Someone asked about using projectors…
Here’s a response I wrote recently to someone who was wondering about using projectors to lay out their picture. I thought that some of you may appreciate it as well.
For now, if you’re used to using a projector, and that is within your comfort zone, by all means use it for now. I will be introducing a number of other techniques for starting your drawing, and there are many, but I don’t have a demo on those alternatives yet. One demo will be addressing the use of projectors and how to properly use one without causing more problems in itself, and there are many.
I have introduced the start of a method to use in the “Eye” DVD that will be coming out soon. I think it might help you with a few tricks, utilizing your straight edge and divider. Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to using a projector, as well as other methods, and that’s unfortunate. I would rather a person take advantage of something, if it helps them to get to the next step, than to not do it at all. Often the very ones that will put a guilt trip on you for using the projector, are often using something themselves, but don’t want you to know. When an illustrator has a job with a tight layout, deadline, etc., they usually need to do what’s necessary to get the job done and meet the client’s expectations. It isn’t a contest. The only thing that they need to prove is the outcome.
If it’s your desire to learn how to draw, I want to do everything that I can, to help you learn to draw as well. It’s fun and challenging when you know how and what to do. As you start gaining control, learn what to start looking for, feel more confident, and develop patience as you see your drawing evolve, you will probably continue to branch out and try new things. And, there can be a tremendous amount of satisfaction derived from what you learn and achieve. But, I will never put you down for using an aid. It may give you a great start, and yet it isn’t the finished product and it certainly doesn’t solve all the problems. In fact, if you don’t know how to use your chosen aid, it can just cause more problems than you realize. I will take you through a number of methods, and there should be something for everyone that will suit your own personal goals and desires. It should give many of you the opportunity to experiment, have fun, and find the method that interests you personally.
My main goal, is to help as many as possible, improve their art and make it an enjoyable and rewarding experience for themselves and others. I want to teach everyone how to make their drawings, however they start them, capture the character and personality as they come alive and captivate the viewer. And for those who have never attempted it, I hope to inspire them to try it, even at the simple levels.
There is so much to learn and share, and it will take time. I’ve just started to get all of this out to everyone and into production.
Thanks for taking the time to ask questions and make your comments. It’s greatly appreciated!
Darrel
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Darrel..On the use of projectors. I believe using such at times are a good thing as they tend to help speed up a persons drawing. However if a person uses a projector they should have a good enough one that will last. Most projectors are not really that good for doing portraits. You just can’t see details as well. They are great for much larger work as needed. If a person has trouble drawing all they need to do is set some time in there schedule for a tad bit of drawing practice. Practice is the key. One of the best ways for drawing is to use the grid method but try not to use it all the time. Traceing is another method that works but try not to use it all the time. The best way instead of projectors or whatever is just plan looking at the subject and draw. Take all the time you need but if you go slow enough take your time you usually can come up with something in time that you will be proud of. Remember that the more you practice the better you will get. Don’t hurry and take all the time you need. As far as using a projector use one as you see fit. If you need one use one and if you don’t don’t. I have used projectors in the past but I found out that drawing a portrait you could not see the features very well due to features appeared to be fuzzy. However you could mark off where the features were. In time I stopped using and came up with other ways to help me do portraits. I will say that as my clients waiting list grew at times using a projector bailed me out of a tight squeeze at times. No matter how you work always work from a photograph that allows you to see all the facial features. You cannot draw something that you cannot see. Also remember that when you are satisfied with your drawing and you are ready to start shadeing by all means take as much time for if your shadeing isn’t right your drawing will not come out as you want and at times the likeness will be off and you will find yourself back to square one. One way that had helped me in the past and I still use it today is easy a simple. When I find the photograph I am happy with…I’ll draw each facial feature freehand more than once. With shadeing and without. Than study picture and measure how the features are in the photo. Get to know the subject than start doing my portrait. Taking all the time needed. Most important to remember is to follow what Darrel has to offer..practice and all will come out well. If you want to use projectors and they are help to you do so until you feel that you do not need to use them any longer and all will work out well for you. Stay Safe and Be Happy Always. Floyd
Your post has a lot of grace and wisdom in it. Thank you so much. It appears I’ve found a treasure of a resource here at your site.
Blessings!
Gail
Darrel,
Thank you for posting a response to such an important topic. I’d like to point out to readers that old masters used the camera lucida in the majority of their works. From Van Eyck to Caravaggio and Rembrandt, Ingres, etc, David Hockney explains it well in his highly recommended book, Secret Knowledge Rediscovering the Lost Techniques of the Old Masters (expanded edition, 2006, Viking Studio).
One should never feel like they’re cheating if they use a light box or a projector (all methods have their pros and cons) especially if they’re working on a commissioned portrait. Even if one uses a tool to obtain better perspective or an outline, a tool cannot shade, highlight, etc. This is the skill of an artist. I’ve used all methods of image transference and eye-balling is still very difficult to master.
Lawrence
Hi Lawrence,
Thank you for expanding on the subject with good info and personal experience! I appreciate your contribution!
Darrel