, but you have to start somewhere.
When I took life drawing in art college my professor could always tell when a student use a photo instead of a person to do the home assignment. One has to be a very good artist to not end up with a flat drawing.
So true, there are a lot of tricks one has to learn when using photos. However access to a live model can be very limiting, daunting and expensive. That's just life folks, we do the best we can In art circles, this is an ongoing argument but for me you just need to find solutions to move forward. I studied photography and lighting for 3 years at night school. That's how I dealt with the problem and got very brave at asking people to model for me. Doing master copies is also a great way to develop an eye that sees past the surface reference image of photos.
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I wish I watched this video decades ago!
Many thanks for sharing ❤❤❤
Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it.
This was a great demo!!! I never really understood how this worked during my first year of basic drawing and my results proved it. After several years and lots of videos, I was making it more complex than it should have been. This looks achievable. Thank you.
Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it. Good luck with your drawing
Love the video. This is how I do my portraits when I do them. I'm old enough that I don't remember who taught me how to do this, it must have been an art teacher somewhere long ago. I find this is the most accurate way to draw a protrait. I found that tracing and grids are not at all accurate, it's easy enough to prove when you look at protraits created with grids and tracing, there is something always really off. Thank you for creating this video to artists wanting to learn a better way.
Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it.
Love it! I have been a big fan of the grid system. But all of those squares can make it difficult for my eyes sometimes. I like your method.
This method teaches you haw to draw. It's the beginning of "seeing" the whole image and how things relate to each other. More complex measuring techniques come later but this establishes the basics of shapes, alignment, angles and proportions. Its a step up from the grid which I do not think teaches you how to draw and i personally find very confusing.
Grid was useful for Renaissance artists and muralist in general working on a large piece.
I’m amazed by your patience with the ignorant comments! None of them use their common sense! Thank you for a wonderful and easy to understand tutorial! This is exactly what I needed to replicate a photo of my muse! I totally subscribed!
(Sorry in advance for the comment I’ll be posting next addressing those people I mentioned)
Sending love! ❤
Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it. I appreciate your support.
Most people are kind, but yes there are those who don't get it, and are really rude.
I keep saying ... you have to start somewhere.
Its like learning to drive, they don't hand you the keys and say good luck.
They take you to a parking lot, sit beside you, tell you what to do and let you lurch and sputter in a safe space till you start to get the hang of it. Some learn faster than others.
THEN you go out onto a quiet street an PRACTICE ... The basics... till you master that step and move to the next level. And on and on it goes.
Eventually, with time and practice, one day you wake up an you know what the heck you are doing.
Its called ...learning.
@@careyalvezartschool EXACTLY! You’re very intelligent and practical. I appreciate that!
For those of you commenting this:
“Just use transfer paper”
“It’s better to use the (insert different technique)”
“you don’t show the drawing part”
“this doesn’t work if you want to(insert different goal)”
“Other artists can do it without a grid”
1. If you want to charge people for your DRAWING skills, and you trace, shame on you.
2. This video is about the technique SHOWN. the existence of other techniques (better or otherwise) are irrelevant. Use some common sense!
3. This video is demonstrating HOW to utilize this technique, not necessarily a real time example of it being used. Just a simple step by step so you know how to apply it to your own work.
4. The artist here never said this technique works for other projects such as scaling up, instead of pointing out the obvious, go search for that SPECIFIC method, Sherlock.
5. For the love of God. Do you think those artists just woke up an art master?! They used numerous techniques and practiced their asses off to get to that point.
Your comment is about as brain dead as commenting “there are 5 star chefs who can cook this with their eyes closed” under a tutorial on how to cook a certain recipe.
I mean c’mon you guys! Get a grip!
End rant 😆
What an amazing teacher! Everything is so well described in detail. Thank you for sharing your process with us.
Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it.
Great technique, I use proportional dividers
Yup, same basic idea
Thank you. Always wondered what the hell was going on with the extended arm and paint brush. Very helpful.
Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it.
Amaaazing! Thak you very much! Now you have a student from Brazil 😊
Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it. Hope it helps😁
OH MY GOD , Thank You so much, for the 14 years i didnt know that😂, i just use free hand estimate and its hard since i need to concentrate and focus all my senses to every details, it now easy with the help of that technique.
you are the reason why i will go back to drawing after arblock of 8 years , thank you. ❤
Sight size is a great method to teach students the fundamental principles of measuring. The next step up is Comparative measuring, eventually working up to just using the eye. but its a matter of practice and skill building, like any skill you want to master. Start with the basics then add incremental layers of complexity. In my first year of training I practiced this method and comparative measuring a lot, just on the constructs until they became second nature. Totally worth the effort!
Check out my Patreon site I have courses on both methods with more coming.
www.patreon.com/CareyAlvezArt
I really enjoyed the video explaining the sight-size drawing technique using a wooden stick for measurement. Thank you for creating such a clear and informative tutorial. I appreciate the effort you put into it. However, I'm curious about how relying on a measuring tool for drawing can help develop the skill of freehand measurement?
Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it.
This introduces students to the concepts of measuring, the next step is "Comparative" measuring> this is much more freehand but builds on the concepts we talk about in the video.
Those videos are coming, in the meantime you can visit my Patreon sight and see if there is anything in there you find helpful.
patreon.com/CareyAlvezArt
Je ne connaissais pas du tout, merci. Reste à l’essayer.❤
Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it.
Interesting love your art techniques appreciate you. I have to practice more and get a sample picture to follow.
Next week I will be presenting a crash course on this very technique. Will provide the image or encourage you to find one of your own that you like.
@@careyalvezartschool wow sounds like a great idea 🙏🏼🙌🏻❤️
I really like this method :) and I know a lot of methods, it’s fun to challenge myself and learn them all. I’m going to enjoy trying this ❤
Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it. Best of luck, its a good introductory method to train the eye to see the clues to measure accurately
It's really interesting! I tried it and amazing! 🙌🏻 Thanks for making the video!
Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it.
Thank you - I've never been shown this before. I do wish you had shown what you are doing with your arm/elbow when talking about angles as I'm at a loss without seeing it in practice.
hold your arm out while holding you measuring stick steady, lock the elbow, support that elbow with your drawing hand and line up your stick with the angle you are focused on. Once you have it, still holding your arm out, simply pivot over to your drawing paper and establish the angle. Step in make a mark, step back, double check and step back in and adjust where needed. Hope this helps
I will try this. I was taught to use an acetate grid taped on the reference portrait. You can still use a measuring stick, but you also can focus on what you see in each box.
in my experience the grid does not teach you how to draw. It helps to replicate what has already been figured out, but you are so fixated on each little square that that you don't see the image as a whole and are not training the eye to build a drawing or how to see accurately. Measuring techniques like sight size and comparative teach you this.
Might I suggest the 2-point technique for angled lines that have proven successful in more than just portraits. Mark the two endpoints of the angled line on the reference and find their distances from both the horizontal and vertical grid lines. Plot them on your paper much as you did graphing coordinates when in high school. Your crossing grid lines serve as coordinate axes and their crossing point is the origin. You can connect the plotted points with a straight line or an arc. If you want to check your arc, simply get the distance between the origin and the furthest point of the arc, and place that point on your drawing.
Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it.
Can you do a video on this? I am lost😊
@@WeezieV Sorry I can't, I don't understand what they are talking about either!!!! Perhaps its triangulation, but the way it's explained here is as clear as mud.😶
You're a fantastic teacher! Thank you
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❤ thank you. Teacher you droop down from rhe skies to me. I have to improve my skills on this part of a good level figurative painting. I am so greatfull. Piero Brasil.❤
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Fascinating video. A tad advanced for me but I get it. Beautifully presented. Thank you. ❤
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It's better to take a print out and trace it out especially if you are short of time and doing a commission portrait
Tracing out is not the same as free hand drawing.If someone is paying you money to create a portrait, they expect you to have the drawing skill and do everything from scratch not trace the reference photo and color it.The painting part is the easier one.If short on time, don't accept the commission in the first place.
This is only ok if you’re offering your PAINTING talent. If someone commissioned you for a drawing, it’s borderline fraudulent to trace. They’re paying for your skills. If you don’t have the skill to draw, please don’t offer it as a means of income.
Careyal no problem, you are a good artist. All the best
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Thank u for that great help that will help to motivate me wonderful!!!!
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Love your videos, I find great usage of them! I found your channel through a video of how to take the best reference pictures of people. I had a question,where can I buy a measuring tool like yours?
the grocery store! just use a bamboo kitchen skewer, a pack of 25 costs a few dollars. You need a point on the end. if not a knitting needle works also.
Thank you Sam for those tidbits of information. Always eager to learn about those sticky uppity bits. Seriously, thanks for your observations.
Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it. ( by the way, who is Sam?, just curious!!!)
@@careyalvezartschool Well this is embarrassing, that comment was meant for a video that followed yours, but while we are here, Carey, I do appreciate that your share your talent. I have been using this method recently, but my references are on a 11" computer screen so I get about 3X4 picture and would like to do a slightly larger drawing. How would you recommend doing that?
@@jamesduncan578 go to a copy centre and get a larger print
This was very interesting and informative. Will try it next time I draw. Thanks!
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You are a very good teacher.
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I've never seen it done this way, which is very good! But what do you do when the original is much smaller than your finished work?
This is sight size which is great for introducing students to these concepts and system of measuring. The next step up is "comparative measuring" which allows you to scale up or down. A bit more demanding but is based on many of the same principles. This is a good way to get oriented and practice, then take on the more challenging method.
Those videos are in the works.
I will be presenting a crash course on this method starting this Friday Oct 11.
You are the best ... really useful thanks
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I'll be releasing a 5 part crash course on this method in the next few weeks so be sure to come back and watch it!
Very good video. Thank you! With love from Australia 🌸
Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it. hope it helps
Thank you for this demo!😍
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This is a great technique. Angles and proportions are the area I struggle most with in my drawing. How do you use this technique if you want to scale your drawing up so that it is larger than the reference?
you move to the next level of complexity called "comparative measuring". Same basic principles only a scaling component is added. These videos are coming down the road. One step at a time. Master this stage and you are ready for comparative and it won't feel overwhelming.
Bonjour Carey❤
Enfin j'ai la réponse à mes questions de prises de proportions pour un visage et sans doute également pour un paysage...
Je recherche ces précieuses informations depuis plus de 30 ans...
J'ai l'impression qu'Elizabeth Vigée Lebrun utilisait aussi cette technique...
Gratitudes pour l'excellence de votre pédagogie 🕊️🌹❤️
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I too love this technique. N i will get there. Thank you ❤ I m your New Subscriber.
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Fantastic demo work mam 👌❤❤
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So helpful, Thanking U from Scotland
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@@careyalvezartschool yes, it's setting the guide point that will save me so much future troubles:)
@@gglendinningok In October I am going to post a 5 week crash course (1 video a week) going in depth with this method. Its a good entry point measuring technique, will teach you what to look for, the clues to help you see proportions, alignments, angles and shapes accurately.
hope you tune in. Best of luck
Hi Carey, would you consider adding oil painting tutorials to your patreon platform? Your drawing course is excellent and I would love to see your approach to oil painting. Thank you very much for your wonderful, very professional and helpful courses!!!❤
Yes Its coming, one step at a time, a lot of work to produce an manage these courses. I have 1 full course I would like to release in Jan 25. The best thing is to get your drawing skills up to speed using the principles I teach that prepare you to transition to painting.
Excellent job-hats off to you!
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Thank you from Costa Rica !
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Great content
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Great tutorial! Is the measuring stick a special tool I need to purchase, or can I use any straight stick I have? (Like knitting needles)
just us a kitchen skewer or knitting needle, you want a point on the end.
I always focus better when I don't have music playing while I'm trying to learn something.
I have noticed several art instructors who teach realistic drawing use something similar to this method. I’m trying to learn the Loomis method right now and I’m finding it very challenging. Then I watch videos like this and something resonates. I have no drawing experience so neither method feels easy but i have a hard time looking at picture of a face and seeing in my mind where are the Loomis circles are suppose to go. At least with this method it feels more straightforward. I think I want to try more of this method. Is there any benefit to pressing on with the Loomis method? Perhaps if i wanted to draw a portrait from my imagination?
Depends on what your goals are. Portrait artists need one thing, animators need something else.
I intend to show 3 methods of starting a drawing, Sight size shown here, Comparative Block ins and the Loomis method. All work!
Sight size is generally a very good introductory method, its pretty simple and it teaches new students what to look for in terms of information to help them, Shapes, angles, proportions alignments and an awareness of values.
Once you "see" those things, other methods are not so confusing. This method has its limits but its a good place to start.
hope this helps.
BTW: I am offering a "Crash Course" here on RUclips, in October showing this sight size method in detail with a 5 video series.
hope this helps😊
Thank you so much your answer really helps! I look forward to future videos!
Thank you!
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There are such beautiful photos today
not sure what you are referring to , but if its about using a vintage photo, I used one in this course because you would not believe the number of students that come to class with vintage photos of family members, parents & grandparents to use as reference for their projects. Just felt like a reasonable thing to use one for one of my courses.
I use a set of proportional dividers. I'm getting very interested in pen and ink illustrations.
Same basic idea!
Thank you🌹🌹🌹
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@@careyalvezartschool ❣❤❤❤
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Thank you!
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Hi! I would like to see you providing purchasing links for your drawing materials, more specifically the drawing papers.
They are coming
Problems would arise ofcourse when one is attempting to draw a bigger or smaller sketch compared to the size of the source image - which one would mostly tend to be doing especially if drawing from life ? I find proportional dividers very helpful !
That technique is called "comparative measuring". Its the next step up but applies may of the same principles. Haven't done that video ...yet.
Thank you for this. It's a shame that drafting isn't the natural first step in art instruction instead of just turning you loose to draw or paint something. The craft of art is important, isn't it?
I agree. I was a student a long time before I taught and all too often I was left wondering "what the heck am I paying for here".
When I was finally able to go to an academy I was sooo grateful for the the actual skill building instruction that I got. Mastery is important for me, I recognize its not the main priority for everyone but I enjoy the challenge and feeling of accomplishment. However having said all that technical skills are not the whole show. Personal expression, your own voice and equally important... But one step at a time.
@@careyalvezartschool Thank you for your return comment! Your "What the heck am I paying for here?" brings back memories of my first (and only) acrylic painting class where absolutely nothing was said about the characteristics of that particular paint. I look back and think what a scam that pricey summer college class really was.
There is nothing to stop developing artists from expressing whatever their hearts desire but it sure seems like alongside of that aspect of it art school is there for training you in skills. Art is a job like any other and requires knowledge of materials, tools, and skills to get where you want to go with them.
I shall be watching more of your videos (this was my first) and have subscribed, of course. I feel so lucky to have stumbled upon your channel. Thanks again!
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This was good. I hoped you were going to show how to scale bigger or smaller - NOT the exact same size. Tnx!
Students are usually introduced to the principles with sight size, once they are familiar with the technique they go up to the next level of complexity with a method called "comparative measuring". That method deals with scaling. This is not the only system obviously, just one that helps students develop an eye for accuracy and teaches them what information to look for. Videos on this Comparative method are coming soon.
can you adapt this method to scale up or scale down a reference photo or are you stuck with the grid method?
This Sight Size method is an introductory method the teaches students in a very easy and accessible way to see measuring clues such as proportions, angle, alignments and shapes. Once you are familiar with these principles the next step up is "comparative measuring" same principles but it allows for scaling up or down.
its more challenging and easier to understand if you have the basics of sight size under your belt.
that video will follow
For scaling up and down, you need to buy a proportional divider.
@@Neptunecloud For scaling there is a more advanced technique called "comparative measuring"
those videos are coming in the future
Near the start when you mention everything needs to be lined up ----- for some strrrange reason, every time I needed to cut a bit off a large sheet of paper, I'd slapdash it onto my cutting mat, not caring how 'optical delusional' the grid lines showing along its side, put a straight-edge down, and from any angle (usually did this on the floor) I'd reach out to the farthest part and draw my blade fully across. From simply eyeballing it, i would manage to bypass all visual cues to blooper, and if I brought the ends together, they'd either match perfectly, or be 1/2mm off. And though I forget the number, it would always be the same width .. (1-1/2cm?).
No. Sir --- I am not from Mars.
I haven't needed to cut in a decade ... I should give it a go to test now.
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What if you are working with a small picture and making a larger canvas for painting or drawing?
There is another measuring technique called "comparative" that video is coming. Site size is a great introductory method if all this is new to you.
Comparative builds on there core principles but is a bit more challenging, particularly for new students.
What if u need to do portrait from postage stamp :D
Thank you. But what if you wish to scale up or down
Students are usually introduced to the principles with sight size, once they are familiar with the technique they go up to the next level of complexity with a method called "comparative measuring". This is not the only system obviously, just one that helps students develop an eye for accuracy and teaches them what information to look for. Videos on this Comparative method are coming soon.
how does this apply when you are drawing from a live model? Thank you.
sight size is a great technique to learn the basic principles of measuring. the next step up is comparative measuring. Takes the same principles but relies more on the eye and being able to gage proportions. Start with this method then move to the next level up. Will provide those videos in the future.
What is that beautiful background music you are using?
not sure, I get all my music from Epidemic Sound. ( copyright issues) I go in and look for a particular non intrusive pleasant sound and it presents several options. I download what works.
@@careyalvezartschool Don't suppose you recall the filename?
@@revdrjon Just for you.... ES_Dismantle - Peter Sandberg 2
@@careyalvezartschool Bless you!
3:02 Probabably a silly question, but if we were left handed, would the paper be on the left and the picture be on the right hand side?
Yup that's exactly how you would do it. Best of luck.
unfortunately the actual drawing part was cut out?
This lesson is just about the measuring, please go to this video to see more :ruclips.net/video/qvr1NLYeDAw/видео.html
Thank you very much, ma'am
by the way, I think you look like Meryl Streep
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Now I need to let me nail grow out to do this.
😆
Carey Carey how are you doing greetings from Vancouver
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❤❤❤
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Are you against using transfer paper when you are in a hurry and the portrait is going to be the same size as your reference?
Well this is about learning to draw and develop your skills and your eye. Tracing will never do that. Personally I found that tracing sabotages the learning process.
As a professional who has tight deadlines I get it, its all about production, but as a student wanting to master a skill , you need to go through the process and PRACTICE. That's the path for anyone who wants to get better.
So One to One is easy but scale up ???
Students are usually introduced to the principles with sight size, once they are familiar with the technique they go up to the next level of complexity with a method called "comparative measuring". This is not the only system obviously, just one that helps students develop an eye for accuracy and teaches them what information to look for.
Use grid method instead 🤝🤝
This system is more about understanding the principles of proportion and accurate sight.
Helpful for copying photos, but for portraiture, triangulation works better.
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I am using divider proportion in all of my drawings.. it's a hassle free compare that idea..
why not just use tracing paper if you want an exact copy
Well just getting a copy is not the objective here. If you want a fast and easy solution to get going, by all means trace. This is an introductory method to LEARN how to draw.
if just producing a finished piece is your objective, or in the case of commercial artists who have deadlines, yes projectors or tracing make sense. But you will never learn to draw that way.
I use my phone to help translate a foreign language when dealing with a relative of mine, but I'm not "learning " the language, I'm just getting through the moment.
If you want to learn to draw and draw well, sooner or later you have to get in the game and learn the skill.
Sight size measuring is ans "introductory" measuring technique. It teaches you to see proportions, alignments, angles, shapes etc. Once you've grasped these principles you can move up to "comparative" measuring, a more sophisticated version of this,
This method really helps students get into the game of drawing accurately at a very doable level.
Thank you for video. Great video but piano music is like Chinese water torture
Sorry about that
Is there a reason you don't use metric measurement? I find them so much easier to be accurate than our wonky system. Not to say this makes me a good portrait artist 🤪
This is not about metric or imperial, its about learning to see proportions, angles, alignments and values and training the eyes to see valuable clues to improve accuracy. the next step up is comparative measuring, where measurements are arbitrary, no units of measurements are even used, just calculated by eye.
But you have to learn the basic principles first.
That's what this system does, its an introduction into a way of seeing.
Great demo, but very I found the background "musical noise" very distracting.
*Using a photo* as a reference for drawing.... It's just *copying*
Try - drawing from real life or your imagination. Thats real skill (grab a pen and draw what's in front of you).
It's more fun using real life objects to draw from :)
That's true but it depends on what you are interested in doing and saying with your art. It all has merit.
I personally like to paint allegorical scenes with figures. In a perfect world I would have access to the models I needed and have no budget or logistical considerations, but I do. Hence the photos. This is the reality for most people.
But I agree, mix it up, learn to become fluid and adaptable, learn new things and styles and integrate them as best you can.
Some people are so good that they do it by using their plain eye , they are the best , they don't need measurements to measure, they develop a keen eye over time after immense practice . I consider them the best.
yes that's true, but how do you get to that point? you have to start somewhere!
This method is a practical starting point for many people in order to develop "the eye"
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THIS is literally how you learn how to become the best. Use some comprehension skills, dude.
Shedoes not start until 7'40".
I'll bet van Gogh didn't use a ruler.
I'll bet he didn't either!!!!😉
He most like used something like it! In order to even learn how to paint a landscape for example, you have to train the eye to get the perspective even close to the subject your painting. And Van Gogh’s paintings included interior settings as well as landscapes outdoors. Even if all he did was use his brush handle as a guide, ALL artists use guides.
This is basically the sight-size method when reference and drawing are to be, and of, the same dimensions (size). Your process here is very good though. However, I think it could be even more helpful to demonstrate measuring methods when the reference and drawing/painting dimensions are NOT the sane size; where one is dealing with 'proportionate' measurements.
Thnak you I agree and do not worry they are coming, comparative and block in and Loomis. Lot of work though, just give me a bit of time.Appreciate the feedback
@@careyalvezartschoolalso would you please consider showing us how one could use this sight size approach from life? Thank you!
Thank you for that suggestion, I'll see what I can do, trickier to film.
little too stiff. but it is accurate. to avoid this try moving around shoulders and bend the neck.
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For me this film shows how obsessive neurosis looks like.Hahahaha love your art anyway
If you are just copying a photo, why not use a pantograph?
This is an introductory measuring technique and its designed to train the eye. You need to develop the perceptual ability to see proportions, angles and alignments. How to read an image. that's why we don't use a ruler or calipers here. These are baby steps to train the eye to "see" . Next level up is comparative measuring. Next level after that is freehand and interpretive.
It also trains the eye and is visually a fun problem to breakdown and simplify the work of an artist you like
@@AlaapHasan Absolutely, Tracing is simply not interesting for me, I want to build skill and develop my eye.
Whats a pantograph?
Measuring is not copying it just helps with accuracy and helps training your eye. This was a really good tutorial I am grateful I stumbled upon it.
Nothing wrong with this demo, but if ever you plan to do live portraits you still have to develop hand eye coordination. That will only come with constant practice. Personally, rather than spend time with rulers and other gadjets, youre best using photos and cheap copy paper to do loads of pictures. Better still if you can get people to sit for you.
I agree, but this technique introduces students to the concepts of what to look for, shapes, alignments, angles, proportions. When working with a live model you need to move up to comparative measuring.
Also as an instructor I need to be sensitive to people's circumstances and, resources and what their goals are. For a lot of people this helps them take the next step forward.
I've been teaching for years now, and I've had to adjust my methods and and expectations to to fit the students needs, abilities and work ethic as well as their reasons for doing this.
This method IS popular! So I'm happy to share.
Seems a bit long winded, transfer paper would be easier as its the same size, or if you wanted to scale up or down, the grid method.
It depends on what your objective is. If producing a drawing is your goal, why not trace, but if you want to master your drawing skills you need to train your eye. Leaning measuring techniques is part of that learning curve. Sight size is an introductory method, next is comparative which builds on that then with practice you can rely on your eye. By then your awareness if proportions, alignments and shapes are hardwired in your thinking and its second nature, but you have to start somewhere.
The whole point is LEARNING how to do it.
Alternatively, get a projector.
t depends on what your objective is. If producing a drawing is your goal, why not trace, but if you want to master your drawing skills you need to train your eye. Leaning measuring techniques is part of that learning curve. Sight size is an introductory method, next is comparative which builds on that then with practice you can rely on your eye. By then your awareness if proportions, alignments and shapes are hardwired in your thinking and its second nature, but you have to start somewhere.
@@careyalvezartschool I totally agree! Training the "perceptual abilities" is the objective. I once remember measuring up the base of a shed with rulers and spirit levels and plumb lines...etc. and an experienced builder came along and with a quick glance spotted a half inch (1cm ish) discrepancy in a 20 foot (6 metre ish) ayout. That's perceptual ability!
@@isaaca6445you know, you just made me realize something.
I've been drawing and painting all my life and I could never figure out why other people would think things would or wouldn't fit on shelves or through doorways or how deep a hole was just by looking.
They would be off by a foot or a couple of inches.
I guess I trained my eye because I just know, now I'll stop saying, "well just look at it! It's obviously not going to fit" 😂
There's been some progress in this field my dear - an art projector.
and art projector does NOT teach you how to draw. Learning about shapes alignments, angles and proportions is a skill and learning about it has to start somewhere.
This is a good introductory method. From there you move to comparative and eventually freehand. Projectors to not do that.
Depends on what you goal is, make the picture, or learn to draw.
just use a artist projector much easier and modern way of doing things and saves time
No I am sorry, but that is not the objective here. This is an introductory method to LEARN how to draw!
if just producing a finished piece is your objective, or in the case of commercial artists who have deadlines, yes projectors make sense. But you will never learn to draw that way.
I use my phone to help translate a foreign language when dealing with a relative of mine, but I'm not "learning " the language, I'm just getting through the moment.
If you want to learn to draw and draw well, sooner or later you have to get in the game and learn the skill.
I want mastery not a quick solution.
Get rid of the photograph and learn to draw from life.
I do, but that is not always possible, is it. Particularly if you have a specific composition or painting in mind. I spent years in the academy system, I understand the benefits and the limitations of working directly from life. Particularly the expense and logistics of accessing appropriate models all the time. Or just getting stuck with a live academic model in life class. How many naked people can you, or do you want to draw in a lifetime? Both have their pros and cons. But you do need to be aware of the issues when working from photos, distortion, flat lighting, creating form etc.
Appreciate the feedback.
Good grief. Why not just trace the thing.
It depends on what your objective is. If producing a drawing is your goal, why not trace, but if you want to master your drawing skills you need to train your eye. Learning measuring techniques is part of that learning curve. Sight size is an introductory method, next is comparative which builds on that then with practice you can rely on your eye. By then your awareness if proportions, alignments and shapes are hardwired in your thinking and its second nature, but you have to start somewhere.
When I took life drawing in art college my professor could always tell when a student use a photo instead of a person to do the home assignment. One has to be a very good artist to not end up with a flat drawing.
So true, there are a lot of tricks one has to learn when using photos.
However access to a live model can be very limiting, daunting and expensive.
That's just life folks, we do the best we can
In art circles, this is an ongoing argument but for me you just need to find solutions to move forward. I studied photography and lighting for 3 years at night school.
That's how I dealt with the problem and got very brave at asking people to model for me.
Doing master copies is also a great way to develop an eye that sees past the surface reference image of photos.
It's really interesting! I tried it and amazing! 🙌🏻 Thanks for making the video!
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