The Simple Way To Easily Capture a Likeness And Do Better Drawings Now

If you struggle with your proportions when drawing, then let me introduce you to the proportional divider. This simple tool can help you instantly be a better artist, but it can't help you if you don't know how to use it. Let me show you what it can do for you!
5:38 if you want to go directly to the drawing part and skip the proportional divider explanation
My favorite inexpensive photo reference source for sketching (affiliate link): gumroad.com/a/582971219
My artist website: www.SteveAtkinsonStudio.com
Proportional Divider: www.amazon.com/Accurasee-ACC-...
Strathmore Toned Tan Series 400 Sketch 80lb Paper: www.dickblick.com/products/st...
Track: Relax your mind - Free birds (Copyright Free Music by Ruesche-Sounds) Music provided by Copyright Free Music by Ruesche-Sounds.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Like this video? Want to buy me a coffee or a new tube of paint... or generally just support the channel? Now you can and it would be most appreciated. Once I reach my $1,000 goal, I'll be buying a second camera to record my mixing palette since it's the number one request I get. Cheers! www.buymeacoffee.com/steveatkinson

[@juliastensland4548]

The photo you used is of my Dad at Bannack. Our family enjoyed watching the photo being recreated into a drawing. Beautiful job!!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you Julia, I appreciate the compliment. I'm sorry that I didn't know your dad's name, I met so many reenactors that week at Bannack! He has such a great face and was a real pleasure to work with, please pass along my regards to him. I have lots of photos of him, some with him in this outfit, some of him as a prospector, which I'm planning on doing a painting of. If you would like, I can get you a print of the painting when I finally do it if you'd like. You can get in touch with me at [e-mail] and I'll let you know when that happens. Thanks again, Steve

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

@@anninriverside755 I did reduce the size of the brim to better fit onto the paper since I thought it was too large anyways. No one other than the people who watch my videos know or care about that. His nose is fine, even his family watched this and enjoyed it. But I'm always looking to learn, so I look forward to the video you post to show me how to draw correctly... can't wait!!!

[@chriswhitehouse8982]

I think the hat and nose looks perfect!

[@jackiegarroutte8970]

@@chriswhitehouse8982 ...I do too. It's an excellent drawing

[@jackiegarroutte8970]

@@anninriverside755 I dont see YOUR drawings posted....

[@everettwhite9874]

Good question and good response. I enjoyed watching you draw. Thanks for posting a helpful video. ❤️👍🏽

[@lydiagreenartandhorses]

I love my proportional divider, my drawings have improved immensely and so much easier to enlarge my drawings.

[@migalito1955]

Very nice demo. I am a retired mathematician that took up painting mostly floral and water landscapes in water color. I have been wanting to expand my horizons in to figurative painting and have been lazy about practicing prior to any real attempt because just by eye getting a good likeness out of my hand is laborious. I had never thought of the proportion divider and now after your video I am soon to buy one off of Blick art supplies. Thanks again, great demo!

[@mechanicalpants]

I really appreciate all the small details you give, like removing some materials from the paper before laying down another one that would conflict and muddy the drawing. And also how you explained the camera was off to the side a fair bit and squishing the horizontal plane for the viewer, because I was thinking it did look more narrow and it was great to get this explanaition.

[@karenjohnson6487]

Love the drawing. I hadn't heard or seen a proportional divider. Very cool. My dad used to say "do as I say not as I do" so that made me chuckle. I always enjoy watching you work. It is a great way to start my day. Thanks

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Karen! That's so funny, mine did too. Thanks for being such a great supporter of the channel, it means more than you know!

[@Pencil0fDoom]

Both of my parents are artists. I attended YEARS of life drawing. I went to the Academy of ART University. This video is the first time anyone told me about this indispensable tool. I’m utterly stunned. I should have invented it for myself... but I just... don’t get why...

[@debradeanne74]

I just found your channel and subscribed immediately. The proportional divider will help me a lot. Your drawings are FAB.

[@claireryan8074]

Wonderful process!! Thank you for sharing these insights!

[@j.difigliaartwork8102]

It would be great burning thru a day, a pot of coffee and painting with you in your studio That would be a great day in the life of aspiring artists everywhere. Glad I found your videos. Your the best!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you J. You're very kind. I'm glad you've become a Repeater!

[@tjduprey]

So much fun to watch! Thanks for taking the time to post.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

You're welcome TJ! I always have fun doing these and I'm so grateful that folks like you show up to watch. Happy Drawing!

[@arcuda2001]

Beautiful to watch !! Thank you so much

[@BasementPicasso]

Fantastic drawing. Really good atmosphere. Thanks for sharing

[@PaintingWithYovette]

I have one of those, but rarely use it. Now it is making a lot more sense. Very helpful Steve. Thank you. 💖 Should have added... I love this drawing! You are an excellent artist, speaker, and teacher!

[@Laurelsiemens]

Beautiful as always. I like the Mr. Rogers style "come along" moment 😂

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Oh, I totally didn't make that connection until you mentioned it, but maybe, just maybe, subconsciously that's where it came from, lol!

[@AlpayBeler]

Lovely work, video and narration. Thank you so much!

[@taylorvanbuskirk8040]

The proportional divider is a great tool. I never knew how to use one until you just demonstrated it. I need to get one.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

So glad to hear it makes sense now!

[@krisztinab.4958]

This is the case when the drawing is better than the original. Fabulous drawing. Thank you for sharing :)

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Such a kind thing to say, thank you Krisztina! And thanks for tuning in, let me know if it helps you in your art. =0)

[@nowotny1207]

Beautiful drawing Steve!! I love watching you draw - it is almost as if the face magically appears. The proportional divider is a very handy tool - I use it quite a bit. Love all your videos - keep ‘em coming! That sense of humor - it cracks me up every time!! Oh, and give Qween Boo and treat and a hug from me!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Aw, thanks nowotny1207, that's so good to hear, thanks for letting me know. And, I'll definitely give Boo a hug... just as soon as she wakes from her nap, lol.

[@jeanettegibbs9148]

Stunning!!

[@edwarnock4534]

Those divider are pretty amazing! I used to do alot of western art work. Most of the subjects were from memory and experiences. Usually I would make a small sketch and get the thing mapped out then move to draw it on larger drawing paper, watercolor paper or what have you. Every once in awhile I'd have trouble with enlarging the drawing and get the proportions right. Those dividers would have been the ticket!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

It's so true. I'm a big believer in using the tools that are available to us. Thanks for checking in!

[@karinmitschang9734]

Interesting, haven't seen that tool before, thanks for sharing 😃

[@lindabaker6034]

Really lovely. Always wondered what to do with this tool. I've had one for years.lol

[@vanitymarks8798]

I just found your channel. Your voice is so soothing. Thanks for your tips! I'll definitely be watching more.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Vanity, I'm still kinda new here and figuring it out. I appreciate your watching and the compliment! Draw On!!!

[@kendallnkrumah9962]

That’s a super amazing work. Love it!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hey, thanks Kendall!

[@LEADCHANTEUR]

You’re a great teacher. Keep up the good work!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you JP! 😃 Such a nice comment!

[@lebeccafrost9103]

Mountain Man drawing absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@Hummmminify]

I really enjoyed the session. You are a great pencil and charcoal artist. Not many like you around.

[@marionwigzell7334]

An awesome drawing. Love your drawing techniques :-) Marion

[@musicland5694]

Enjoyed your art work, I am going to get a proportional divider to improve my drawings, thank you so much.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

let us know how it goes for you music land. I believe you'll be pleasantly surprised. Also, I'm here to help if you have any questions along the way. Draw On!

[@michaelschrammel8800]

Maesto :) It was a pleasure to watch that video. Greetings from Slovakia

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Michael, thank you for the compliment. It's always gratifying to know it's helping. Hello to you from Prescott, Arizona, USA!

[@zonvas]

You have done it very nicely. I like the way you finished the basic drawing

[@-fiona-583]

Loved it !

[@tdamico9122]

Fabulous drawing Steve! Just found your videos and binge watched a few this morning... Wonderful content and well produced... Hope all is well!!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks for watching and welcome aboard T. ;0)

[@skipmcgripcunningham9897]

Absolutely fantastic! You are so talented. Very informative, and your voice is so relaxing. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this video.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it SkipMcGrip! And thank you for your kind comment, draw on!

[@petecolone5125]

My friend that is amazing. Very talented

[@artbyevangelos]

Fantastic ART-DRAWING!!!

[@sandragonz813]

What an amazing tool! Thank you so much for making this video! I'm definitely gonna pick one up :D You're also super talented and really endearing too! I enjoyed this all the way through, thank you so much!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you Sandy, I really appreciate the encouragement. More coming soon, a new one every week! Draw On!!!

[@zachampsonartist]

that was really fantastic information and presentation of it all! the video and the voice over is always done so well by you! thankyou for your channel and what you do!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks for making my day Zac! Happy Drawing!!

[@deborahmellor9743]

Oh my am I glad I found you not only are your tutorials really helpful you are a leftie like me. I struggle to learn from right handed artists everything is back to front to me. Anyway keep those videos coming. A big thank you from a very happy beginner over here in th UK

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Deborah, I'm so glad you find my videos helpful! I know just what you mean, I struggle mightily watching guitar teaching tutorials, since everything is backwards. Lefties unite! ;0) Best of luck with Brexit, we're all pulling for you!!!

[@jackiegarroutte8970]

Beautiful drawing! Excellent tutorial on prop. Divider

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks so much Jackie!

[@user-qe7vr1qb9g]

Awesome! Thank you..

[@aparnapatil8517]

Beautiful 😍👏

[@edgarallanpoe1822]

Love 💕 your work and sense of humour, man👍🏾😂

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks EAP! Love you writings and stories, especially Tell Tale Heart! 😉😁

[@deblosey811]

So nice to watch leftie. Enjoyed it so much!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Deb, yep there are lots of us at the easel. =0) Thanks for watching and for the kind thought!

[@robmart8255]

I wish I knew about that divider earlier. Thanks for explaining its uses.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

IKR?!? It's a wonderful tool, and artists have been using it for hundreds of years, so it's tried and true. Happy drawing!!

[@jean-louisviaud]

marvellous

[@lisa-sz8jj]

I'm so glad this channel was recommended 😄

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Me too sweeter spirits 7! I'm glad you liked it. I'm working on my next one now...

[@AnilKumar-do1sx]

GREATEST FINE ART MASTER IN THE WORLD. AND HE IS THE BEST EDUCATIONIST..

[@phyllislindeboom2944]

Wow! So good!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Phyllis, thank you so much!

[@ashleywells7074]

Love it!

[@terrianderson407]

Awesome work! Thanks for the tips. I will be watching regularly. Sagebrush Annie’s

[@BilboScotland]

Nice video, need to get me one of those---at present I sometimes use a pantograph but to use the pantograph you need a photo of whatever you are drawing---with this you can use in front of a subject

[@antolehuss5153]

sooooooo beautiful !

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks sooooo much!

[@Kattyxotica]

Very nice video. I like your friendly voice. I also appreciate you answering the viewer’s question, the information you gave is very useful.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Katya for the kind comment. Let me know if you have any questions of your own that I can take a stab at answering for you... Draw On!!!

[@madsingh]

this is beautiful

[@valasafantastic1055]

Glad to hear about this proportional divider thing! I will need to look into getting one! To enlarge accurately I've been doing a much more complicated method for years (I invented) with a scrap paper a ruler and a calculator. First I figure out the mathematical multiplier to enlarge, ensuring it will fit on the canvas or page correctly. Which I write on the scrap paper so I don't forget! Then I measure the reference with a ruler; using the calculator and multiply using the formula. Next I use the ruler on the enlarged drawing area and mark off the points. Also checking angles and relations as I go. Switching to free hand as much as reasonable. Much slower but accomplishes the same thing! I also use this techniques with my own original sketches, thumbnails or paintings/drawings I'm recreating at a larger scale. Very enjoyable and informative video! I have been loving tone paper as well! If in Canada I highly recommend the store Dollarama as it has small $4 travel tone tan kraft sketchbooks that have fantastic paper for such a low price! First video of yours I've seen and It made me want to pull out my similar tools and make a greyscale at large size.... Maybe I'll go get a proportional divider first! LOL Thanks for sharing.

[@Li_li1823]

W.... T..... F

[@TheJudeJane]

Good heavens! Get a proportional divider for the price of a sandwich.🙂

[@karenburns1907]

Super video!

[@deblosey811]

What a great drawing. It's so nice to watch a leftie.

[@tonyjones99]

This is amazing!!! Many thanks.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Tony... I appreciate that!

[@wickedways1291]

Brilliant and beautiful talent.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you, you're very kind! and thanks for watching!!

[@wickedways1291]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt VW

[@gidanasser4956]

Art is great fun I love it

[@rosemaryreed1226]

You definitely have the style of Divinci. Very nice

[@alphanumericskeptic]

I never knew that freehand portrait artists used a proportional devider to help them get the proportions correct. I always believed that it was done purely from their own senses and skills. Interesting video. Thanks for sharing it.

[@agfagaevart]

they don't all use these tools. most use their skill and THEIR EYES!!

[@alphanumericskeptic]

@@agfagaevart senses = eyes. Wouldn't you agree?

[@awesomewater6786]

Love it ... brilliant :)

[@jamestierney7123]

Great Job !

[@lou196t]

Nice job. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for the entertainment along the way as well. ;-)

[@marcusaurelius1477]

This thing works ! 😁

[@tombryan720]

Learning as I watch. Proportion divider

[@RuescheSounds]

Great drawing... And thanks for using my music. 😉

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hey, this is the first time that a creator of the music I've put in one of my videos has reached out. Now I can tell you how much I appreciate what you do, and your willingness to allow people like me to use your creations for free. If it wasn't for copyright free music, I'd have to break out my old trumpet, and NOBODY wants that! Cheers, Steve

[@RuescheSounds]

Thank you for your praise ... I like to produce music, and also very much. Some things can be bought, and I like to put other productions here for free. But I always look for videos in which my music is used and look at them. So thanks a lot for using and sharing my music. 😀👍 And good luck with your channel. 😉

[@georgefield3909]

@@RuescheSoundsnon

[@equesdeventusoccasus]

With so many people trying to get paid for every little thing that they can, it's nice to know that there are still some people who remember that we are all a community that is in this thing called life together. I thank you for your music.

[@RuescheSounds]

Thank you very much! 😉

[@c0unt_]

its beautiful.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you Rahul!

[@colinreid325]

Particularly grateful for this video Steve as I've only just been able to get a proportional divider like you use in the States, I did get a Derwent one some time a go but they're not very good, pointers far too big, and very slack. Thanks again and also for your other videos.

[@elflordsjourneys]

Just found your channel,your an amazing artist,I have always drawn freehand ,mostly landscape watercolors but have recently tried portrats,I think one of these would help me greatly.😀

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you! Let me know if you try it and how it works for you. Paint on!

[@mariavarga863]

Lovely drawing! ☺️👍

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you so much Maria!

[@margaretlynch1494]

Thank you!

[@jmargarita50]

Thank you very helpful tip

[@tweetshortcakez9457]

I'm so glad I found your videos you have such a pleasant voice & sweet way of teaching. I've been drawing since I was 3 but I lost my touch cus I've stopped at 12 cus my mom didn't let me take the Disney job that was being offered to me so I just stop cus I was to hurt to go on. But when my children started drawing it encouraged me to start back up as the year pass I'm ok but it seems I can't get as good as I was then this is much helpful. I can't wait to show my children your videos for more inspiration for us all. Thanks for sharing 👍 😊

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Steve Atkinson Fine Art What a great and kind comment, I thank you for that! I'm glad to hear you're getting back to it. Before you know it you'll be better than you were before. And what a gift you're giving your kids! Welcome to the channel TSC!!!

[@tweetshortcakez9457]

@@SteveAtkinsonFineArt I hope so & thanks 😊

[@ScottThigpen]

love your use of white in your charcoal. Subscribing to your channel, these are great!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Scott, glad to hear you like what I'm doing and have subscribed...Welcome to the club, Repeater!!!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

The DPR merchandise is here! Many of you have been asking for t-shirts or coffee mugs with cool designs for the channel, so I created some that I'll soon be wearing in my videos from time to time. Actually, it was just an excuse to get another coffee mug for myself! There are also stickers and a tote bag to let the world know you're a "Repeater". Along with a gentle reminder to Draw Paint and Repeat every day... teespring.com/stores/draw-paint-repeat-store

[@MaZEEZaM]

This is the first of your videos I have seen, Thanks for it, I have previously tried to use a proportional divider but because I was trying to create the picture from scratch using the divider measurements I found I just couldn't work that way but you have shown me that I can work as a hybrid in that I can draw my rough sketch and then to correct the proportions using the divider :D Cheers from Australia

[@xDwightKurtSchrutex]

. . . . . . ..

[@1969kbl]

Gorgeous ❤️

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks KatrinaB!

[@petersmith1840]

amazing

[@mindofwatercolor]

ooo, I like that cool coffee cup. I know, I'm easily distracted by inconsequential stuff. Would have also thought you might have abandoned your shaving since the theme was gnarly old mountain men, that said you clean up nice my friend! Superb job as usual Steve! I love the historic mountain man period re-enactors. I have a couple mountain men paintings myself (of the eastern variety), 18th century colonial militia specifically. I'm always so inspired by your charcoals. All your work of course but something about the expressiveness of your charcoal work that really speaks to me. I want to share this video on my facebook page for my viewers particularly for the proportional divider info. Thanks buddy!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks so much Steve-O, I really appreciate the share! When I lived in Minneapolis and started painting historical subjects, I painted mountain men (Jeremiah Johnson was my favorite movie for a long time), and fur trappers, since there was so much history of it in Minnesota. I LOVED going to the rendezvous that were held in the area and getting my reference from the men and women who dressed in period dress. I learned so much about the history from them and love it to this day. Of course the grizzled old mountain man in this drawing was just a romantic notion of what they would have looked like. Rarely did they live this long, right? Thanks buddy!

[@climbingtrash]

Is that a Red Coyote cafe coffee mug?

[@laurahearne7402]

You are a terrific teacher, so kind and so giving. You don’t mention it but you are left handed which is a great inspiration to me, as I always have been criticized and found some difficulty with wet mediums as I tend to drag my hand through my work. Keep DPRing for us! Laura Hearne

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

What a great comment to wake up to, thank you Laura! I really love doing these videos and helping aspiring artists is so rewarding. Here's the dirty little secret about teaching... It's making me a better artist along the way because I have to stop and think about what I'm doing, why I'm doing it and if I can do it better in the future. Thanks for being a Repeater!!!

[@laurahearne7402]

Draw Paint Repeat you asked what we want to work on. My Dad passed away three years ago. His last years were so painful I don’t want to remember him that way. I have a number of old photos and hope to make a portrait of him for my mom. Any thoughts. The few photos I have cover a lot of years, but if figure his essence might be possible to capture Any tips would be greatly appreciated. I plan to spend a lot of time drawing. I love your humor and optimism!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Laura, I would recommend trying to find that one photo you have that does two things. First, it needs to have enough detail to be useful. Don't use a tiny photo that's sort of blurry. That way lies frustration. Second, it needs to have the best representation of his personality (or essence) as you want to portray it. Trying to get that quality from your memory or several photos is extremely challenging for me. Have a print done that's cropped to how you want to paint it so that you can see all of the details. Then you can choose to grid it or use the proportional divider to get an accurate drawing. That's how I'd recommend you do his portrait... best of luck to you, and enjoy the process. If the first one doesn't look like him, scrap it and start again until you get one you're happy with! Draw on!!

[@laurahearne7402]

Draw Paint Repeat many thanks for you advice and encouragement! Teach on!

[@colinreid325]

When I first glanced at your subject, I thought it was the late, great John Muir, you can take the man out of Scotland but you can't take Scotland out of the man. 😎

[@harpo627]

WOW!! What an amazing drawing. So much character, detail and the light and shadows are amazing. Thank you for sharing. I'm not sure this video should have "Simple and easy" in the title though. !

[@montanaphoto]

Really enjoyed this!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you Donna!

[@glendapace8047]

Wow!!!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks Glenda... I appreciate your enthusiasm!!!

[@wallflips]

Great drawing!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thank you Veselin, I appreciate it!

[@rosemaryclark610]

that's a cool tool! I imagine it could be used for pretty much anything, including landscapes with animals, etc in it. Or architecture too, like old barns etc. I'll have to get me one of those!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Hi Rosemary, it's such a great help to get things right, right off the bat. Let me know how it goes! Thanks for watching...

[@umeramir]

Thank you Steve :)

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

You're very welcome Umer, and thanks for watching... I sure do appreciate it!

[@leinardesteves3987]

Oooooooooh that's what it's used for. My cousin gave me a lot of tools when I went to college but no one taught me what this tool is lol

[@brianashmorestudio]

Loved this!! Such a gorgeous drawing and fantastic video!! I really appreciated hearing what you do considering models, payment, contracts, etc, as well. Sorry to not follow you over to the drawing pad, right away. I must have zoned out for a second or two. Oh well, gotta go find my baby, gonna hold her tight.... Dang it, Steve!!!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

STOP IT! STOP MAKING ME LAUGH. I MEAN IT! Milk almost squirted out my nose.

[@bevradd6800]

Thank you, this was helpful, I get frustrated sometimes with proportions. The distance of something should be the right proportion compared to a subject that is closer also.

[@jeffhreid]

Excellent video.thanks

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks jeffhreid! I hope it helped and inspired you to pick up that pencil ;0)

[@catherinelevison3310]

First time for me too. This is excellent work. Very talented. For viewers, I wanted to say that this video may work for you better if you change the playback speed to 1.5 faster than normal ----- I found that to be the perfect speed. You’ll find that in the upper right corner under the ellipses.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Thanks for the suggestion Catherine! Much appreciated.

[@Ramesh_009]

Superb sir

[@leilamarialamon6397]

I love the country life. The dawing is awesome.

[@gidanasser4956]

I love art

[@taylorvanbuskirk8040]

I'm like you, I ALWAYS what to start putting in the detail like...RIGHT NOW!!! LOL!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

IKR?!? ;0)