No Shortcuts! An important drawing skill too many students try to avoid

Summary by Krater

Alphonso Dunn explains why drawing proportions by eye is better than relying on grids, tracing, or projectors, concluding that working out proportions manually helps develop observation skills, mental reference models, and an appreciation for the drawing process.

From the video

Answers: Why should I draw proportions by eye instead of using grids and tracing?

• drawing proportions by eye
• avoiding grids and tracing shortcuts
• developing visual observation skills
• building a mental reference library of subjects
• understanding drawing process and relationships

What it concludes

• Working out proportions by eye develops a mindset of seeing and thinking in relation to features.
• Practicing eye measurements helps build a mental library that makes drawing from imagination much easier.
• Relying too much on tracing or grids can make your mind passive and foster a fear of failure or imperfection.
• Working out proportions by eye deepens your understanding of how to systematically construct a drawing from nothing.