FIRST STEPS for DRAWING NEWBIES

[@deannakent600]

Best explanation of pencils grades that I've seen.

[@drawwithmike]

Thanks, Deanna. I like to know how things work, so I can understand them better, And I hope that helps you too.

[@hikingwiththedog6078]

I'm a relatively experienced artist, and I find your videos most helpful. You get down to the root of things and build genuine understanding. Thanks so much for being here!

[@drawwithmike]

When I wrote "Drawing from Line to Life" I found I had to analyse the way I worked. Then I planned to write a second book, but video does the job so much better. In the meantime, I continued to try to work out why X seems to work and Y doesn't, and why Z works better than both. And because my experience was mainly in drawing animals, which can be quite complex, I actively sought ways to break everything down until it became at least manageable. It's a personal thing, I suppose, but knowing WHY something achieves a logical and controllable effect or result makes it so much more useful. Thanks for your comment. I really appreciate it... because maybe I'm not alone in thinking that way :)

[@wendyashby4402]

Hi Mike...years ago I took a course from you in Yellowstone. I couldn't seem to get my head around exactly what you were trying to teach mainly the negative drawing. Now when I see this email from you, you have peaked my interest for a second time and I am going to pull out your wonderful book to read once again. With these beginner you tubes, I may be able to do it. I just loved your teaching and your work. You were an amazing teacher back then. It wasn't you, it was all me. So I am going to try again. Cheers Mike.

[@sheilasinghal2922]

I've always avoided hard pencils because I don't like the light, hard lines. It never occurred to me to consider the difference between the smooth and grainy effects of various pencil grades, as you showed in the sky vs. mud of your drawing. I will have to start playing more with all my pencils, and love the idea of the little test boxes. Your test boxes look as silky as watercolours (the idea of paying attention to the gaps is genius). I already know my boxes will be ugly, but what a fun exercise. 😊

[@drawwithmike]

You really do need to use the hard grades too. That said, 99% of the time I only use 2B, HB (or F), and 2H. Do try the exercises - I use them in my courses at Drawspace.com - because practice makes perfect. And the gaps? Removing those, and pinholes, is essential. In other videos, I show you the effect they have. Just a dusting of little white holes will drastically reduce the intensity of the dark you're intended to draw. The human eye will see the dark and the white and read an average, lighter, value.

[@sheilasinghal2922]

@@drawwithmike Thanks so much. This is such helpful additional information. And thank you for your generosity in sharing your knowledge with us. I will definitely be taking your online courses once I can free up a bit of time to focus on my drawing. 😊

[@joannsmith9]

Very helpful for beginners ie myself.

[@drawwithmike]

Thanks, because it's you they were made for. 😉 I have over 50 of these videos at DrawWithMike.net, I run drawing courses at Drawspace.com, and you'd find my book "Drawing From Line to Life" very helpful too. Details of all at SibleyFineArt.com.

[@howardmceachern6614]

Great job and I can't wait to receive your book so I can get started on my journey.

[@drawwithmike]

Thanks, Howard! You should receive it in a few days - we ship US orders from Texas. And you'll find these videos fit right in. They're based on my Drawspace.com courses that were based on the book - so everything ties together :)

[@lvbailey1]

❣️

[@drawwithmike]

Thanks for the encouragement :) I'll post more as soon as I can, but I'm busy making other videos for my website at present.

[@melanieopperman6688]

Is drawing from line to life available in South Africa? Your work is so beautiful.

[@drawwithmike]

Yes and No :) As I'm both author and publisher, all orders come back to me. I ship worldwide. Just go to sibleyfineart.com/pencil-drawing-book.htm, click Order now, and then select South Africa as your location. The form will price itself up for you. Point to any value, and you will see a close approximation to the value in Rands.

[@melanieopperman6688]

@@drawwithmike thank you so much Mike - that is great news I will have a look. Hooray for today

[@drawwithmike]

@@melanieopperman6688 I forgot to mention it will be a PERSONALLY SIGNED copy you'll receive :)

[@melanieopperman6688]

@@drawwithmike oh wow. That is so unexpected I so admire your work.