Discover the difference between copying what you see and constructing what you imagine. In this post, I explore sight-size, comparative, and constructive drawing -three essential approaches that build both accuracy and creative freedom. Learn why mastering both is the key to drawing with confidence and imagination.

Struggling with observational drawing? Learn two simple techniques - breaking curves into straight lines and using vertical alignment - to improve accuracy and capture proportions with confidence.

Another question that came up was how to handle models sitting, lying down, or seen from extreme angles — in other words, figures in perspective . Many students can draw a standing figure straight on, but things fall apart when the body tilts or recedes. I've always found that treating the figure as a set of simple volumes in space can help. That coupled with some observational drawing techniques like plumb lining to see which points line up. Resource to Study: Marcos Mateu-

Over the last few weekends, I taught anatomy workshops on Drawing Anatomy: The Head & Hands  and Drawing Anatomy: Full Body  at The Art Academy, London. Many students asked what to study next, so I’ve written this two-part series to help anyone continuing their figure-drawing journey. Each post tackles a common question from class - from simplifying the body into planes to drawing figures in perspective and designing your own characters. Part 1 - Understanding Planes of the B

This week, I posted a new charcoal figure drawing timelapse  on my YouTube channel . It’s a study of the male back , drawn entirely from scratch using a constructive approach to anatomy—and compressed into just 4 minutes and 30 seconds . About the Drawing What makes this piece different from a typical drawing is the construction process  I used. I began by mapping out average male proportions , then built the figure from the inside out: First laying in the spine , ribcage , a

Plaster casts have long been a cornerstone of classical art education - and for good reason. Their simplified white surfaces, strong form, and timeless elegance make them ideal for studying light, shadow, and structure. In my latest YouTube video, I take you through my charcoal drawing of a particularly challenging plaster cast head, from start to finish. This was a complex sculpture - a Roman or Ancient Greek-style mask, full of deep-set features, sharp planes, and flowing l

Understanding the structure of the human skull is essential for any artist looking to improve their portrait and figure drawing skills. In my latest YouTube video, I break down the process of drawing a skull using a simplified planar model alongside a real skull reference. This exercise helps train your eye to see the underlying forms and volumes, making it easier to draw realistic heads with confidence. Why Use a Simplified Skull Model? When learning to draw the head, it's e

Want to improve your drawing accuracy? In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to draw from a 2D reference that is the same size as your paper.

Charcoal: Time-Lapse Drawing of a Male Torso and Legs In my latest YouTube video, I’ve created a time-lapse of a charcoal drawing focusing on the male torso and legs, breaking down the process of rendering anatomy, light, and form. The Power of Charcoal in Figure Drawing I love charcoal for it's versatility. It can render deep shadows having a large tonal value range, soft transitions if desired, and is relatively inexpensive. When working on this study, I focused on: Structu