🥇 THE MOST IMPORTANT ART SKILL (and how to improve it)

[@YTartschool]

Holy snap I somehow managed to get the office back up in the new house on time for this week's video 💪💪 This week I wanted to follow up on the poll 20k of you (lol what) answered about which is the most important skill for art. I wasn't expecting anything but the results still somehow surprised me so anyways here's the video on that topic! What do you think? Hope you have a great weekend (I'm warning you, you better).

[@phongngo7500]

Hi marc , your videos is really helpful and im really love it , I just started learning to draw a week ago, and recently i have posted some of my drawings on Twitter , hope you check it out and give me some advice on how to improve , thanks

[@joselouisortega5529]

For me, it would also help if you observe along with reasoning. Reasoning which is like understanding why is it there?! Why is there a thing in there?! Why is there a line there?! Why?! Hahaha😁 love ur vids Marc!🤩

[@MangakaDay]

Thank you for another awesome video!!! I'm going to bear that in mind! This is such a cool hack: think about observation so that when you're not practicing you're still practicing!

[@PZAXR]

I 100% agree, been using this skill to improve drastically. I even got some pointers, you can observe 3D models to avoid creeping people out. XD Now for the ultimate technique, breaking everything complicated down into sections to master individually, with high accuracy, and combining it all back together. Oh and unlocking your potential by understanding how we hold our potential back by not using traits we consider wrong, but the reality is our choices is what is right or wrong, not the traits. Found out holding that back drains a ton of energy that could go towards faster improvement. :D

[@ericmasker6330]

I made this argument to my kids, my coworkers, and my family. Many moons ago, I studied animation arts design at the Art Institute of Seattle, and learning to observe movement, life, people, animals, habits, yourself, all played an important role in every area of growth. Fundamentals strengthen at greater rates with more permanent resolve when your observation skills can prioritize the relevant information. I took this after I graduated, took a job in the jail, went back to school, raised a family, etc. And one thing that is absolutely connected across professions, life in general as well as art, is observation. People watching (in the least creep sense possible) hones your observation of not just anatomy, but idiosyncracies, habits, how people react, and also lays the foundation for you to build creativity and fundamentals. I don't think there's an argument out there that can cohesively convince a professional in one area that their observation skills haven't improved other areas of their life, connected their skills to other areas, and bolstered their strengths. You simply cannot have meaningful progress without strong observation skills and mindfulness. Whether you're aware of it or not, is another discussion. But that's just my opinion! 😛

[@faith5923]

came for the art tutorials, stayed for the personality.

[@mortysmith2192]

😌

[@19demian]

this is so accurate. plus the intros

[@lingeringlemonboy1200]

So true loll

[@gameshowoff3927]

E X A C T L Y !!!!

[@IronTyse]

Yeh

[@coraliepython1291]

As a junior concept artist I have to say that you're by far a better teacher for us juniors than our actual professors in Art School. Seriously, it's such a luck to learn new skills so fast just by sharing your content between students. Keep going and Thank you✨

[@nripeshbhusal2481]

Nice likes there man

[@speedycube3239]

same man

[@DAEDRICDUKE1]

@@pogz1 You seem to be drawing alot of a abstract anime style, but you render too much and it comes across as creepy even "uncanny valley". I would personally suggest focusing on illustrating real proportions and master the basics, understand when to use detail and when not to, a good example is the rendering of cheekbones does not really look great with large anime eyes. i would recommend reading Araki's Manga in Theory and Practice on this subject.

[@sickle7291]

1000th like

[@Gleichtritt]

That is, because western art schools are pretty bad. I would argue, that the best art schools are in Russia and Hungary , (The people I met, who went to such, are smoking us in the west, when it comes to technique).

[@carlitosagustinsd3066]

Everyone after this video in the street: 👁👄👁 I see you bruh

[@carlitosagustinsd3066]

@@pogz1 I will dude

[@testeteste811]

👀

[@bejewelleds]

👁

[@MethsiaMae]

I have random spurts of art a few times a year.. each time I get a little better. My friends think it's talent but it's literally just because I've never stopped observing little things and taking them to account.

[@MustacheDLuffy]

That’s called talent

[@raniaalmaadiva8465]

True

[@13goth69]

they do not understand really what is difference of what is talent and what skill.

[@potatooolatke]

Same! I didn't have time to work on my art until now (work, finishing college, etc) but I still improved. This is what I tell people, to observe everything around you. It helps a ton.

[@okcook3724]

@@MustacheDLuffy it's not it's skill. Almost every artist will say there's no such thing as talent when it comes to art and it's true. It's skill. You need to work to improve it, it don't come easily

[@kodamafb]

I remember a time in my life where I was so observant of almost everything around me. Buildings, plants, objects, light, etc. People I know sometimes find me strange for a would just stare at one thing for some time. But sadly, one day, I lost my passion. And I've been strugling so hard to get it back.

[@TamaraKane]

Don't practice based on passion. Practice because you can. Overly practice. Draw badly on purpose. Build the skill until the passion comes back. Even if it doesn't, you'll keep getting better at a thing, which at least is fun at events and stuff. Or do something else that you love. Either way, try to find the happiness in anything that you do. 🙂

[@kevinpeng8295]

@@TamaraKane Thanks for the advice!

[@TamaraKane]

@@kevinpeng8295 No problem, Kevin. Thanks for your response! 😊

[@kiraeckard7625]

I agree with Tamara. I also find that just drawing anything helps me rekindle my passions anytime I lose it. I can't explain how, but just practicing and doodling will eventually inspire me to do something creative and I'll be doodling all week. I have depression, so losing my passion is a common occurrence with any hobbies and jobs. I take a little time off to give myself a break, but after about a week, I'll pick up a sketchbook and doodle faces or watch these sorts of videos to get myself back into the right mindset. Beating yourself up for having an art block can make it worse. Having time away is healthy too. Just be sure to pull yourself back when you feel that you've had enough of a 'vacation' from it.

[@jeeyo1226]

Me throughout the entire video: *watching him draw intently that I forget to listen*

[@ralinalien821]

Omg same, what was he talking abt again?

[@kuroakikitsune]

I sort of zoned out to his voice and focused on the art.

[@kayaeki]

same, i learned so much from how he drew muscles. The contraction and squeeze of shoulder deltoids&butts, how he smoothes his lineart with first duplicate and gaussian blur, blocking colour with inner glow effect. and more stuff etc

[@Rick-rl9qq]

well that's what he wanted you to do!

[@sandwich336]

Marc: "observation is the most important skill" Me who is blind: "guess I'll die"

[@sandwich336]

@@pogz1 sorry I'm blind

[@tofferooni4972]

I cAnt SeE iM LeGalLy BLinD

[@razariasat3295]

@@sandwich336 this is literally the most hilarious reply to a reply in a comment in the comment section

[@user-qf4bu6pk2y]

@@sandwich336 LMAOO😭

[@decencysins7801]

@@sandwich336 lmao

[@gabrielvarca]

Im back from art block, It's true that a break is all you need from an art block

[@Nozomivamp]

Im trying to get back to drawing, been on a looong art block

[@boing1oings]

i’m still blocked up it’s been that way fir a few days 💔

[@gabrielvarca]

@@boing1oingsFind enjoyment in your drawing, try switching up style, when you find joy, no matter the amount, You will certainly win against art block. (watch marc brunet art block video, helps me alot)❤

[@gabrielvarca]

@@boing1oings and lower your expectations in your drawing, remember that you are a beginner, Higher expectations, the sadder you will become

[@boing1oings]

@@gabrielvarca im not a begginer but thanks for the advice

[@kvoartr9963]

I started (digital) drawing for like 5 days and i was drawing nonstop. I can see that my progress is growing by literally observing the small details, such as, eyes, hands, the upper body etc etc. And by observing the small details, is by constructing the basic of the detail. I always wanted to be an drawing artist, but it sadly never happened..

[@vision_xp3975]

did it happen?

[@zaelushi5709]

update>?>?>???

[@Luizfernando-dm2rf]

update?!?!?!?

[@unkowndummy3334]

UPDATE NOW

[@ConcealedWeaponry]

Hate how a lot of these guys completely go dark after comments like this.

[@Andicus]

7:22 is EXTREMELY important. not just for this video's topic on observation. But literally anything in life. You HAVE to have purpose in anything you do, in order to improve better. If you have a purpose for doing something, you have a goal to work towards, and with the goal to work towards, it's easier to focus and do what you need to do to accomplish that goal. That's why small steps are always recommended when trying to improve at anything. One step at a time. One goal at a time. Don't try to do everything at once. Focus. Also mindfulness! Amazing thing to bring up :D Thanks for the video!

[@aoexbasment78]

The only purpose I have is failing at everything

[@hodstrat3722]

I can confirm mindfulness is relaxing and weird at the same time. It feels like you're separated from reality and make one with art. One day I just said let's practice arms and with some minutes of observing references, I drew decent hands without even knowing the bones and muscles. Its an underrated skill

[@vipulmanam2570]

Is that supposed to be Heatran in your pfp

[@hodstrat3722]

@@vipulmanam2570 yeah! He's my favorite pokemon 😀

[@netba_art]

I completely agree with observation being a really important skill, looking through other people's artworks, looking outside, and observing the sceneries and how things work... it's really fun. And I love how you discussed observation, and putting a speed paint in the background which we can observe and see through your process as well.

[@carlthesanellama3633]

Yeah really helps when you want to improve whilst my wrist Is broken :)

[@nicola-xk5cp]

So true, many times that I struggle to draw something I watched how the other artist drew it. And eventually it really leads to great improvements!

[@linos6799]

3:30 “because... i love you” That caught me off guard 😦

[@880-4]

Izuku Midoryia mastered this skill long ago, he is the true master of observation.

[@880-4]

@@pogz1 Oh sure! It’d be my pleasure!

[@razariasat3295]

ah yes the holy number has been reached, no one dare change it

[@880-4]

@@razariasat3295 who would?

[@razariasat3295]

@@880-4 apparently someone did and there's about to be a f*ckon jihad now

[@oikawasmilkbread6742]

lmao yep!

[@lukemalizzo1685]

As a hobbyist digital artist, I can vouch for this tip! I would immediately search for references when I didn't know why something looked off, and was surprised with my growth. Though I'm no professional, I love using this tip before attempting large projects. It becomes fun after a while, so go for it!

[@lukemalizzo1685]

@@pogz1 I think you have a very stylized look to your art, so I can't really tell you where you could improve. Something that helps me is constantly stepping out of my comfort zone, and definitely using references photos. If you haven't made your own brushes, look for a tutorial and give it a go. That can be fun and motivating. Hope this helps! Keep it up pogito!

[@blue_rosa_art]

I agree. Observation is really important. Even observing and breaking down how other artists do their art can help you with your own art. For example im currently wanting to improve my linework for my working job, so I've been studying manga panels and observing how they do their lines to then improve and incorporate what I saw into my work. It's amazing how simply doing that and increasing the visual library can still help us get better at art :)

[@colonialp9]

@@pogz1 bruh

[@itsisha9762]

It's basically analyzing something, something specific. For artists maybe its measuring, gesture, form and lighting and other goody stuff. That's how you see the world through an artist lens.

[@Saaunn]

I tend to take huge breaks from art when I get frustrated with it or the time it takes, but can confirm, despite always expecting to go back to it rusty, i always tend to learn new things during my breaks that I don't really actively think about. Just cuz I like looking at things and thinking about how i would draw them, or looking at other artists and thinking about what they do that I dont asf. Now if only I had the motivation to practice and post more >.>

[@jedmorada4772]

As an art director, i whole-heartedly agree with you here, Marc. I've been an advocate of observation for years now. Training the mind and the eyes is more important than anything else for an art/design person :)

[@fishbol478]

If we look at it from the pov of a child, observation has always played such a key role for learning. And as such it can be used and applied for art and other skills as well. So thank you really for reminding us how important it is

[@xyruz492]

the intro explosion never die 🤣

[@mrbred-el3vf]

i love it lmao

[@xyruz492]

@@pogz1 sorry i cant find the research ✌🏻

[@t-alkemy]

you're by far one of the best art teachers on the internet! big ups and thank you

[@ACEcrafter77]

I've only been doing digital art for a little over a year, and I can say without a doubt aside from KZbin tutorials, observation helped me the most. Studying people and what's around me plus almost every single art piece I see on the internet. It made it easier for me to adapt my art style from traditional to digital.

[@aoiken5321]

Can you tell me what is observing means to you. Like what do i have to observe in order to level up

[@elijahwashington970]

@@aoiken5321 Maybe try paying attention to a specific fundamental skill. For example, what shapes is the thing you are looking at made of or why does that shadow look the way it does? I hope this helps, but I'm still learning too, so any corrections would be appreciated.

[@Nierez]

That was the number 1 critique my art teacher had for me, "lack of observational skills" too bad he had to jump ship before telling me how to improve it. This is a God sent, thanks Marc

[@yokokurama5174]

"observing" people will make you seem like a creep and that's why observation has been ruled out 😂

[@youneskasdi]

But it's seriously unsettling on the other end, just imagine staring at someone none stop while the person is growing tense every second

[@bleachedout805]

Pay for a live model session. There problem solved.

[@Vendisok]

Came from the latest video (good study vs bad study), never thought about how important observation is. Sounds pretty logical but like you said, it ain't gonna be easy. In a nutshell: 1) Have a need for the info I'm seeking. Curiosity. Observe with PURPOSE. Take something away. Focus on subjects I'm interested in. 2) I'm looking at references, how do I extract more info from them? STUDYING the subject! Knowledge leads to better observation because knowledge leads to better info retention. 3) Get into THE FLOW. Such a deep topic. I like the comparison with meditation.

[@aldysmad]

Pro tip: if you're going to do this observation thing wear sunglasses, especially in public places. You're welcome.

[@amayyaduvanshi2706]

Yup

[@tiqosc1809]

Especially staring at people

[@soruart1786]

Unless it's color observation of course

[@cubecorenightcore2551]

ah yes thank you

[@thenforgotten4330]

Especially if its the sun your observing

[@wisdomandy9361]

When I first heard you talk about this I wasn't sure how easy it was to utilize this skill but after a single day it's completely changed the way I look at everything. Looking at a women or man I found fit attractive or beautiful before suddenly became more of "ahh that's how that muscle or body part can look when relaxed, flexed, strained, or posed". Something that caught my attention before still does but in a completely different way. Thanks for the lesson 👍.

[@videoguy1609]

oh snap - my favorite technique in improving has been leaked! But seriously, as a lazy person, I have always felt that observation and studying through an open mindset helps me hone my skills way faster than my peers; I have always been caught "staring into space" by others but the fact is that I observe things around me alot more. Same goes for classes - I tend to spend more time observing how my classmates and lecturers. You will be surprised when you realize art tricks others use and even more surprising - mistakes others make which you may not have encountered in your own learning process yet!

[@phipsart6424]

i think the "need" is the key. i became an observer after failing to draw something i didn't really had an idea how it looked like. there the need came in, and when i next time saw what i attempted to draw, i could see it with other eyes and knew what i had to look for (at least way more than before). maybe this process needs to go back and forth a few times, but it just works better and better. failing many times turned observing into a habit

[@wheelsndealz]

it's interesting, since i started drawing again i've noticed i naturally pay closer attention to peoples forms. I find peoples face and hands more attractive now, or more likely, just noticing more and seeing ones that are more aesthetically pleasing. That's why i voted that observation was the most important.

[@simeongalda5988]

Somebody finally loves me, thanks Marc 💕

[@ericocypriani2308]

I desagree in the way you put it: "do nothing and improove" observation is tuff, its very easy to drift off and just think about stuff and just SEE.

[@kit2691]

Your new studio looks like my science classroom lmao

[@taiyosketches]

Damn you have a dope science classroom

[@LudoLmao]

*You've put it in to words!* Sometimes I just look at some art on youtube then my art magical gets better (or so I thought lol) Like I would just look at the way they draw hands for example and the next time I draw I would draw better hands. I was using observation without even realizing it!

[@LudoLmao]

@@pogz1 sure

[@LudoLmao]

@@pogz1 yes you are good enough 😊 Here's some critique to help you be even better! It's really good that you are asking people for help. It helps you improve and helps your channel grow! ✨My critique ✨ I really love your art style! One critique I have is work on anatomy and face anatomy🤔 And you've already gotten better from your first videos so it won't be hard😊 I like the way the colors are not to bright but not to desaturated. This next one is just a tip Maybe try adding more like black comic book like shading then also have the hatching But it's up to you and what you want your style to look like! 💖I hope this helps 💖

[@jonmatheson6767]

This is really comforting as someone who's trying to improve whilst looking after kids full time in holidays; not a lot of time for "flow" type drawing sessions 😅 but nice to know I can improve in other subtle ways! Thanks Marc 👍

[@kurohasuky]

YES! Observing and memory are literally the most important thing ever. After realizing it, it made a drastic change in less than a year

[@lulgrim]

Now that I think about it, a large portion of my improvement came during the time period of me not drawing at all and just looking at people's drawing and checking out how they work. I guess I change my mind about the most important quality in art

[@moonganyemede]

I've been doing this for years without even realizing and I've had many times when I took a pause from art and I came back a while later and found out I have somehow ''magically' improved :DDDDD

[@joselouisortega5529]

Yezz! When I started painting/drawing OBSERVATION and REASONING helps me so much and that's right! Without practicing. Thanks to Marc, artists would now know this knowledge🥰

[@jvstp3achy]

Its for sure a real concept. Theres times ive gone weeks without drawing and simply picked something up through observation that incredibly caused improvement whenever i did draw again.

[@DrSzu]

Great video. As for topic ideas, I would love a video on references and, specifically, how to search for them. I don't know if I'm only person who struggles with that, but I think some tips on good reference sources, how to find the most useful references and how to avoid potential copyright issues would go a long way for aspiring artists, and it's something that's not mentioned as often, considering how important good references are.

[@Saaunn]

Second this, I find myself avoiding reference more often than not because I don't know how to look for it and I'm a clown lol.

[@DrSzu]

@@pogz1 Why would you want my help, I'm just a shmuck who's stumbling around as much as anyone :D You're here, learning from Marc's videos, so that means you're on the right path already, just keep soldiering through and you'll be fine.

[@Nicole-ld6ev]

True!! I'm a big observator, in my mind my eyes are like pencils and i overline what i see. My best improvements have always been when i stopped drawing for months and then when i was ready to draw again it was like i practiced for months. Now i know why!

[@powerless8567]

"The perfect cliffhanger does not exist-" 11:59

[@powerless8567]

@@pogz1 Sure

[@Chat_AKA]

I'm self-taught artist for the past 6/7 years and I'm 100% agreed with you about the importance of observing. This is something that I understood only recently, around 2 years ago I would say (which is late in 7 years of drawing). I started to draw less, observe more and as mentioned in the video, I really evolved in drawing because we often understand better the volumes.

[@Urza26]

Dude, you had me at "practice less"

[@fhariri]

Observing great artists and the way they draw stuff is essential too, for example I learned how to draw a slightly open mouth in perspective through an artists work on IG, when I went to draw it myself I knew exactly how to do it :)

[@skydragonxonmove]

meanwhile there is me going crazy over every shadow or tree i see trying to think how i would paint/draw it and what colors i should use

[@kabii_art]

Congratulations 🎉 you just unlocked the Artist Eye.

[@OsimaniCristian]

100% true. I learned way more from observation other ppls art than from drawing.

[@jiayi4084]

I'm just mad that you don't have a million subscribers yet 😤

[@Zeweri]

I totally agree with you on the observation. In my art arsenal it's one of my most powerful weapons to use when i am doing art. If I see something is off in my art then my observation points it out and then I begin to fix it. During the fixing process I observe at a lot of references to study it how something works and if I can apply it to my art piece. To this day I have always done this and it's never going away. Thank you for the awesome art class Marc!

[@VaniMilque]

Idk why but the way he says today makes me watch o-o

[@VaniMilque]

@@pogz1 hi there~~ sorry im not a professional or smsort but your art is pretty good so I'll sub🥰

[@diogowryyy]

This is actually how I keep improving even tho I tend to not draw for months sometimes. I just keep observing other people's art and how they approach certain parts of it and things just somehow click when I get back into making art myself? Tho I found that I improve even faster by both observing and "dissecting" a subject on paper, further analysing it's structure and finding out the best way to actually draw it

[@laf1993]

I'm so glad i started to learn how to draw last year, not only to develop a skill, but also because i would never have found such wonderful creators like you otherwise.

[@draksinus]

What you're talking about with the visual library and things you notice at 8:45 ish, is a transferable skill to painting things like miniatures (where you don't really draw). I've always called it skill vs eye. As your eye levels up, your skill then levels up to catch up. And it's a never ending process. Things I never thought about when I first started painting Warhammer figures, because it was discarded information, now plays a large factor in how I paint. They're also stumbling blocks that take a level up in observation to improve, like learning to use volumetric highlights instead of only edge highlights. I agree, observation is one of the most important skills an artist can have.

[@trollmaster6848]

That magenta light in the background inspires me....

[@Nikki.H]

Well, that explains why I saw a magnificent improvement in my art even after months of not drawing during a difficult time : 3

[@r-e-ndraws]

Bro i wanna know where to place wrinkles all the tutorials just explain that lose clothes have more wrinkles and tight ones have less but im confused about the nature of the wrinkles Also maybe how to paint/shade textures Edit: glad i got the right ans that observation was the best skill And i like that u remind me to like cuz i usually forget to do so

[@d8nya1]

Same. Really would like to get better insight on this

[@juanchinpanchin]

In my experience the different wrinkles show you the possibilities on how drapery can be configurated, but at the moment of drawing you show consider them as any other form, the lines you put are to show how the form twists,squashes and stretches; cloth can take any form but the most descriptive usually are cilinders and ribbons. Hope it is helpfull.

[@Nikke283]

You actually gave yourself the answer...observe the wrinkles of textile on RL and you will find out that every kind of Material wirkles a bit different (soft textiles fall different than leather. Spandex do other folds than Cotton. If you can`t observe on yourself, your parents, your friend or you little sister try it just in front of a mirrow. And yeah its complex. Then you have as well different lighting so silk will fold and shine other than wool. But you can compare. you can observe this even in front of a sceen (best in a video) but RL is always better;) just start somewhere. there is no actual shortcut anyway than learning by seeing (of course it help to look tutorial. Find your own way to bring it in your wonderful visial libary :)

[@Anikat]

Zoe Hong here on youtube has a ton of invaluable videos regarding drawing/rendering various fabrics, folds, pleats, lace, literally everything. I learned a huge amount from her content. "It's hard because it's hard, not because theres anything wrong with you" a great quote from her, applicable to all things art :) :)

[@ShiningDarknes]

Everyone is. Even seasoned comic artists will admit they sometimes have to use reference to get the wrinkles right. There are plenty of "cheats" you can use to get convincing wrinkles though. Like realizing they ALWAYS have a sort of disconnected zig-zag pattern. They also connect in the exact opposite way that muscle does (muscle overlaps but wrinkles either don't ever touch or they merge). Like anything in art if you want to get good at wrinkles just find a load of images and do studies on them. Studies are one of the best ways to improve your understanding of how things work (and in keeping with the topic of this video that is largely because it forces you to observe things)

[@Elybunny]

Super blessed today because I found & discover your channel!! Thank God you exist!😱🙈💗

[@bauxxis_art]

Funny though, I was drawing a lot of faces and portraits lately and when I look at someone now I can't turn off my observation! Sometimes I'm not even listening to what they are telling me, all I do is look at the lines, folds and fat tissue on their faces and how the angles behave when they turn their head 😂 Creep factor: 100 Improvement factor: 5000000

[@bauxxis_art]

@@pogz1 I like your style! Very nice 😊 it's good work, keep on going!

[@papycoima]

I also think observation is very important. To extract as much information as possible I observe everything as if I've never seen it, or as if I was an alien. One time I was trying to learn how to draw hands by looking at mine and i stared at them for so long that I got genuienly scared

[@sammyp2427]

Once in a short documentary, Kim Jung Gi, an awesome Korean artist shared that observing = learning that's why he can do every perspective very stunning in his art 🤯 Here's the link of the documentary I'm talkin about: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep7Ud5WdgLyil9E

[@kevinpeng8295]

Awesome!

[@Magdalenka2001]

Hi Mark! I totally agree with you that observation is the key. I remember my drawing back when I was 14. It was terrible honestly, and drew anatomy incorrect faces. But that time I have never observed the face really. I got into the art school and seeing other classmates that were better than me I undestood that i need to observe the model to learn how to draw. And that made me improve really quickly EVEN if I didnt draw for like MONTH. i remember when my whole vacation, I didnt even touched my pencil, but after getting into 2nd class I saw that my observation skill made me draw people even better than the average classmate. Now I'm observating AND drawing so i learn faster. Observation really is the key to sucess.

[@christianjames5085]

i love you t-

[@kikiellis1764]

this is so true and I speak from experience, I wasn't drawing or doing any other type of art for 2 months and all I did was look at other artists drawings and just paying more attention to anatomy without drawing it, and when I came back to drawing I noticed that I remembered how to draw certain things I was struggling with before and I felt so happy. I thought I was gonna draw exactly the same but I improved so much without doing anything. thank you for this video Marc, this just proves that what I can do everyone else can too, and its very effective.

[@crisrodriguez5693]

Oh... That explains why I used to almost never practice my art, but when I had an assignment I just turned in something way better than the last one. It was totally passive tho. (Now I'm taking it seriously btw)

[@Spika94]

Observation is something I seem to be using the most, as I don't nearly draw as much as other people, yet I am constantly improving. I tend to take week long breaks after a couple drawings. I feel like I am doing it subconsciously as well. And well, because I am doing it subconsciously, I am definitely not picking up on everything.

[@lordbalbero348]

So in Short - Watch more Anime to draw better Sure. I´ll do it

[@justsomeguyontheinternet7134]

I've always wanted to observe more to improve faster but I have a bad habit of going on auto pilot something I'm going to start doing is practicing in pen cause it'll force me to take time and observe since I can't earse any mistakes

[@santias6825]

It looks like a laboratory 😂 I love it

[@erkaenzere5710]

When I draw too often and too much sometimes I need a rest. And after some days when I come back I find out that I draw better than before. While having more time for me and resting for sure it's part of it, I've always observed other things while on my free time, and my visual library tends to expand because of that

[@erkaenzere5710]

@@pogz1 I'm sure you are doing fine! I'm not a great artist myself so I can't help you much tho

[@MASTERCRAFT938]

So basically just training my observation haki?!

[@rowan404]

Lately, I’ve been making a conscious effort to observe various things around me, especially how they interact with light. For example, during this video, I observed the top of your head and how the back of it is in darkness, sort of like the moon. It seems to be working, as I recently used photo references to make a portrait of my dad for his birthday, and upon receiving it, he immediately exclaimed, “That’s me!” with childlike excitement.

[@KIDZODIACVR]

who knew the sims was actually trying to teach me something about art when they stood and stared a painting. Hahah

[@naisuuart]

Every once in a while i give up thinking that where i wanna be as an artist is too unreachable but ur videos always end up putting me right back on track 😩

[@digitalart1326]

Me: starts observing people Them: *Stares back* Me: 😳😳😳

[@icannotcomeupwithanything4609]

It is all for drawing purposes. I SWEAR

[@mask_jpeg4000]

oh so that explains it im the type of person that doesnt draw too much but improves anyway and looking back to where i seriously started drawing (2 years ago) i can really see that i improved a lot watching this video made me realize why that happened, so im someone that i was always looking at my family when we are eating breakfast or dinner together or sometimes just people passing by or images on ig or anywhere and i always asked in my head "okay so, how does this work?" and a lot of times i did that unconsciously thank you for the video, made me realized what i was doing and now i can just do it better and keep improving ^^

[@zanefayaz]

Here I am watching your Character Design video from your Art school, you mention the importance of observation and then you upload a video about it? Dude, you're sus. I would like to add another tip: taking notes while or after observation. Take notes of the what stood out visually, the flow of the subject and even how the light is cast on the form of the subject. I take a few minutes to note them down on my canvas before I start a sketch. Also maybe don't listen to anything with vocals, I found out recently listening to podcasts or music with vocals tend to distract me mentally and lose the mindfulness that you've talked about here. So I'm listening to ChilledCow's playlist all day when drawing.

[@Chessbox09]

I watched a TED talk on expertise. They mentioned 3 things specifically. 1)Short but consistent practice sessions 2)Practicing in your head and what you mentioned 3)No distractions. They found most experts in their field don't listen to 'distractions' when learning their craft. I thought it wasn't true until I tried it myself. I was way more effective and got more out of my sessions. So, I'm in agreement with you on that for sure.

[@alanstowe2245]

This makes so much sense. I don't draw as often as I'd like cuz job and general laziness. But I have noticed that when I study a concept in a book or video, do a couple quick test sketches. And then i won't draw for like a week. But in that week I'll see the concept I studied around me in real things. And when I sit to draw next time, I can more or less do it without any real practice. Glad to know it's a real thing for a lot of people.

[@erixoliver]

He talking about mindfulness and here I am, not even paying attention to the video 🤡

[@3x6-r6b]

I started "really" drawing yesterday and i already improved because of just observing. Observing and using simple shapes as help for drawing the actual lines for the character i m drawing. bigthank you.

[@mauricewieckhusen8062]

I'm writing a bachelor thesis about mindfulness which also includes the flow-concept. I can really recommend using these two in daily life...makes a huge difference 😉

[@DashXero]

I'm glad you made this video. Whenever people tell me they can't draw, what I often hear is "I can't see/observe." A lot of drawing is just being able to break down what we see/what we have seen so that we can commit that information to paper. After a quick exercise of having them break down something in their immediate vicinity into shapes, I notice that their drawings nearly universally improve almost instantly.

[@Crimsontiger133]

I agree completely. I actually missed most of the audio of this video because I was observing. Back when I was a manga artist I used to observe free runners doing parkour. The thing I have to observe nowadays is lighting, which is really boring so I tend to not do it. But I don't draw for money anymore so it's cool.

[@ninjawithnobalance]

When i observe i also like to break it down like if im looking at a person i may actually also think of it as Geometric shapes it helps me remember and then i observe the detail like the person may have a unique detail to them that makes the person stand out, maybe a posture or unique walk or face.

[@CyberneticPhoenix]

I was also surprised when I saw the results, as I thought, "fundamentals and creativity are great, but if you don't observe, analyze and process what you have seen with observation, how those other skills are going to help?" As a music teacher I make the parallel that it's the same with listening, yeah, you can practice your scales all day, but it's very important to listen and add sounds, to distinguish between them so you expand your sound library. But as a beginner artist/drawer/painter I can also understand how easy is to get lost in the mindset of practicing your "physical" skills i.e. draw more hands, draw more anatomy, draw more and more. Great video!

[@weedplaid1497]

You're literally the best teacher people can ever get! Your thought resonate well with me and help me to improve my art even more! Yes I guess I didn't put much attention to dedicated observation, but as I can say now, it literally is how you described and I have experienced it myself unintentionally! It works even when you don't intend it to!! Amazing

[@weedplaid1497]

Unfortunately, observation didn't undivorce my parents

[@Marpekoo]

I actually figured out the observation thing by myself so it's good to see it's actually a thing and a good artist recommends that!

[@ShiningDarknes]

Very true. In between my anatomy/gesture/figure studies I just look at things and when I start a new study session I just feel like I have a better understanding of it.

[@pieterlouw9073]

I was hoping this video would be about observation. I didn't do digital painting for almost a year due to pandemic-related depression. I only grew houseplants all year. But when I picked up painting again, I had gotten better somehow. I suppose because lockdown made me more mindful and sensitive to my environment.

[@whiteeyedshadow8423]

As someone who both writes and does art, this hits hard. If you're doing any artistically geared thing, the most important thing you can do...is observe, look at something, figure out how to describe it, visually, or with words. The mastery to both is centred around observation, looking closely at reality and knowing exactly how to convey it, its the essence of writing and as this video has highlighted its also the essence of art. Makes you realise that writing and art are very nearly one and the same, they're a stable couple of two distinct, and yet breathtakingly similar people walking down the street.

[@sea-ra9995]

I wasnt drawing for like six months cuz of my studies etc. but this video motivated me to get back to it , thank you !

[@Liouangelthedesigner]

Surprisingly, it turns out that I'm the type of artist who observes a lot and practices less, I've never really researched in depth why I'm like this, but listening to everything you just said, it was fitting , and I started to understand why I am like this, not only did I learn to be more analytical, but you also made me understand what kind of artist I am.

[@Eren_yeager_bomb]

Not really into art but I enjoy your personality

[@khangnhat5032]

I might have hate the intro and turn off the video right away probably 1 or 2 years ago (because I mainly like straight-to-the-point stuff), but now I absolutely love it, because it lift up my mood and I also like your facial expression you made when you introduce yourself. Thank you for the tutorials!

[@freshmilk7122]

Going into that flow is kinda amazing. I was just observing my desk and pc set-up then drawing it and I only planned to spend like 30 minutes into drawing that but almost 2 hours went by so fast.

[@poopypoop1000]

Man I love this dude so much, he's got such a warm personality and explains things so clearly, always leaves me inspired and in a good mood :))

[@kardrasa]

Marc makes school fun! Teachers hate this man!

[@uco.7303]

i agree, even with other skills. i notice when i took a break from skateboarding. i was just watching videos and when i came back i was much better. This is essential to learning almost anything. Live life at times. For drawing its the same. I use to draw everyday but the breaks were good to evaluate. then when i came back from observing I was better at certain things. Simple things like eyes and folds in the skin. I would watch my kids and wife. Totally valid point.

[@FHarbi]

Preaching to the choir!! It's... like muscle memory...Observation is an underrated learning skill!!