The BEST ART TOOL You Didn't Know YOU NEED (and how to use it)

[@dmarino1266]

Yes, a video on the proportional divider please. Love your videos. Have learned so much. Thank you.

[@LeslieStroz]

I’ll get on it! 😊

[@StephenThorley]

I have a proportional divider, but I never thought to use it for checking angles. Great advice thanks.

[@sandyreece3004]

Wow that helped slot thanks.

[@pedrotome9119]

Amazing!! All your text mirrors my opinion too. This wonderful lady is a high level teacher, with all the characteristics you mentioned, that makes a top level teacher. I am so happy that I've found her today!!!! ❤❤❤

[@janetcaffray4263]

Have been looking for a good tutorial on using a proportional divider - would love one!

[@Jen-cx9sf]

Oh my goodness, I am a retired cardiology physiologist and I have a set of callipers I would use when measuring for various electrical issues in a patient’s heart on the ECG!!!! This is great now I will use them for art!!! Fabulous, thank you so much!!!!

[@LeslieStroz]

How awesome that you can repurpose a useful tool from your former career. 😊

[@Jen-cx9sf]

@@LeslieStroz Truly is!! I can’t wait to start! 😃

[@MossyMozart]

I have one, too, from RN days.

[@tyham726]

My nursing EKG calipers is too small to be used for the art work beyond the small sized sketchbooks. So, i went to an art store and bought a bigger one (6 inches) today.

[@denkerdunsmuir3370]

@@tyham726 The hardware stores sell calipers and caliper sets. I prefer the one like the artist used here in this video because the hardware stores have a screw mechanism that you have to use to adjust the arms. That's not a level of precision I want because the calipers are meant for me to learn to eyeball correctly and to check my calculations b4 committing my time to drawing disproportional objects.

[@garyseabolt]

I've been using dividers since the mid 80s. I was introduced to them in drafting class in high school. It is a tool which is in all drafting kits. This was a time when blueprints were still done by hand before computer aided drafting was introduced. We were taught to use them in different but similar ways to the ones shown in this video. They are usefulful for geometric construction, drawing polygons, bisecting angles, transferring measurements as well as the use it was named for which is dividing lines into equal segments. Proportional dividers are used to scale measurements up or down in drawings. I adapted dividers to art in many of the same ways as in the video. I also have a few other drafting items I use for drawing such as circle templates, French curves, drafting triangles, and flexible rulers, among other things. One big trick I developed is using a compass (used for drawing circles) as dividers. just replace the lead with another metal point and you have a set of dividers which can be adjusted very accurately and you never have to worry about accidentally changing the measurement. It's also helpful having several pairs of dividers or compasses so you can set different ones to different measurements to repeatedly use throughout the drawing without having to reset them or worry about absentmindedly using the wrong measurement.

[@conniepothas9760]

Thanks

[@LeslieStroz]

Wow!! Sounds like you need to make a video about all that for us! 😊 I WISH my art classes had covered all of those things, but I learned it the harder, longer way.

[@lady_id.dixiet_dixt]

​@LeslieStroz. Yes you, like so many of us, learn it the harder and longer way but guaranteed we'll never forget it right? LOL. I got one in a artist pencil kit a friend gifted me several years ago but I didn't know what to do with it or how to use it properly. Thank you for the presentation. This will help me so much. I struggle with my proportions and I think this wonderful tool will give me more confidence. I will be looking forward to viewing the video for the sizing tool you mentioned.❤

[@Harkart59]

I packed one of these around for 5 years and ended up giving it away because I didn't know why I had to have it at school. Now it seems I could actually use it after 43 years😅 Thank you.

[@ErinStine-f1p]

I just learned SO much more from this single video than probably all the other art videos and tutorials I've seen about how to get your proportions correct combined. And I've watched A LOT of them... I can't believe that I've never seen a divider used in any of those tutorials! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! 💜💜💜💜 You are a wonderful teacher 💜 and thank you for introducing me (yet again) to another invaluable tool to add to my trusty little art kit 😊 You have introduced me to a few of my favorite art supplies that are now must have's! The molotow pen, which is SUCH a game changer. It's so much more convenient, not to mention I no longer need to sacrifice a paintbrush fussing with a jar of masking fluid 😊 I also hand made my own version of your Sendak after I watched the video you made about it, and although mine's not quite as nice as yours, I really enjoyed making it and it has been quite handy as well 😊 I absolutely ADORE your artwork and your channel! Thanks again for making such great content!! 💜💜

[@Robot007]

I have one in my tool box, but I never used it. Now I know what it is for. Thank you for such a great video. Also, thank you for not having music during your instruction. I love it!

[@StephenLeaSheppard]

Every single geometry kit I ever bought as school supplies in primary school had one of these in them, and I never knew what they were for. The compass was obvious -- you use it to draw circles. But the thing that's like a compass with two points and no place to put in a pencil? Nobody I knew, including teachers, ever had any idea. Thanks!

[@ahab2544]

I have a small divider from my school days, which I never used then. But over the past few years, I have started using this tool to check proportions, and this is one of my favourite and most helpful tool.

[@LeslieStroz]

Yes! It’s an incredibly helpful little assistant. 😊

[@sararamer-dean7846]

Thank you! This is exactly what I needed, because I struggle with angles on buildings, etc.

[@LeslieStroz]

It’s really great for checking angles!

[@-MEL16-A.O.C]

Same the roof are my nightmares 😊

[@lorrie6736]

Yes, a video on proportional divider please

[@sarahmitchell9247]

Oh please a video on the proportional divider would be so helpful!

[@bonenfant96]

The best tutorial on proportions I've seen so far. Thanks.

[@patbird9694]

Thank you for sharing Leslie. Your students are lucky to have you. You sound so kind and caring.

[@rachelmarney4138]

This is going to become my coping mechanism x Thankyou so so much .If you can imagine my BPD Diagnosis, Then finding out the only life illness with no end? This Art is Resprite for a Therapeutic hour to give my natural mind some Balance and be normal thinking for the rest in Art rejuvenates my brain. This gives me a little time to remember memories so Endearing in my life. DEPRESSION can mask over one's past pre Diagnosis life's wonderful memories, reappear and just reminds us ....We are strong and BPD illness can not take away the Beautiful mind I had. So Art Resprites ones natural mind& Relives room to smile and not totally forget who you are.Once were. Your always the Wonderful you. That's important to remember. YOUR LOVED ONES NEVER LET YOUR ILLNESS FOG SUCH LOVE. XXX Clementine Croft

[@rayvirgoe7231]

It's great you showed many ways to use the divider. I use it to find my centers. Keeping perspective and proportion is critical, otherwise you begin to exaggerate what you draw. Thanks for the tips. 😊

[@pjlewisful]

love your voice and clear way of speaking. I prefer the proportional divider as it allows for making things larger or smaller as well as same size but can see how handy and portable the little one is.

[@sharonsunshine2532]

This was so helpful... I had forgotten so much. I still have my two from college also. My art instructor thought it was important too. I only remembered a few days ago and rummaged through my old art supplies. I suppose life just got in the way of something I really enjoyed? Not feeling well and just rambling.

[@LeslieStroz]

Oh no, I hope you’re feeling better soon! I think we all let hobbies slip away when life gets busy. But they are so much fun to return to. 😊

[@ericsprouse4549]

Ha! Just added my EKG calipers to my watercolor travel set! I am a critical care nurse, but haven’t used them in quite some time. Now I have a new found use for them and I’m totally excited! Thank you for this great hack. Love your videos, you now have a new subscriber ❤ Cheers, Eric

[@dennismitchell5276]

Old school draftsman and artist. I keep the dividers close, but 90% of the time I use the point to poke holes, dig out splinters, scratch lines....

[@racheladkins6060]

Most dividers were used to plot coordinates on a map by captains on sailing ships, haven’t you seen old films about sailing ships where the captain is filmed in his cabin looking at a map and using dividing tools.

[@LeslieStroz]

Yes, I do know that. 😊 Most of the nautical ones are slightly different though. I think there are many uses for them on many different fields (art, architecture, nautical, medical, etc).

[@debbieretzlaff2912]

This was so informative! The divider was a required tool in a design class I took in art school in 1975 but was never used! Thank you for such an informative tutorial❣️

[@LeslieStroz]

So I’m not the only one who had to buy it and then wasn’t given instructions. 😅

[@glenda7921]

I ever thought about using this for angles. And yes, please make a video on the proportional divider, I’m lost on what exactly that adjustable “button” in the middle actually does, I can’t seem to see any writing or number8ng to indicate scale multiples? 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@LeslieStroz]

Some of them are so fiddly and cheaply made that they are more ceremonial than useful! I’ll make a video about them soon. 😊

[@angelawilliams4644]

This has been the most helpful video!! Thank you for posting. I’m ordering that tool now.

[@LeslieStroz]

I’m so glad it helped! It’s my secret weapon for teaching drawing. 😊

[@jorgebarbikane6846]

En castellano: compás de punta seca. En un compás de dibujo común se suele incluir la punta seca entre los accesorios.

[@Mamounalaframboiz]

Thank you very much ! Very helpful, particularly for the angles for me. And yes for a video on proportional divider. Thank you thank you

[@ashleybravin]

This was so helpful, thank you, Leslie! I would love to see a video on the proportional divider as well!

[@EnglishwithAlan]

excellent. I always wondered what that tool was for. and as someone who struggles with proportions, this may be just the thing I need. thanks so much.

[@LeslieStroz]

I hope it helps! 😊

[@gennydavidsonsmith85]

You are a woman after my own heart. I measure things within an inch (excuse the pun) of their life, but I’ve always used a good old fashioned ruler and set square. I do have this tool in my drawer, but have never known how to use it. You have just changed my life, so thank you!

[@ralphhenderson5276]

Eye-opening! I’ve never seen one of these demonstrated before.

[@sharondenomme-adams4988]

This is a great tutorial on how to use the divider. This is my go-to AND I must express to you how I appreciated how YOU use it. I was not using my divider to its fullest potential. Thankyou.😉

[@LeslieStroz]

You’re so welcome! I’m glad I could introduce some extra features for you. 😊

[@blessed4ever2012]

Hello and good evening. Please make a video about the proportional divider.😊

[@guysolis5843]

I have yet to see the rest of your video but do you realize that your hands are a work of art? So capable, experienced and expressive...so much so and your voice adds to my observation...excuse me as I rewind and concentrate harder in an attempt to move all that aside so I could take in what you're saying, dear..I would find it comforting to hear you as you read aloud to me...that won't happen so I sit, in my own reality, happy you exist..

[@Mikeshawtoday]

Thank you, Leslie. A game changer. I've had one saved since high school, and never used it in all these decades. Can't wait to start using it. Much appreciated!

[@cedricbousse8033]

Thank a lot for this demonstration,, your voice is calm, instructive and its cool

[@clairecayson7053]

Thank for sharing another tool for expanding my issues of perception so grateful and all grace and blessing all the other artist watching this incredible girt grab the joy and thanks beyond thanks. Blessings

[@RodneyLeRoy-m2f]

I was given a divider years (decades) ago and finally know how to use it. Wonderful because I struggle with proportion. Thank you. I'll start working with it!!

[@ICR68]

I've drawn since being a young child, and this video is one of the best lessons ever. Please do one on the proportional divider!

[@raginisinghify]

Plz make a tutorial for making a view finder ❤. And do you use the same view finder for larger scaled drawings ?

[@LeslieStroz]

I have some short videos showing how to use it but I can do a more in depth one. 😊

[@-MEL16-A.O.C]

Hello if you check on her videos she explains how to make one from cardboard if I remember well 😉

[@raginisinghify]

@@-MEL16-A.O.C Oh I need that one itself. But I am not able to find it. 🥲 Can you plz link it ?

[@-MEL16-A.O.C]

@@raginisinghify kzbin.info3cEthBH40MI?si=BrrtumrzIic4JVrJ

[@-MEL16-A.O.C]

@@raginisinghify that this one 😉 Enjoy 😊

[@BCSpecht89]

I have used both a standard divider and a proportional divider in my drawing for many years. Along with my electric eraser, they are among the most useful tools in my sketch box. Well done.

[@kevincage1641]

I don't know where to begin. So much information. I never would have thought about introducing tools in my renderings, much less concerning how to use them. Thanks very very much.

[@bluemonqi]

Thank you for the calm and clear explanation, am so happy to have a way to check angles and proportions!

[@smithjohn383]

That is absolutely genius. And apparently I have to get three of those. One to keep track on proportions in the original, another one to do the same for the drawing that is not scaled 1:1 to the original, and the third for the angles.

[@michelleschaefer9545]

So much useful information! I've saved this video for references. Thank you recognizing people might need this ❤

[@Rhonda.D.Wright]

Amazing tutorial for me as a beginner. I look forward to learning more from you. TFS. 😊

[@tomrees4812]

I have a nice simple brass pair which was part of a drafting set my dad bought about 100 years ago. I have used them occasionally to check proportions but I always felt it was cheating! Mad. I never thought about using them for checking angles but I did bolt a couple of small steel rulers together to perform the same task, but again I thought I was cheating and would just hold my pencil up. I hope this tutorial has convinced that part of me that it isn’t cheating andI should start using them regularly.

[@Brainalicious]

We need to get out of the mindset of viewing useful tools and techniques that simplify some of the tedious processes of art as cheating. The divider is a tool just like your pencil is a tool. Do I use the mode presets on my cameras in some situations? Why, yes I do. Do I use white with my watercolors? Why yes I do. Gouache, gel pen, acrylic paint pen... All tools that help you create the unique image you have in mind. Even tracing is a valuable tool. Regardless of how you get those reference points down on your surface, that's still just the beginning. You have to know your brush techniques. You still have to know how to create the illusions of texture. You still have to know how to depict transitions and blend. You still have to know how much water to put on the paper, how much pigment, how much to load your brush. If you're doing line art, you still must know how to crosshatch, stipple, and use lines to show textures, shadows, shape and depth. Give each person the same simple outlined subject on a sheet of paper and tell them to complete the picture and you get all kinds of end results based on skill and individual style.

[@KateColors]

This was very helpful. I've had one of these things since I was 12! My Dad had an "extra." He was a Master Electrician. He sent my sister and I to Singer Dressmaking School that summer where we became certified as Tailors. I've also acquired a couple more in drawing kits I've purchased. So, now I understand their usefulness. Mine will be passed down to my sons and grandsons (with instructions). Thank you.

[@cluelesspotterclod]

Very useful tool and info on how to use it. thanks and yes to showing us how to use the other tool you showed in the beginning of the video.

[@LeslieStroz]

Will do! 😊

[@maryaltabev5275]

A lifetime mystery solved! 😊 thank you so much

[@veronicadavila3180]

I love the idea of using dividers to improve your drawing techniques. Thank you!

[@LeslieStroz]

You’re welcome! 😊

[@musfirartistic]

Thank you!!! You just solved a supposed life time mystery to me by making this wonderful video. Thank you so much. God bless ❤❤❤

[@danbailey8182]

I have used the same basics you have outlined for leather work, wood work, art etc. My buddy uses dividers for navigation on this boat. This could be the greatest most useful tool since the wheel.

[@totallyfromearth]

Thanks! I knew about everything but how to take angle measurements. Game changer!

[@JM-jd7yp]

This is brilliant; such a useful and important tool. Why aren't we all taught this in school. Thank you soo much for posting this and I wish you well.

[@sjfsr]

I've been drafting/sketching for decades, and I agree: the divider tools are definitely necessities in any drawing/drafting kit.

[@leehaslehurst3482]

Great video it makes it look sooo much easier like others have had one for years, tried to use it but gave up, will go and get it out now, thank you so much.

[@retiredartistnowMD]

I used this as ecg caliper divider yet I used it for art while growing up❤🎉so happy to see this video

[@debbiemartin9005]

Wow, who knew that this could be so helpful. Thank you so much for making this video.

[@gowrikumarperumal7032]

I came across so many u tube videos and bought many courses but no one explained about this device n how to use it.Thank you so much

[@johnnygilroy5213]

After finishing the 7th grade of school at the age of 14,I studied at a Trade School (for 3 years)to become a Turner of Metals.We used the tools shown above to draw Technical Drawings:)

[@TerraCorvusEntertainment]

So mindblowingly simple. I have one of these but never knew what I ment to do with it. Only cept it because it belonget to my grandfather. Why did i never get that idea myself? this is briliant. Thank you so much for this video! 😍

[@LeslieStroz]

I’m happy to help! I’m glad you can now use yours. 😊

[@BrazenSpirituality]

Thank you for packing one video with so much useful information!

[@jlinaz2522]

I enjoyed your video of all your pastels. I watched your studio tour and have saved CD drawers for my art supplies. It’s a good idea. I also have the Derwent Artbars and haven’t used them. I would be interested to see you use them. My favorite pastels are the soft ones. I have a Schmincke set and tried a few good sets from Dakota Art Supplies. I also have tried the Mungyo Artists Oil Pastels and they are very soft & creamy.

[@gwenanderson1914]

Ive just found you and your content is amazing! Thanks so much - this one in particular was so helpful!

[@ladyflimflam]

I have my dad’s drafting set from his college career in the 1960s. It includes lots of things that are helpful in my art practice.

[@ILoveFountainPensCdn]

This is very helpful! Thank you! I’d love a video on the proportional divider.

[@lisaharner3720]

Great information! My drawings sometimes seem a little off once finished. I use the pencil/finger method but as you’ve said, once you move your finger, you’ve lost the measurement. Love the angles trick. I think I have one of my dad’s that will be handy for my drawing class.

[@LeslieStroz]

That’s perfect! It’s always nice to have inherited art supplies. 😊

[@davecolumbus8014]

I've had this tool in my possession for years but never understood what it was and how to use it. Thanks for the explanation.

[@wendyhughes2234]

This is a very useful bit of information. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@radharcanna]

Very useful tips here. I’ve owned dividers for years but never really knew what they were for!

[@bonetascholz999]

Thank you for pointing out this tool, it is just what I needed and I Had one in the drawer.

[@rcannonp]

I bought a Keuffel & Esser compass set at a pawn shop a while back and always wondered about that tool. Now that I know how to use it, I’ll have to fish it out of the closet and put it to use.

[@rodrod5000]

Wow.... some of my angles were pretty off. Wonderful to be able to address this. Thank you.

[@wendydevine5891]

Thank you for sharing. I to have the same tool from art school and forgot how to use it.

[@pinkangel2393]

Omg i did not know this ! Definitely will be getting one of these! Thanks for this information ❤

[@johnmorrison3465]

this was a great and very helpful video for me. i don't draw though, i am a 3d artist. one of the hardest things to do is make a 3d object from a single 2d image -- especially poses of people. this is going to help immensely, and save hours. i'll be able to mark the reference image with the divider to get reference points that will help scale and rotate to the right position. thanks.

[@gavinreid2741]

I remember these from school. An item found in a basic geometry set.

[@SewHealthyWithDiane]

I’ve never heard of them being called anything but calipers, and I haven’t used one at work in over a decade (at the hospital we measure using computers now). I never thought of using it as a tool to help with my drawing proportions! 💛

[@Cheseafaith]

Thanks for this video! I’ve been waiting to see this explained.

[@LeslieStroz]

My pleasure! I’m glad it helped. 😊

[@sherrym.2413]

I bought the scale tool but haven't used it. Would like to see a video on how to use it. I'm enjoying your channel, ty

[@PENcilitis]

Thanks for the very informative video. I like you was encouraged to buy one in an art class, but it was never included in the lessons, so now you have reminded me I have it. And I can now justify buying it... Yes I would also like to see how the larger black tool works, as I also have one of those ( never used) Thanks again. I have now subscribed to your channel 👍

[@khrisabuid4315]

yes please on the scale divider! Great video!

[@uniqueartbybernadette]

A Brilliant and very helpful video. Thank you. Do you have a video on how to use the Proportional divider yet, please? 😊

[@bettiegrady]

A great instructor you are. Thank you!Blessings 🙏🏾♥️

[@alib8186]

You are SUCH great teacher! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@lindathaxton1994]

Thank you - I ordered a caliper after watching - of course this is much easier & more accurate than using my pencil & my thumbnail!

[@LeslieStroz]

I hope you like it! 😊

[@roblesink6119]

Ive been using a divider forntears lol its nice seeing a video that mentions it lol i ise it on my portraits and for checking angles

[@PossumMedic]

If you need a cheap one you can get one for under $7 in some "geometry sets" in Canada Like the: "Oxford Set of Mathematical Instruments" (the one I always had as a kid!) Great video thanks! :D

[@LeslieStroz]

Or get an ECG Caliper… they are really affordable! 😊

[@awaitingthetrumpetcall4529]

Thanks. I have two dividers as part of a drafting kit but I didn't know their purpose.

[@p.d.leiker3669]

Darn... first of all I love all your inventive techniques.. but when I saw this....gee whiz!! .I have one of these still in a box from 20 yrs ago but had a completely different guess what it was for! Don't feel so bad now. Lol. But it is officially out of the box & in use for its intended purposes .. especially knowing now it holds the measure for complimentary sides to a vase. Etc. JUST AS I WAS CLEANING OUT MY ART SUPPLY CABINET.. YOU ROCK..Artist..Teacher. now ESP. LOVE IT

[@LeslieStroz]

I’m thrilled to help save your divider from the dust heap! 😊

[@GarrisonFall]

While at school (back in the Stone Age) I received a 'compass set' with little add-ons and gadgets. While I used the compasses, the dividers remained a mystery. Thanks for explaining the use of the device. I still have that set, somewhere...

[@jillam7039]

What case do you have for your iPad? I like the pencil holder. Fantastic tutorial thank you!

[@agnespeterse2529]

Thank you Leslie, this is very helpful!!!

[@taniabainartstudio]

I really liked the use of the tool to get angles right.

[@stacysclips7974]

Could you use a compass? Like in geometry? One end is a point and one is a pencil holder

[@SockMonkeyofcourse]

I've used proportional dividers years. Game winner!

[@631959]

Very informative. I have a couple sets of the but never equated them to fine art. Thank you for some great insight again.

[@LeslieStroz]

My pleasure! It’s amazing how many different uses across different fields it has. 😊

[@631959]

@@LeslieStroz 👍

[@teresak1177]

Thanks for showing me a use for those calipers I used in nursing school and haven’t used since 😂😂😂😂 great video as always! ❤ from Indy!

[@LeslieStroz]

I only just learned it’s the same tool. How great that you don’t have found a new use for it! 😅

[@geosuper401]

Very useful advice and demonstration. Which brand is the main divider you're using, with the b on it?

[@z1522]

I've had such a divider since Junior High, but along with a fine compass have found a very precise alternative to proportionally scaling up or down from a source image - on a graph paper, make the horizontal axis the scale of the smaller image, and then mark the vertical in units of the larger one, then draw a diagonal line through a few equivalent points. If your reference is the smaller, measure any increment in the reference, then from that point on the horizontal scale, a vertical line intersecting the diagonal will pinpoint the proper horizontal distance equivalent, which can be easily measured with the dividers or a ruler - use that to locate/measure/mark onto your drawing. I tried in vain to use the plastic "proportional dividers" but they are far too clumsy, hard to keep in position, and visualizing from life is far harder than sighting and holding along a pencil or brush handle. The angle trick with dividers helps greatly in establishing proportions even in portraits, where elongating or compressing images can be thrown off even when basic measurements seem correct, resulting in a distortion that is very hard to compensate once the major landmarks have been put down.

[@-MEL16-A.O.C]

Hello Leslie I use a pencil to check the sizes and proportions 😏😉 but thank you so much I've ever seen it but never dare to ask what was the purpose !!! 🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️ I'm pretty sure that I need one 😁 Have a nice sunday afternoon bises

[@LeslieStroz]

They are nice to have, but yes, a pencil or some other straight implement can also help find angles. 😊

[@martconner-w5y]

Please have a tutorial on scaling up and down using your tool