XaiJu
_spec
_spec

patreon


How to find good art References!

Identifying and analyzing these 3 key elements in your references will help maximize your fun AND learning when tackling studies! 🎨

1. Interesting subject: 

Find what interests YOU. Nothing is worse than struggling to focus and invest time into a drawing that you don’t care about. In this example, I was in the mood to draw birds!

2. Clear + appealing silhouette shape: 

One element unique to my workflow is silhouette. Before I pick a specific image to study, I make sure I can visualize a clear and simple shape around my subject.

3. Defined light source and direction: 

This is crucial for when applying shadows, and knowing where to appropriately place them. Try to avoid β€œflat” studio lighting or images where there are too many/undefined light sources.

Try this out for yourself and let me know if this was helpful πŸ™Œ

How to find good art References!

Comments

Thanks for the tip Nick! Really love your shape language!

Leonardo Ruiz


More Creators