A simple & powerful exercise for sketching people | Draw stick figures in a whole new way

[@singularessence]

Alphonso, given the proximity to April Fool’s day I thought that this video would be a light-hearted prank for the channel. You’ve really blown me away by taking something so rudimentary in drawing to a whole new level. You’ve always been my favorite teacher for drawing but this just solidified you as one of the finest creators working online today. Thank you!

[@alphonsodunn]

😂 oh man! I missed the opportunity. But thanks so much, that means a lot. 🙏

[@AncientLogos]

No artist on KZbin is skilled enough to teach a lesson on stick figures. Alphonso is.

[@jb6712]

I'm 71 y.o., and have been drawing for about 55 years. My mother was an artist, and she wanted the four of us to learn some aspect of art, whatever we chose. For me, it was drawing, something I love doing to this day. I'm not a remarkable artist, not in the least, and I prefer drawing cartoon characters of my own imagination---I don't even try to copy any of the popular characters---and I REALLY love drawing in the abstract. On those days when it's just too hard to think clearly, I'll draw cartoons that are literally just stick figures, but with oval bodies. Stick legs, stick arms, round hands, rounded feet, and hair that stands straight up in the air. It's the most comforting thing, for some odd reason, to draw those little goofballs, and just put them into various scenes that have no meaning to anyone but myself. If I believed in utilizing psych specialists, which I do not, I'm sure they'd say that I was releasing my "repressed inner child," when in actuality, I'm dealing with physical pain by escaping vicariously through my little creations. My favorites are my "pickle people," aka, 'The Kuke-umbers,' and 'The Mushroom Men.' I put them into ordinary situations while coming up with puns to describe what they're doing (I'm a huge aficionado of both puns and oxymora), and by the time I'm done with the single panel cartoon, I'm feeling a lot better. Sure beats having to take drugs to control the pain!

[@alphonsodunn]

Amazing! I wish more of us had such a beautiful release. Keep drawing my friend, keep drawing! 🙂

[@my3babies255]

@JB6712, you should start your own channel and post your drawings on youtube!! I would be very interested in seeing your art and hearing you talk about it and how it helps you and I'm sure I'm not the only one who would subscribe!

[@seumemel]

Amazing!!

[@tfg476]

Found this channel some years ago and i always come back because it's so relaxing and you learn without the rush.enjoy the process of learning and that's art.Dont try to be a perfect artist there is no such a thing.just enjoy the process of learning in whatever lever you are and consider art as a whole.Thank you for all the videos you re doing a great work.💪

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks so much. I just try to dance to the beat of my own drum

[@smilemagickthundergrave]

Master drawings of stick figures! 😃This is timely as I've been struggling with proportions and thus seeking a simplified construction language for the figure. A loose & quick "box-body, stick-appendage figure" affords me a clear starting pointing from which I can confidently springboard into the anatomical elaborations. Yay! Thank You!

[@alphonsodunn]

This is a much easier step up

[@marsoelflaco5722]

People who know their craft make it look so very easy.👌🏽👍🏽

[@alphonsodunn]

You can do it too

[@k_otey]

crazy how the stick figures look so alive

[@k_otey]

9:03 i really like this stickman

[@alphonsodunn]

🙂

[@divinaevangelista2342]

😂tg​@@k_otey

[@AlexKahl]

Seeing a master of his craft using the simplest of techniques is REALLY inspiring! Thank you for this! Going to watch and draw with my daughter tomorrow who was really struggling with drawing lately. I sure she will be really inspired by this

[@alphonsodunn]

🙏

[@7775Kevin]

I smiled when I saw how active and expressive these little figures appear. This is a cool exercise. Thanks!

[@hamothemagnif8529]

Wow, this has been my go to method for dynamic figures for 15 years or so. I got the idea when watching Aladdin once and noticing how emotive Carpet was. Nice expiation and thanks for the history notes.

[@hamothemagnif8529]

One other note that can help with arms and hands: draw the hand where you want it, THEN draw in the arm.

[@jaswiki]

hey Alphonso, this approach to stick figures is actually not to far off from one of the ways old disney 2d animators drew their story boards or rough pencil tests. Whereby creating a shorthand for complicated figure shots, with lots of motion. It allowed them to quickly work out a sequence, so that actions were clear & changes could be made at any stage during the first draft before layout. Anyhow, this was a nice lesson for those looking to pose their figures while avoiding stiff poses, lack of dimension, or consistency. Good job 👍

[@alphonsodunn]

🙂

[@littlebighead4482]

your videos just have such a way of reaching me that no other art youtubers do, what a phenomenal teacher! got both of your books for christmas too and i love them! thanks for all you do! i feel like these guys would be perfect for thumbnailing, can't wait to try it out!

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks so much! I get lost when I do them

[@aesea57804]

Effective-and fun! The perfect combo for learning to happen. If it isn’t fun, I lose energy pretty quickly. Same thing if it isn’t effective. Thanks so much for this gift!

[@giorgioc6765]

OMG, just tried and in five minutes I got to draw some stick figures that really convey the idea I had in mind, amazing!!! THANK YOU!!!

[@alphonsodunn]

Awesome! Thats what I love to see!!

[@ronaldbell7429]

Terrific fun. I never think about stick figures as being expressive. But those were great.

[@alphonsodunn]

They really are

[@cpk001]

I haven't drawn anything in many years, and this has rekindled my love for drawing. Thank you

[@manthasagittarius1]

There is one thing I have yet to really "get", well, among many, but this one I really notice, and that is the illusion of a figure in motion or even off balance in which you really feel the weight of the body or its parts in space. Especially moving, as I say. When I see how even these stick figures look alive, I am beginning to recognize that this is the way to get back through the mass of those "weighted" figures to find the frame supporting and distributing it so it's not static.

[@robert_waltuh]

I figured out that coming up with a pose is super easy when you don't focus on details like proportion and muscles and such. Heck id go as far as say beginners should learn this first instead of the elusive gesture study

[@charleshoover4734]

This was a really great way to take the pressure off of drawing. Just super fun, just what is needed, but not wasting time. Thank you!

[@48king24]

This is my favorite lessons you’ve posted! Thanks.

[@alphonsodunn]

🙂🙂🙂

[@Moe_PeRo]

I'm looking for ways to make my language classes more fun and especially the whiteboard usage. I always try to use stick figures but it's difficult to get them moving. Your video really gave me a lot of inspiration and tools to draw them more vividly. I can't wait to practice and learn. Thanks Alphonso!

[@williebraxton1988]

Glad to see your back. Thanks for the video😊

[@alphonsodunn]

I’m here

[@Alexander42478]

this is great Alphonso, thank you for sharing this method, I am always interested in new ways to express action in my poses and this is about the best I’ve come across. Before, I was drawing with circles, but I think this method makes it quite a bit easier. Props dude!

[@Floyd-o7l]

You are a master! Simple, yet profound concepts.

[@Lwbxci]

Looks like a great way to conceptualize and master/internalized the fundamentals.

[@zylcjusz2344]

All these loose and great skatches should be published as a seperate sketchbook :) great video. As usual!

[@anacarr4795]

Great explanation! That’s why you’re the master. Thanks ❤

[@alphonsodunn]

You are too kind, but I’m glad it helps in some way 🙏

[@EllenWorth32]

Man, I learned a lot! And it seemed so simple, I didn't think I would. This can be applied to so much! Thanks, Alphonso!

[@Miracle7Seven]

I think I love these lil stick dudes… I might just try to draw more, and innovate and discover what I can do when I advance more! Thanks for helping me actually getting me to draw along with you, I’ve found something to “stick”, with for a while xD

[@LionofJudah7771]

Alphonso, you're by far and away my favourite teacher! I just ordered your 2 books and simply can't wait for them to arrive. And stick figures is just what I need! Thank you 😅

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks so much!🙂🙏

[@jackmatthews706]

Thank you, this is incredibly helpful and I am really looking forward to your new book!

[@alphonsodunn]

🙂🙏

[@Hepius]

Wow! What a great lesson. As a new artist I found it very inspiring. Even with my limited skills, I'm going to be able to give expression to my simple characters. I'm going to be creating a lot of stick-figure vignettes over the next few weeks. Thanks!

[@НатальяЕланцева-ш4ж]

thank you so much! it's just exactly what I've been looking for these days. I'm not an artist but need some graphics for my educational courses. Boring of using limited set of icons to illustrate them, and now I know, where to find unlimited source of icons!!! and it is also so much fun to draw them

[@FrancesFraser-wl1je]

Thanks once again for being so helpful and inspiring.

[@alphonsodunn]

The pleasure is mine. Thank you

[@jperry6779]

Thanks, Alphonso. I started drawing a comic strip a while back and, not being proficient in drawing figures, I just used stick figures with a capsule shaped head - The Pill Heads:) And, like you say, the more I drew the figures, the more expressive they became. I really like your suggestion to imagine the balance of the whole figure, as proportionally my figures had very long torsos and arms and very short legs. Hands and feet were merely one stroke turned this way or that. Good luck with your book!

[@alphonsodunn]

Theyre super fun!

[@SaraStevensonArtist]

❤ this & the little ah-ha’s I got. Great explaining, sometimes you just need to hear or see it a little differently Thank you for sharing.

[@roboclipto1091]

This is a fantastic tutorial! Thank you so much for this

[@caressegarcia]

This video came at just the right moment, thank you Alphonso

[@alphonsodunn]

🙂

[@DanceswithCoreans]

I couldn't agree more. He always inspires me when I'm at my furtherest from the last time I drew. Thanks, Alphonso!

[@Turkeysonmywindow]

thank you alphonso!! i was just copying from one of eg lutz's other books , (what to draw and how to draw it) in an effort to simplify my drawings, and this video comes at a great time. I think I will be using some of these stick figures for some illustration thumbnails!!

[@alphonsodunn]

Cant go wrong with E.G Lutz when it comes to simplification

[@elsiocostamascarenhas9948]

So much talent at explaining and drawing

[@PaintWithPencil]

Thank your for doing this video. So good to be reminded to keep it simple.

[@OpalInspired]

My goodness...Sooo clever and so useful an amazing way to make your figures more dynamic. Your talent is amazing (and yes you do make it look easy)❤❤❤❤

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks so much

[@kerriemckinstry-jett8625]

Huh. That's a lot more versatile than I would've thought it would be. Cool tip. Thank you!

[@alphonsodunn]

Glad its helpful

[@kerriemckinstry-jett8625]

@@alphonsodunn It is very helpful, thank you! I always thought of stick figures as more of a "rough out your composition" tool. Or as more for whimsy. 🙂

[@thedabblingwarlock]

Third book? This summer? Woo! Looks like I have something to ask for when I get asked what I want for my birthday. 😁 Okay, back to the stick figures!

[@growthreaper2867]

Mad respect for the inspiration Alphonso, I literally just shared a quick tutorial of my own on my WhatsApp after watching this...and I'm drunk as hell right now 👊🏾

[@parvezhusnoo8581]

Thank you. One word to describe you "genius"

[@walterchamberlain9052]

Great video. I got a lot out of it. Thank you for doing this.

[@TheJudeJane]

You are very talented and you havre beautiful hands.

[@esaurito2323]

Amazing tutorial. Thank you!!!

[@Felixxenon]

Good stuff! Gonna start doing this for sketches and composition

[@alphonsodunn]

Have fun

[@tomjoad8939]

I'm motivated by this video. Thank you!

[@alphonsodunn]

Niiice!

[@AndreaRaffellini]

Very very very inspiring

[@MegaTewa]

Your hands are just mesmerising

[@GaiaCarney]

Your little rectangle people are charming @alphonsodunn 🤗 Thanks for the inspiration

[@hallivard]

I always have time to learn from the great Alphonso Dunn!

[@alphonsodunn]

🙂🙏🙏🙏

[@jeffmoncrief1718]

Thanks for your help!

[@spacebeauty]

this is so so brilliant, thank you

[@shivanandgopie3059]

Amazing teacher, thanks.

[@krzyss8515]

Very smart, i'm impressed.

[@jamesgoel2256]

Looking forward to the next book! Keep up the great work.

[@alphonsodunn]

Will do, thanks so much

[@vstanick]

Love this, Alphonso!

[@alphonsodunn]

Thank you🙂🙏

[@JeanineDesigns]

Loved this! Learned a lot

[@alphonsodunn]

Very welcome 🙂

[@LambentLark]

You know what would be a fun exercise. Stick figuring screen shots of Dead Pool. 😃

[@Lwbxci]

I'm gonna do this for sure lol amazing stuff! 👏

[@Reggiedog98]

Great work!! Thank you!!

[@deanorton3745]

Another great video. I have both your book and workbook and learn so much from your videos. Some workshops would be awesome. Id be happy to fly from New Zealand 😂

[@alphonsodunn]

Haha Its about time get this passport active again. Would love to do one there too. Thanks so much.

[@mavericktheace]

This is brilliant and exactly what I needed! Thank you :)

[@alphonsodunn]

🙂🙏

[@MistyPursel]

This was fascinating! Thank you!

[@malahamavet]

what a coincidence! I was doing some stickman animations lately and wondered about other ways to simplify people in order to make crazy fight animations like the stickman ones or the madness animations were people have floating hands. I'll try drawing this stick figure and see if I'm able to make it do some simple movements

[@lemony3719]

This is so helpful! Thank you!

[@alphonsodunn]

🙂🙏

[@kingofepicnessx]

Glad to see an upload Alphonso! Really looking forward to your third book. Is this video an indication that your third book will focus more on the human form?

[@alphonsodunn]

It will focus on drawing 🙂

[@StirringsfromWithin]

Love it, thank you🙂

[@andreacomparini9381]

Great lesson! Waiting for your third book....

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks much! I’m super excited about it

[@marvinspates924]

I'm working on learning watercolor! But I am finding it very difficult to add simple figures! This looks like it might help! Do you teach a simple way to do figures with more roundness??? My figures look stiff like robots!!! I do understand view points, and 3d!!!

[@NevJamGalB]

excited for the new book, thank you for this video

[@alphonsodunn]

Thank you

[@regalisapertura]

Your stick figure sketches looks far more detail and alive than my rendered drawing.

[@sintaogame]

THIS IS SO FUN TO DO

[@BobLemagnifique-b7w]

Thx it was fun to creates and to try

[@kljljlklljlkj8925]

BRILLIANT!! 👍😃

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks much

[@Aritul]

This was so informative.

[@SusanHaumeder]

Great video. Thanks!

[@ShadyPencil]

hiya! which pen are ya using? great vid.. love your work!!!

[@alphonsodunn]

Tombow brush pen

[@rene7952]

Very nice 👍 Can u make a video to draw objects (cars, houses, smartphones...) like this? Regards René

[@alphonsodunn]

🤔 good idea, I’ll add it to the list

[@PlanetGirth]

Wake up babe new Alphonso Dunn video

[@alphonsodunn]

😂

[@cedricadougba324]

Thanks, GOD bless you.

[@alphonsodunn]

🙂🙏🙏🙏

[@ukesonparade534]

Great video!

[@funwithmadness]

Never underestimate the value of good stick figure!

[@Spitfireseven]

Wow! You sound a bit different to what you used to sound like. Not many artists go to the gym. This is a great video considering how many you have already. This is a good concept and pretty simple. Good to see your video.

[@alphonsodunn]

Not sure, could be the mic, or me lol.

[@Spitfireseven]

The mic is good but it doesn't pick up how much Nashville Hot Chicken and double cheeseburgers have gone down over the years. LOL!

[@meikoluvv]

I missed you vids ❤️

[@alphonsodunn]

Me too lol

[@raxo2007]

Wow great video

[@Antisympathy]

I thought you mentioned that you have a new pen and ink workbook however the link takes me to the book that’s been out…I don’t see the new book.🤔

[@alphonsodunn]

Are you sure? There are two links

[@sandipmukherjee6767]

Really Awesome❤ How to Know about this topic little More Deapth.

[@aicancino]

Excellent!

[@lobiethecartoonist5285]

next time someone says "I can't even draw a stick figure!" i'm sending them this video. fr tho, you make it look really fun

[@alphonsodunn]

Lol now they can do more

[@manikandanu2317]

Cool... Thanks a lot

[@ryanhowell4492]

That's so cool

[@alphonsodunn]

🙂

[@Trid3nt861]

Cool video Alphonso. I have your pen and ink book purchased from your Kindle store page on Amazon.

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks much 🙏

[@СейфСергиенко]

Thanks 🙏

[@AutumnExplorer]

Can you make more videos like this, breaking down the human figure into stick figures, gestures, blocks, etc. I know you're probably very busy, but it would be helpful to see someone really dig into this topic, how do beginner artists deconstruct and then reconstruct the figure? How does this go together with human anatomy and reference? The final step would be how to create these dynamic poses from imagination and not be a slave to reference? I see that on your website you have a course on pen and ink, but not human anatomy, figure drawing, perspective, or any other the other fundamentals of art, are you going to develop courses like that in the future? I'd pay for it over and over again...as long as all of the classes aren't 10-20 minutes of instruction for some extremely high price. I get that artists everywhere have to put food on their table and provide for their families, however that doesn't make it right to crank out some overpriced unpolished rushed course. I been on few sites with courses and yeah...very disappointing.

[@giroadster]

Fantastic

[@RoySamuel]

Reminds me of the illustrations in the Good news Bible