THIS WILL IMPROVE YOUR ART (I promise)

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

This is definitely the best video explanation of using the viewfinder! Lots of great information & tips on how to use it & make your own! Thanks for sharing & explaining this. 🥰

[@LeslieStroz]

I’m happy it was helpful! 😢

[@VOGTLANDOUTDOORS]

YOU just EARNED a NEW SUBSCRIBE - a elderly AI Engineer learning how to draw portraits, urban sketching, etc. DAMN... I just RE-WATCHED your video again and learned even MORE excellent tips ! Did you realize just HOW MUCH you PACKED into this video ??? Well done you ! -Mark Vogt | VOGTLAND OUTDOORS

[@Saahrish]

The best thing about your videos is that they are jam packed with tons of tips and tricks. Thank you for explaining in such detail. Looking forward to see you painting in your upcoming videos 😊

[@LeslieStroz]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@drewd9985]

This video deserves two thumbs up, but there's only one available. Excellent information and well-presented.

[@OkieSketcher1949]

I’ve been using one off and on for years now. Despite knowing how to use it I must admit this tutorial reinforced what I knew and added a whole lot more that I did not know. Thank you for sharing this with your viewers. I’m subscribing.

[@sianbinnie4896]

Hi Leslie, I have been watching your videos for a while and you have really inspired me to paint small, when I have been so daunted in painting bigger your small paintings have made it so much easier for me to just begin and focus when I am at my most scared to put paint on a blank page for fear of failing on a large scale. I have also found this tool to be of amazing use in composing my picture when I am overwhelmed with large views. Thankyou for sharing your art and talent with us who aspire to express our own artistic talent.

[@LeslieStroz]

I’m thrilled to have helped inspire you on your art journey. I think tiny paintings are accessible to many for all of those reasons. 🤗

[@LisabettaMedaglia]

Drawing on the acetate reminds me of when my brother and I were kids. We would put suran wrap/plastic wrap on our TV, and we'd have one of our favourite cartoon movies playing on the VCR, and pause it to a certain spot, and then we'd draw on the suran wrap - basically tracing out the different cartoon characters. We had a LOT of Disney's Robin Hood stuff this way ;)

[@LeslieStroz]

That is SO clever!! ❤

[@lilybay1]

Wicked cute and inventive. Cool parents to allow creativity

[@LisabettaMedaglia]

@@lilybay1 Oh, we did this before we even told them about it! XD After doing it a few times and then showing them the outcome, and that it didn't ruin the TV, well, they didn't mind if we did it again after that. Just as long as we didn't get sharpie on the tube 🤣

[@LisabettaMedaglia]

@@LeslieStroz it's how my brother learned how to draw, and in turn, he showed me a few things on drawing characters, especially after he got a job in an animation studio. All this was back in the 80s, though :)

[@bobbuethe1477]

"Winky Dink and You!" That was a popular cartoon in the '50s and '60s in which kids would draw on an acetate sheet on the TV screen, to help the hero, Winky Dink, get out of trouble by drawing things like bridges or balloons. Sometimes the kids themselves would get into trouble, by forgetting to use the acetate sheet.

[@FrL659]

Hi Leslie ! This is the best tutorial on view finders I have watched. I understand much better now how to use mine. Thank you 😀

[@LeslieStroz]

Happy to help! 😊

[@ihikefar]

Use a sticky note sheet placed along the outside frame to mark the horizon line in the scene. That way you can always easily come back to your reference point in the view screen if you move or take a break from painting.

[@jeanettetobey3433]

That SEMI makes sense to me. Newbie here. 😮

[@alisonhendry2928]

I remember this tool from years ago, and it is still brilliant! I wish I still had it, but no one taught me properly how to use it until now. Definitely putting one in my cart! Those two holes for values and the colour of the actual device… made me sit up and listen. Wow. Thank you for this information.

[@jeanettetobey3433]

Great! I must’ve nodded off! I missed all those finer details😍 It’s a good thing, I love her voice❤. Though it does calm me a bit too much. 😌Ahhhhhh.

[@sararogers2602]

This was great information. I have one but you gave me tons of ideas that I had not thought of.

[@carysw8967]

I have been painting for a year only, and discovering an ever deepening love for painting outside. I have just brought one of these grey viewfinders- inspired by your videos. I haven't used it yet- so thank you for this.

[@LeslieStroz]

Enjoy using it- it’s so helpful! 😊

[@Mariecherement]

You are an awesome Art Professor, Miss Leslie! Thank you for your excellent Art instruction for plein air painting!

[@andyvan5692]

also photographing the scene is a fantastic idea, more so on FILM, as if you print them, using a 'contact sheet', the exposure tests, and contrast filters on a test strip, give you a sense of the tones in the scene, and if they are better contrasty, or flat toned.

[@mahakranga7093]

I purchased it after watching your video. It has been such a big help! Thank you!

[@pagewhite61]

Really helpful, thank you. I bought one of these on your recommendation, it just arrived this week, and now I feel much more confident in how to use it. Thank you.

[@LeslieStroz]

Have fun with it! 😊

[@rightbrainrightlane5789]

I've been doing art for years, and I use a viewfinder occasionally- but watching your video showed me at least 3 things that I had never thought of for ways to use it. Thanks Prof!

[@LeslieStroz]

My pleasure!! 😊

[@karenemmerich2572]

I'm loving watching your videos! You always give great art tips and options for all budgets. Thank you ♡

[@LeslieStroz]

My pleasure. 😊

[@laowaistudieschina7470]

This is one of the most useful videos I have seen this year. Thank you!!

[@lisacapri4837]

Finally someone has taken the time to properly explain all the uses of this tool!! 😂 I had so much trouble seeing the value in this little plastic thing until I watched this video. THANK you!!

[@LeslieStroz]

I’m glad it helped! 😊

[@RaeanneNichol]

Thank you so much for taking the time and energy ( out of your already busy schedule) to post this topic. I did purchase this viewfinder, however, it did not arrive with that wonderful instructional pamphlet. Your instructions provided much needed information. As well, it was presented in a light-hearted but informational way. The speed in which you presented the information was also prefect to take notes. Again thank you so much. And of course I subscribed.❤

[@LeslieStroz]

Oh no! I had one that arrived with a less shiny, photocopied instruction sheet once, but I can’t believe you didn’t get any instructions at all! I’m glad this could help. Pause the screen to read the instructions. 😊

[@RaeanneNichol]

@@LeslieStroz Thank you so much, Leslie, for answering so quickly. Thanks your response I replayed that section of the video and took screen shots of the pages. Now I have all your information on how to use the viewfinder but the information found on the pamphlet as well. More than one way to find what you need to know. :)

[@mimi_ldn3228]

Thank you so much Leslie for your very useful videos. I purchased one immediately after seeing you use one in one of your shorter videos. I think it is one of the tools that has significantly improved my art the quickest. Before I purchased it, I used to have a sense of overwhelm when trying to sketch landscapes as I could not narrow to what would look good. Thanks again for that longer video, I was not too sure how to use it for measuring colour tones and you have explained it so clearly ❤

[@LeslieStroz]

I’m so glad that it’s helpful! ☺️

[@tallymcaferty8416]

The frame with the acetate is an AMAZING idea. I'm a beginner. That is going to help me SO MUCH. Thank you!!!!!! Going to Patreon!!

[@LeslieStroz]

That frame is especially good for architecture! 🤗

[@stephenjohnson4879]

This is definitely one of the most informative but succinct art videos I’ve watched. You’ve really explained the purpose and benefits brilliantly. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@LeslieStroz]

Happy to help! 😊

[@susanherbert3014]

I’m am new to painting and scale is a problem area for me. This video was extremely helpful! The viewfinder tool has so many great features and your explanation of how to use it was very informative, especially the explanation of the greyscale.

[@nywf1824]

Just bought one few days ago after watching your videos for a while and it’s about to arrive, timing of this video is great. Your videos have helped me learn a lot more about art and got me really interested to learn more and do it properly. Thank you.

[@LeslieStroz]

I’m happy to have helped! 😊

[@corriegrant367]

Great explanation of how to use view finder. I just got one. Perfect timing. Did not know the versatility of the finder or about the mid gray color for value comparison. Also--the size adjustments to capture perfect scene for sketch. Thanks Leslie!

[@LeslieStroz]

My pleasure! 😊

[@emilymarshall4962]

Thank you so much! That was the most thorough explanation with best practices for using a viewfinder. Your channel is one of my absolute favourites!

[@LeslieStroz]

Awww thank you so much! ❤

[@cindylabare960]

Thank you for showing us how that works. I actually tried to make my own with cardboard this week. But I do like how more compact yours is.

[@LeslieStroz]

Cardboard ones are fun too. I used them for many years! 😊

[@mjg51949]

I saw an artist use this device on a BBC tv program entitled "Landscape Artist of the Year" Episodes can be watched on Prime Video.

[@ShirleiBarnes]

Leslie, I love your videos. They are helpful, clear and relevant😊

[@janecharbonneau1619]

Very helpful, Leslie! Not sure I've ever been taught how to use one of these - at least not in such a straightforward way. Thanks!

[@LeslieStroz]

You’re welcome! ☺️

[@631959]

What an informative video. Your explanation of this viewfinder is perfect. I love mine it really simplifies the composition of your painting. Thanks again.

[@LeslieStroz]

You’re welcome!!😊

[@tamouse]

Many years ago I received a view finder cut from a piece of mat board for attending a photography workshop. Your video reminded me how utterly useful that simple tool was. Thank you!🥰

[@LeslieStroz]

My pleasure! 😊

[@Catbooks]

I have one and love it. Your best tip for me was finding a marker within your chosen composition to line up with to easily re-find your place in the Viewfinder. Thanks!

[@LeslieStroz]

That tip saves so much time! 😊

[@joegriffin5851]

I love this video and I have just bought one of these. Also the cheat sheet of sizes is so helpful. Thanks a million.

[@martykimble9999]

I got one of those. Most of the time I can't find it. I finally gave up and went back to using my hands to frame the subject. They are always there and in a pinch provide for my pleasure. 😁

[@airbrushken5339]

I've taught art classes since the 70's and always used a grid and trained my students to use a grid. I bought a "Drone" to take film shots of shore lines (I move to Australia from the USA) and thought i had it covered... I have never seen this tool. I have gray scale and sepia scale color charts as I did photo retouching since the 60's ... never seen this tool and found a local supply of them here in Oz... so I've ordered one... time will tell.

[@mechadebzilla]

Great explanation of this little tool. I have been carrying a viewfinder i cut out of an index card. The window is the same aspect ratio as my sketchbook. It's so helpful and has improved my art. I never thought of clipping a viewfinder to the sketchbook. I might need to make another out of something sturdier.

[@ellenraguette4623]

How timely! I’m taking a drawing class and been thinking I show buy a view finder. I ordered it from Amazon and it arrived 2 days ago!!!! Thank you 😊 now I know how to start using it!

[@LeslieStroz]

Oh, it will be wonderful for your drawing class. Have fun! 😊

[@ArtOfDavidAmos]

This would have to be the most expansive detailed video on this tool…. I have been hesitant in buying this but this has been the answer, thank you.

[@LeslieStroz]

I’m glad it was informative! 😊

[@pamelasnyder9745]

Me too! I’m excited to try it.

[@bine9526]

Danke sehr! Das war ein sehr lehrreiches Video und so nett erzählt. 💚💛💜💙❤

[@leslievincent8565]

I never knew this tool existed. How cool! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@elizabethcameron6045]

I just purchased this very viewfinder and I appreciate the tutorial. Good tips and thank you!

[@FloraMarie.]

Thank you very much for this useful video ! I am going to able to really use my viewcatcher ❤

[@pamsmart1986]

Your videos are always so helpful. I have had a view catcher for some time but wasn’t getting the full use of it. I can’t wait to get out and use it now. I also made a 3”x3” sketchbook and have been having so much fun with it. Thanks so much for your videos.

[@LeslieStroz]

My pleasure! 🤗

[@andyvan5692]

a great tool, us Large format photographers use apps that do the same, but with a format, and lens focal length constraints in mind, so we can make perspective and lens choices more thoughtfully.

[@andreystepanov7597]

A very interesting frame. The ability to find the lightness of a color using a gray tuning fork is interesting. I haven't seen this method before. However, there is a target color transformation, which comes from rhetoric. If the artistic concept requires it, of course.

[@progtom7585]

Top tip - buy a "1 gang light switch surround plate" - (UK name, US name may vary) - and add your own markings for ratios etc! Add a small piece of carboard at the rear to block off areas - its a MacGyver solution for sure, but its a lot LOT cheaper (£1.50 in the uk vs £15 for this tool) - and then you can drill your own holes for checking tone. Can buy multiples and not be afraid of losing them or breaking them etc!!

[@progtom7585]

@@MA-P1978 don't be rude! If you don't like my suggestions just move on, I was trying to be helpful for others

[@deejewell4831]

I kind of do this with my phone camera. I take a photo then a screen shot, #of the same photo. Then I play with cropping it, until I find the scene, or scenes, I want to keep or paint.

[@LeslieStroz]

That works! 😊

[@moonchaserstudio]

This was so very helpful! Thank you!

[@sfoss9470]

I always love your creative ideas for diy art supply ideas.

[@LeslieStroz]

Thank you! 😊

[@Nancy-tr5fi]

You also can cut a mount for framing a painting. For almost free, cut it so you have 2 L's. It can be as small as u want, as big as the size you like to work with.

[@dekuthecat4125]

Thanks so much for explaining how to use that thing. I've seen other artists use it but they never really explained what they were doing. I think I might even try that diy one with the acetate paper. Thanks again!

[@LeslieStroz]

Happy to help! The acetate one is great because you can make them with any size frame. 😊

[@WildwingKayaker]

Thank you for this information!, I really like the clip idea to your art canvas, sketchbook, or easel. I have to admit that holding and finding your place again and again is time consuming. I quit using mine for that reason, so I am going to try your method. Enjoyed your videos, and love your van!

[@LeslieStroz]

Clipping any view Finder to your frame for sight-size comparison is so helpful it almost feels like cheating. But it isn’t. 😊

[@pootlingalong8928]

Ha ha, so glad you made this film. Some weeks ago, having followed your advice in one of your previous videos to buy this little thing, I took delivery of same. I remember unwrapping it when it arrived and holding it this way and that and round about and thinking to myself “now what?!” Now I know what and I’m going to start playing with it. Thank you! 🤗

[@LeslieStroz]

I’m glad this clarifies how to use it! 😊

[@craftdipper]

Great tutorial on using a viewfinder and thank you for all the extra tips and tricks❤

[@triciab8751]

This was a fabulous video. Thanks for the tips on making your own items too. 😊

[@LeslieStroz]

You’re welcome! 😊

[@tarotbysemaj2424]

Always insightful and brilliant for the visual learner.

[@coloredcarol8074]

This is so helpful! I have had this for a while but didn’t know how to use it best. I feel ready to try now 😊

[@LeslieStroz]

Hooray! 😊

[@deaconseptember2002]

My approach is to take photos of scenes that have potential interest. I then crop them at home to the dimensions of the painting size I want to do and the composition I think is best. I then sketch in the large shapes on the canvass, noting the major value structure. I then take that canvass into the field (yes, this means a second trip with as close as possible to the original lighting conditions). Then I do the plein air painting observing the colors I see. I just think that trying to compose a scene, sketch it by blocking major shapes and values and then proceeding to match the colors you see with the oil paints you have tends to be too much to cram into what is often a time-limited plein air session. Just my thoughts.

[@LeslieStroz]

I think doing plein air paintings in stages like that is extremely useful, especially for people who are new to painting from life. Cameras are a great reference tool, but keep in mind that they distort perspective and colours. 😊

[@lizcharalambous9150]

Thank you for another great video, some excellent tips 🎉

[@gailfuld3121]

Just love your videos! They are relaxing, inspiring and so informative. I have a request…could you at some point, explain, if possible, how you create texture in your work… how you texture buildings and trees etc… when I do it, it looks like scribble, but when you do it, it looks like art-TY

[@kentkacs3140]

Really good explanation of a tool that I didn't know existed. I must get one. Thank you!

[@JoAnneSmith-di8ok]

This has been so very helpful. I wanted to know all about viewfinders. I made one out of a thick card stock. Thank you so much for the tips.😊❤😊

[@LeslieStroz]

I’m glad it was helpful! 😊

[@lindyartforfun]

My view catcher arrived today, so watching again for a refresher!

[@PossumMedic]

oh cool! I'm going to 3D print one of these! Thanks!

[@LeslieStroz]

Fun!

[@season.appreciation8102]

Such a good explanation, thank you so much - really helpful.

[@crystalheart9]

That's a cool tool, thank you for explaining how to use it.😍🖌

[@paulbainjr]

This gives me inspiration I love sketching small. This will be a great help.😊

[@maryannperkins6000]

That is an amazing tutorial I just ordered one ,but I was not really clear how to use itI am doing your 30 day challenge in my tiny sketchbook. It still is a challenge to paint in plein air but am on day 7.

[@LeslieStroz]

That’s wonderful! This will help you in your journey. 😊

[@kromeriffic978]

This is really helpful! I've been thinking about getting one for myself and wondering if it was one of the more "gimmicky" artist's tools, but I think I'd get a lot of use out of it. I also loved the tip with the acetate window, I will definitely try that when I have a chance.

[@LeslieStroz]

View finders are old school and super useful; this one is great, but any will do the job. 😊

[@dianepaynter2414]

Great info, just got mine and am looking forward to using it. Thanks

[@LeslieStroz]

My pleasure! 😊

[@janefan1216]

Thank you for this! It was very helpful! I bought it because you used it, amd I've used it a few times but didn't know how to use the value holes, or the best way to use it effectively. Loved your suggestion about the acetate. I will try that also! ❤

[@LeslieStroz]

The value finder feature was so clever to add. 😊

[@Beautifulmadre]

Thank you so very much for your explanation of using the view finder

[@c.retana-holguin8318]

Excellent tutorial!

[@preetphoenix1]

This was very helpful guide when I tried plein Air painting. 😅

[@SpotterSky]

Hi LS Thanks for an inspiring video and awesome ideas

[@maureencoles9914]

Absolutely fantastic thank you

[@tamseeltabasum1674]

Thankyou so much mam..I always make my view catcher out of paper..but now I got it......❤❤😊😊

[@LeslieStroz]

You could totally make one from paper or cardboard. 😊

[@tamseeltabasum1674]

@@LeslieStroz exactly 💯

[@richardvallonjr.6716]

This is an excellent video on a very often overlooked topic. May I add that photographers could benefit greatly from this- however- for commercial guys like me you simply take the images rather loose and then crop until you get the ratio the client wants printed. Clients will often say- why did you shoot so loose... but if you do not then you can't crop to the final product they want.

[@jivka6518]

Than/k you it’s really good of you to share this information….

[@ChantelleArts]

I've never seen one of these before, I might have to give it a try 😊😊

[@thescriber5143]

I didn't know that this tool existed until you mentioned it! 😅 I DIY-ed it, and it's really helpful.

[@LeslieStroz]

DIY is always great. 😊

[@Mariecherement]

I want one, Leslie!

[@Emmatyan]

I just make a square with my fingers! Free and always available

[@LeslieStroz]

Totally! 😊

[@sunnyscott4876]

That was my very first thought!😊

[@kyi3079]

This was very helpful. Thank you!

[@johnmartin4650]

I made my own ……yes it works . Thanks for showing .

[@laurahale5774]

Thank you so much!

[@jukerdanz]

Thank you so much! What a great explanation.

[@jamesduncan578]

Cool device, thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@Achatfell]

It's a bit of an expensive item but so far it's been 100% worth it for me. It weighs nearly nothing and is very flat, but it's also sturdy so I can throw it into my art bag without any issues.

[@LeslieStroz]

I love its durability too. 😊

[@humanharddrive1]

if it's so expensive, just cut out a square in a sheet of paper... this item is bougie shit

[@Sujowi]

@@humanharddrive1exactly…an artist should be able to make it in cardboard even!

[@Maria-yf8fp]

Oh, I'm so excited to find you!

[@sharonsunshine2532]

Thanks Leslie 💛👍

[@sahnajakter8274]

Hi! You are a best Artist in the world ❤❤❤ please show your all art in 1 video🎉❤

[@lonemapper]

Cell phone. Clip your subject. Crop to your desire. Use an app to reduce it to values.

[@suzanneartist1026]

Very helpful. Thank you ❤

[@stevebyrne5048]

Great explanation

[@PatGentry-hk2om]

Excellent! Thanks so Much!

[@ShabnamSketch]

thanks for this great explanation 😍😍