Shortcuts: 2:07 - DON'T RUSH 4:15 - Alternate between different parts of your drawing 4:37 - Set time limits 5:09 - Get lost in the process 5:16 - Take breaks 5:51 DEVELOP CONSISTENCY 8:27 - Maintain uniformity 10:08 - PURPOSE OF YOUR STROKES 13:30 - Be aware of how you use your strokes 14:58 - Drawing is a mental and a mechanical activity
You are right, I has the problem of rushing, I noticed my mistake in my speed drawing, in the columns, ua-cam.com/video/XqmdBrDDOVk/v-deo.html Thanks for the advice alphonso
Anyone who has not bought Alphonso's book and ESPECIALLY the pen and ink workbook, do yourself and your artwork a favor and buy them because they are absolutely priceless! The exercises are so good, they have you repeat patterns in all different ways creating muscle memory that takes work to gain but you'll always have it. I absolutely love his teaching style and the pure fact that he's offering his wealth of knowledge and experience to us through these free YT videos. Most artists aren't available to learn from unless you pay them. I'm disabled and have zero income. Art is my therapy. It keeps me busy since I'm housebound and very isolated. So I can't afford to get nickel and dimed to death no matter how much I want to support the artists I would love to learn from. Anyway, Alphonso is offering these videos as well as his books which I couldn't be happier to have. They're one of the most useful tools I have found to get my hand to do what my brain is telling it. That took a while but it's tuned up and I'll never stop leaving, so I will be following this artist and supporting him in whatever way I can because by doing that he's supporting me too.
omg I laughed when you mentions "parts of the drawing are going to be boring" real life struggles. your vids are so helpful for me, thank you. Im self taught also and found my drawing wasn't developing, but by watching you, I'm able to relate to someone whose had the same struggles and problems and then learn cutting so much time out trying to find out myself. I'm so excited to draw these days Just want to say a big thanks mate
This demonstrates why your teaching has such an edge over the UA-cam masses. You review stuff and go over it again now and then. When you combine the simplicity of a verbal description and visual demo it resonates long after you switch off the laptop. The message has power. When you add in the resource of your book it's about as close to having a personal teacher as you can get online. I'm a beginner and sooner or later will go to a night class, but in the meantime I'm moving forward slowly and will be watching your videos for years.
I couldn't have said it better. Where I live there are very few classes you can attend and honestly I just come back here when I need to refresh or learn something new...and I got the book.....
I think of drawing as a form of meditation. I literally find it impossible to worry and draw at the same time. In fact, a lot of times, I forget about time and even need to set a timer. The only hazard in being an artist is watching the laundry and dishes pile up. lol
This is amazing. It is like a face slap with things you know you should do, but don't do it until someone else says it, shows it and then you understand. I was looking trough my early drawings and could spot all these mistake. I wrote your tips right next to them so I would never forget what I learned today.
I just finished a drawing that I had no idea what was wrong with it, but I knew something in the texture was wrong. After watching this, I realize it was a problem with the inconsistency of my strokes while I was stippling. There are so many little things that go into drawing, and I am so glad that you take time to focus on the little things so that the overall drawing may be more successful. I really appreciate the videos you post and I loved your book. Thank you!
I laughed out so loud when you said, 'oh my God, this is taking forever!' that is exactly what I think when I painting or drawing because I work slow. Lately I have been interested in pen and ink and this video has been very helpful. Thank you!
It's very rare to find such a good teacher, even in real life! You were able to explain this with simplicity and care. You answered any questions I had before I even thought to ask them! I'm glad to have found you. You're amazing! ^.^ Thank you for posting these wonderful videos!
To share knowledge that you've spent a lifetime learning, is do humble! What a gift you are giving to others! You are a blessing to so many, on so many levels!
I definitely fell into the "rush" category because everyone I'd seen do cross hatching and shading did it quickly. Slowing down, per your advice has made my shadows look so much better. Thank you!
There was an artist called Edward Gorey which was extremely compulsive with the crosshatching, his drawings are basically a million tiny lines. And that man inspired me so much to learn this technique.
Just bought your books (Guide and Workbook). Can't wait for it to arrive. I am just starting completely from zero! Glad I found your channel. Thanks for all you are sharing!
"dont rush"- thanks a lot. i mean i used to rush a lot while doing drawing and i just stopped doing it and that really helped me not only in pen and ink but in pretty everything.
@@leesanchez8432 alot of changed in my life since i made this comment, rlly thnx for replying. I just remembered something i learnt. Wow its a been awhile.
I have felt stuck with art for some time now and needed something different to work at. I've always thought crosshatching was so cool and thought it would help my line work and values. But I've just started and learned so much already, more than i thought! Thank you for the lessons. It's more complicated than i thought l
This is Steven Qian. I thought that this video was extremely informative. Thank you so much. I look upon you as a small child loooking upon a true master. One day I hope that I can apply these skills to my own work and stop going on about form and perspective all the bloody time.
The mode I'm in with my photography right now is increasing my output and I've found drawing makes me more frustrated. I'll use it to rebalance. Www.pacificexphoto.com
Still drawing 3 years on? I suggest you choose the medium that matches your temperament. Charcoal perhaps? If you have to restrain yourself all the time, you probably loose a lot of liveliness.
I have never learned about cross-hatching until I watch 5 of your videos within this one hour. I do not draw sketches lately. I have just done my sketches instinctively when I was young. Some drawings were good enough, but some are awful, Now I know my mistakes: rushing and joining too fast due to not knowing the purpose of the strokes. THANK YOU, Alphonso!
, although I am a photorealistic animal portraiture artist type primarily work in pencil and colored pencil it's wonderful to hear you express so well how important the placement and direction of each line is. It's the same when using color the direction of the stroke the placement of color it all matters. I've always wanted to delve into pen and ink but it is incredibly intimidating for me. You have encouraged me to give it a try. Thank you
I draw and pen a ton, and some of things you say, are just the greatest advice about drawing I've ever heard. "Don't let your lines rule you!" HAHA so sweet! "The fun is in thinking about what you are doing"
You sir are a true artist and true teacher. Have learnt more from a few of your videos than many art courses. Really resonated what you said about thinking about the subject and how you wish to interpret it, how it makes you feel,, that what makes it art! Otherwise it's just imitation. Many thanks to you for inspiring me to draw. I have always found it really hard but after watching a few of your videos I drew something that I was proud of for the first time. Sure it's pretty meagre by most standards but way better than anything I've done before. 😁
Excellent advice. Your observations about patience really resonated. I realized the other day while doing a rendering exercise just how much my impatience has gotten in the way of the development of my drawing skill. I think that if I'd been more patient when I was younger, I would be much farther along with my drawing today.
Thank you very much for sharing! This video served me to improve not only in my drawings, but in all activities that require constant attention and are very delicate tasks, such as surgery. It is important to do things slowly, be consistent and stay focused on your goal.
honestly cross hatching is one of my favorite techniques and have struggled with most of the issues u addressed, especially with what u call complementary strokes. seriously I feel like just even watching this video has increased my knowledge. can't wait implement your tips. totally inspired, keep up the amazing work!
Your thoughts and theories about drawing are so inspiring. You say things one seldom hears anyone say about the process. Your passion is contagious! Among all your talents you are an excellent teacher. You are very right about the line being the palette but it is also food for thought. Thank you, great lesson today.
Man! you're my absolute favourite! Your voice is amazing and the way you explain makes everything so simple, thanks to you I've started practicing non-stop. So, thank you so much!
I watch a lot of art videos but yours are always a cut above. I’m a beginner printmaker and I’ve been stuck with how to improve carving shading. This video was a “ light bulb” moment. Thanks.
You're a great teacher. Seriously. There's not a lot of videos on youtube that have material as good as yours. Please keep producing, I know you're going to be huge one day.
This video has already been a great help for me, mainly because Alphonso Dunn made some examples of bad techniques. I'm glad he did because they reminded me of some of my drawings. I thank him for his tips for correcting these errors. For those who are not subscribed to his channel, I recommend you do. Be sure to watch 5 Ways Artists View Things. Take that advice to heart and your art will improve almost immediately.
Alphonso, I found your advice so valuable that I committed it to memory. I am a self-taught pen and ink artist trying very much to improve my techniques by observing and listening to experts like yourself. In truth I haven't committed those three mistakes because they seem to be self-obvious to any serious amateur artist like myself. What I mean is that the 'sloppiness' of the work is so apparent that it slaps you in the face. You're too nice to use the word, sloppy. Starting out many years ago, I would look at and imitate the drawings of experts as yourself. It was clear that cross-hatching lines had to be rendered neatly and consistently. In pen and ink work, rushed sloppy work is obvious and the picture doesn't turn out the way it should. That's how I taught myself, imitating experts. This was before the advent of the Internet and UA-cam. Now I find useful, experienced, skilled drawings teachers like you showing me how it's done right. It's like attending an art school in the comfort of one's work room. I give your UA-cam lesson an A minus. What not a straight A? Because I found only one minor shortcoming. Your constantly flipping and waving fingers were distracting. Please slow down your finger movements perhaps restrict showing too many fingers in your valuable video. I'm trying to watch how you draw the mistakes and correct techniques but your waving and flicking fingers all over your drawings distract my attention. On a plus side, I say that your fast way of talking is actually useful. By talking fast, you make the viewer concentrate on what you are trying to say and plus, you don't cause boredom by talking slow. Your fast animated way of speaking held my attention and I think other UA-camrs could learn a lesson from that.
I just watched another of your videos, nine different ways to shade an egg-shape. I approached it with an open mind since two of the nine seemed on the surface to violate your advice of #2 consistent, straight or curved lines but there was method to your technique as you progressed so I did learn new techniques by watching your nine samples. What I learned was that there is NO one correct way to do cross-hatching shading; just remember not to be sloppy and inconsistent. This time your fingers were not distracting so that was good. I give that video a straight A. I'm going on to watch your other videos. I find so many cross-hatching 'teachers' on UA-cam with awesome skills. What I am trying to learn right now is how to pick the right drawing pens. For years I'd been relying on quality, fine ball point pens or fine point roller balls. I just invested in three Pigma Microns and a brush pen.
This is a very EXCELLENT and critical video to watch. No other videos addresses the importance of line uniformity for effective [rendering] communication. This one point alone will improve anybody's drawing. I am shocked that other drawing videos never mention this crucial technique for shading. Excellent work Mr. Dunn.
Man, you have a talent for breaking it down and make it easy to understand! Thanks 🙏🏻 now on to training on both visualizing what I want and building that muscle memory
I love your videos! I don't know if it's because you taught yourself but you explain things in a way I can understand and give tips I can apply - I have seen a few DVDs done by artists that have formal training and I just don't understand as easily as with your videos. Thanks :)
Every so often this video appears in my feed & I watch it every time. This is basic information that everyone can benefit from being reminded about. Excellent video Sir Dunn.
Great tutorial! I've been an artist for most of my life, and even at age sixty-mumble mumble, lol, I'm still learning. I usually use graphites in my portraits, but I'm taking it next level with pen and ink, and your videos are very helpful. I'm going to buy your book at the next opportunity, thank you!
This is so awesome! I just started posting on TikTok and I draw with pencil and sharpie, I tried a different shading method (hatching) and didn’t realize what the issue was and why it looked funny. THANK YOU !!
Another incredible video! Than you for freely teaching and helping to build and hone skills. This has taught me so much and really made me so how easily I can change my quality and style of art. I am blown away again with how much I learn. This is great and very inspiring!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉just great content and you have a steady hand and your explanation was awesome!
I just discovered your videos...I love them! You are a great instructor! The way you explain things is clear and easy to implement. Thank you for sharing your talent with us!
This video is awesome! The idea of using lines to illustrate tones suddenly makes sense for me now. This idea wan't clear to me when I first saw it in a book. Thank You!
This videos have been a great help for me to understand shape shading and control on my drawing. Your videos have inspired me to start drawing again after years of inactivity. Thanks
This is really help full i struggle a lot with rushing my drawing and thought process to the point where i have anxiety and i need to work on slowing down and think of what i am doing at that moment instead of in the future and the final product. Thanks for the helpful advice ;)
I really love your Course. I'm Starting from scratch and learning a lot. I have drawn for a long time but to look again at the bases is something very useful.
This was a very good video. I am trying to move towards cross hatching, most likely in biro at the moment. I wondered where I went wrong, my line work was off by quite a lot, it really didn't fit the shape of my image well, let alone coincide with the partner shading. All of that was cleared up in this video, appreciate it.
This tutorial went online just at the right time for me. As i'm doing a portrait of a pirate I wanted to had crosshatching in it. But I did not really know how do to it. And then there you just made this video, just at the right moment. This one and the last one video where super helpful!!! So thank you so much!!! :)
Thank you so much for the videos ....I recently started drawing again after a long time ..at least five six years....I'm a little rusty but I am getting my sketch back up to par ..lol ....the videos definitely help and reminded me things I forgot ...lol..also techniques I need to know....so just wanted to say you helped and thank you
I'm working on a video series about the rules vs the play in art...this video is a perfect example of the balance that must exist...thanks for this! great tips! I would argue that these apply to watercolor as well...
Thank you Alphonso for your wonderful book and workbook. Truly amazing. Your workbook stays next to some of my best inspiration, reference books while I’m drawing. Great texture warm ups, such a diverse range of textures. Could go for awhile gushing over your awesome book. Would like to thank you also Alphonso for your UA-cam videos. They also are a huge help.💖💫
I cheat. I download your videos to my iPad. Your videos are my "go to" for topics such as: Urban Sketching, Gesture Drawing, and Drawing Crowds. Keep up the amazing tutorials...and YES I did buy your book and love it...another "go to".
I just got your book and companion workbook, it's very good, it's put together really well, I am learning under a tutor and I'm half way through his pen and ink course but I saw one of your videos the other day and I liked it so I decided to get your books
very helpful and the consistency part really got me. I need practice in consistency:. I see and view things differently now that I see and read how you explain all these marks, shapes and lines. Thank you Alphonso :) once again you touch on something so helpful to see.
This is a great lesson; thank you. And the thing about art is, there are no mistakes .. just “happy little accidents” - Bob Ross, make your mistakes into art ..
You're absolutely right and I'm just wondering who these people are who think they're giving you a negative rating .. I just have a perfect picture in my head of how something should look like and that's why I'm making a mistake. I don't exercise enough. I have it in my head but not in my hand. Greeting..!
hey yeah I thought it was a really good and I'm just taking up drawing again I'm a little older and but I'm really enjoying it and you're helping me out thank you
"If you do what you always did, you're gonna get what you've always got"
Inspirational quote right there xDxD
: )
I was also told to practice smart and Consistently
Shortcuts:
2:07 - DON'T RUSH
4:15 - Alternate between different parts of your drawing
4:37 - Set time limits
5:09 - Get lost in the process
5:16 - Take breaks
5:51 DEVELOP CONSISTENCY
8:27 - Maintain uniformity
10:08 - PURPOSE OF YOUR STROKES
13:30 - Be aware of how you use your strokes
14:58 - Drawing is a mental and a mechanical activity
👍🏾👍🏾
You've become my pen and ink mentor
Joe Wigfall Thnks
Was helpful
You are right, I has the problem of rushing, I noticed my mistake in my speed drawing, in the columns, ua-cam.com/video/XqmdBrDDOVk/v-deo.html Thanks for the advice alphonso
😤
Anyone who has not bought Alphonso's book and ESPECIALLY the pen and ink workbook, do yourself and your artwork a favor and buy them because they are absolutely priceless! The exercises are so good, they have you repeat patterns in all different ways creating muscle memory that takes work to gain but you'll always have it. I absolutely love his teaching style and the pure fact that he's offering his wealth of knowledge and experience to us through these free YT videos. Most artists aren't available to learn from unless you pay them. I'm disabled and have zero income. Art is my therapy. It keeps me busy since I'm housebound and very isolated. So I can't afford to get nickel and dimed to death no matter how much I want to support the artists I would love to learn from.
Anyway, Alphonso is offering these videos as well as his books which I couldn't be happier to have. They're one of the most useful tools I have found to get my hand to do what my brain is telling it. That took a while but it's tuned up and I'll never stop leaving, so I will be following this artist and supporting him in whatever way I can because by doing that he's supporting me too.
Thanksso much for your kind warm words!🙏🙏🙏
Dear Alphonso, It is good that there are people like you in this world. Thanks pal.
Great teachers are part of what makes life a little less shit.
@@Ryan-wx8of love that
patience(don't rush drawing)
consistency(uniformity)
purpose of stroke.
thanks for the video you is the man!!
omg I laughed when you mentions "parts of the drawing are going to be boring" real life struggles.
your vids are so helpful for me, thank you.
Im self taught also and found my drawing wasn't developing, but by watching you, I'm able to relate to someone whose had the same struggles and problems and then learn cutting so much time out trying to find out myself.
I'm so excited to draw these days
Just want to say a big thanks mate
You're very welcome. Just know I've had similar challenges : )
same
This demonstrates why your teaching has such an edge over the UA-cam masses. You review stuff and go over it again now and then. When you combine the simplicity of a verbal description and visual demo it resonates long after you switch off the laptop. The message has power. When you add in the resource of your book it's about as close to having a personal teacher as you can get online. I'm a beginner and sooner or later will go to a night class, but in the meantime I'm moving forward slowly and will be watching your videos for years.
I couldn't have said it better. Where I live there are very few classes you can attend and honestly I just come back here when I need to refresh or learn something new...and I got the book.....
I think of drawing as a form of meditation. I literally find it impossible to worry and draw at the same time. In fact, a lot of times, I forget about time and even need to set a timer. The only hazard in being an artist is watching the laundry and dishes pile up. lol
lol
tendonitis too(stretch your wrists people!) and pain in general haha
"If you do what you always do, then you're gonna get what you've always got"
That's some deep shit.
: )
I read this in a fortune cookie one time haha
"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
Even Mark Crilley can't beat this guy's videos tbh
This is amazing. It is like a face slap with things you know you should do, but don't do it until someone else says it, shows it and then you understand. I was looking trough my early drawings and could spot all these mistake. I wrote your tips right next to them so I would never forget what I learned today.
I do that to. Make a list, literally or mentally of things to remember
Alphonso is so very patient and encouraging - but he does not shy away from warning us about mental pitfalls to avoid. Thank You
The great thing about the tips on the video is that no matter how old the video is, they are still useful and the advice definetly holds up. Thank you
No doubt about it, you are a natural born teacher. Your videos are so easy to follow and understand. Thank you so much for making them available.
6 years later , this video is so so helpful, timeless! Thank you so much.
I just love how you say "The line in pen and ink drawings is the palette." It's both poetic and so clarifying!! Thanks so much for your videos man!
I just finished a drawing that I had no idea what was wrong with it, but I knew something in the texture was wrong. After watching this, I realize it was a problem with the inconsistency of my strokes while I was stippling. There are so many little things that go into drawing, and I am so glad that you take time to focus on the little things so that the overall drawing may be more successful. I really appreciate the videos you post and I loved your book. Thank you!
Thanks. And thanks so much for supporting my book :-)
I laughed out so loud when you said, 'oh my God, this is taking forever!' that is exactly what I think when I painting or drawing because I work slow. Lately I have been interested in pen and ink and this video has been very helpful. Thank you!
Lol take your time
Great video and the tip on slowing down helped me a lot. I needed to hear that lol Thanks man!
It's very rare to find such a good teacher, even in real life! You were able to explain this with simplicity and care. You answered any questions I had before I even thought to ask them! I'm glad to have found you. You're amazing! ^.^ Thank you for posting these wonderful videos!
very welcome : )
Teaching is an art few artists have. Luckily for us, Mr. Dunn has mastered both.
'Don't rush'
*Watches at 1,5 speed*
Lol
+1😂😂😂
I watch his video in 1.5 speed all the time xD
Lol same ! 😂😂
Oof I got caught red handed 😬
To share knowledge that you've spent a lifetime learning, is do humble! What a gift you are giving to others! You are a blessing to so many, on so many levels!
I definitely fell into the "rush" category because everyone I'd seen do cross hatching and shading did it quickly. Slowing down, per your advice has made my shadows look so much better. Thank you!
Lol trust me, I sometimes fall into that category
There was an artist called Edward Gorey which was extremely compulsive with the crosshatching, his drawings are basically a million tiny lines. And that man inspired me so much to learn this technique.
Just bought your books (Guide and Workbook). Can't wait for it to arrive. I am just starting completely from zero! Glad I found your channel. Thanks for all you are sharing!
"dont rush"- thanks a lot. i mean i used to rush a lot while doing drawing and i just stopped doing it and that really helped me not only in pen and ink but in pretty everything.
: )
@@alphonsodunn thanks for highlighting
Almost everything you wish to do well, needs to be done slowly and carefully with disengagement from a concept of deadlines.
@@leesanchez8432 alot of changed in my life since i made this comment, rlly thnx for replying. I just remembered something i learnt. Wow its a been awhile.
I’ve learnt more with this video than in a whole year at university.
not just an art lesson, that's life right there, thanks Alphonso
Very good advice. This pen-ink process goes so much against our assumptions that speed is always good.
exactly
I have felt stuck with art for some time now and needed something different to work at. I've always thought crosshatching was so cool and thought it would help my line work and values. But I've just started and learned so much already, more than i thought! Thank you for the lessons. It's more complicated than i thought l
This is Steven Qian. I thought that this video was extremely informative. Thank you so much. I look upon you as a small child loooking upon a true master. One day I hope that I can apply these skills to my own work and stop going on about form and perspective all the bloody time.
I have learned more from your videos than I did in art school. Thank you for posting these.
Very welcome 🙏
A video with lasting value. People are going to still watch this for a long time to come.
As a impatient, crappy drawer that's my problem. Not understanding my intention and going too fast. Then I give up so thanks for the tips 👍
Now you are aware of this you can try to fix it
The mode I'm in with my photography right now is increasing my output and I've found drawing makes me more frustrated. I'll use it to rebalance. Www.pacificexphoto.com
Still drawing 3 years on? I suggest you choose the medium that matches your temperament. Charcoal perhaps?
If you have to restrain yourself all the time, you probably loose a lot of liveliness.
I have never learned about cross-hatching until I watch 5 of your videos within this one hour. I do not draw sketches lately. I have just done my sketches instinctively when I was young. Some drawings were good enough, but some are awful, Now I know my mistakes: rushing and joining too fast due to not knowing the purpose of the strokes. THANK YOU, Alphonso!
, although I am a photorealistic animal portraiture artist type primarily work in pencil and colored pencil it's wonderful to hear you express so well how important the placement and direction of each line is. It's the same when using color the direction of the stroke the placement of color it all matters. I've always wanted to delve into pen and ink but it is incredibly intimidating for me. You have encouraged me to give it a try. Thank you
I draw and pen a ton, and some of things you say, are just the greatest advice about drawing I've ever heard. "Don't let your lines rule you!" HAHA so sweet! "The fun is in thinking about what you are doing"
You sir are a true artist and true teacher. Have learnt more from a few of your videos than many art courses. Really resonated what you said about thinking about the subject and how you wish to interpret it, how it makes you feel,, that what makes it art! Otherwise it's just imitation. Many thanks to you for inspiring me to draw. I have always found it really hard but after watching a few of your videos I drew something that I was proud of for the first time. Sure it's pretty meagre by most standards but way better than anything I've done before. 😁
i remember watching your videos in my high school art class. 3 years later your videos still bring such valuable insight every time i watch!
Excellent advice. Your observations about patience really resonated. I realized the other day while doing a rendering exercise just how much my impatience has gotten in the way of the development of my drawing skill. I think that if I'd been more patient when I was younger, I would be much farther along with my drawing today.
Thank you very much for sharing! This video served me to improve not only in my drawings, but in all activities that require constant attention and are very delicate tasks, such as surgery. It is important to do things slowly, be consistent and stay focused on your goal.
You are an amazing artist AND a great teacher!!! I watch your videos and have purchased your books. Thanks to you I'm getting better as an artist.
I've been drawing a long time but I still take a way at least one thing from your videos each time. Thank you for making them
🙂🙏🙏🙏
honestly cross hatching is one of my favorite techniques and have struggled with most of the issues u addressed, especially with what u call complementary strokes. seriously I feel like just even watching this video has increased my knowledge. can't wait implement your tips. totally inspired, keep up the amazing work!
Glad it helped : )
Your thoughts and theories about drawing are so inspiring. You say things one seldom hears anyone say about the process. Your passion is contagious! Among all your talents you are an excellent teacher. You are very right about the line being the palette but it is also food for thought. Thank you, great lesson today.
You are a fantastic teacher! Your channel, along side your book, is an excellent resource. Thanks so much!
very welcome :-)
Man! you're my absolute favourite! Your voice is amazing and the way you explain makes everything so simple, thanks to you I've started practicing non-stop. So, thank you so much!
I watch a lot of art videos but yours are always a cut above. I’m a beginner printmaker and I’ve been stuck with how to improve carving shading. This video was a “ light bulb” moment. Thanks.
You're a great teacher. Seriously. There's not a lot of videos on youtube that have material as good as yours. Please keep producing, I know you're going to be huge one day.
Thanks so much. I appreciate it
This video has already been a great help for me, mainly because Alphonso Dunn made some examples of bad techniques. I'm glad he did because they reminded me of some of my drawings. I thank him for his tips for correcting these errors. For those who are not subscribed to his channel, I recommend you do. Be sure to watch 5 Ways Artists View Things. Take that advice to heart and your art will improve almost immediately.
Thanks so much! Thats video you're referring to is actually one of my favorites. I wish more people would spend enough time grasping that concept
Alphonso, I found your advice so valuable that I committed it to memory. I am a self-taught pen and ink artist trying very much to improve my techniques by observing and listening to experts like yourself. In truth I haven't committed those three mistakes because they seem to be self-obvious to any serious amateur artist like myself. What I mean is that the 'sloppiness' of the work is so apparent that it slaps you in the face. You're too nice to use the word, sloppy. Starting out many years ago, I would look at and imitate the drawings of experts as yourself. It was clear that cross-hatching lines had to be rendered neatly and consistently. In pen and ink work, rushed sloppy work is obvious and the picture doesn't turn out the way it should. That's how I taught myself, imitating experts. This was before the advent of the Internet and UA-cam. Now I find useful, experienced, skilled drawings teachers like you showing me how it's done right. It's like attending an art school in the comfort of one's work room. I give your UA-cam lesson an A minus. What not a straight A? Because I found only one minor shortcoming. Your constantly flipping and waving fingers were distracting. Please slow down your finger movements perhaps restrict showing too many fingers in your valuable video. I'm trying to watch how you draw the mistakes and correct techniques but your waving and flicking fingers all over your drawings distract my attention. On a plus side, I say that your fast way of talking is actually useful. By talking fast, you make the viewer concentrate on what you are trying to say and plus, you don't cause boredom by talking slow. Your fast animated way of speaking held my attention and I think other UA-camrs could learn a lesson from that.
Hmmm thanks for your comment
I just watched another of your videos, nine different ways to shade an egg-shape. I approached it with an open mind since two of the nine seemed on the surface to violate your advice of #2 consistent, straight or curved lines but there was method to your technique as you progressed so I did learn new techniques by watching your nine samples. What I learned was that there is NO one correct way to do cross-hatching shading; just remember not to be sloppy and inconsistent. This time your fingers were not distracting so that was good. I give that video a straight A. I'm going on to watch your other videos. I find so many cross-hatching 'teachers' on UA-cam with awesome skills. What I am trying to learn right now is how to pick the right drawing pens. For years I'd been relying on quality, fine ball point pens or fine point roller balls. I just invested in three Pigma Microns and a brush pen.
This is a very EXCELLENT and critical video to watch. No other videos addresses the importance of line uniformity for effective [rendering] communication. This one point alone will improve anybody's drawing. I am shocked that other drawing videos never mention this crucial technique for shading. Excellent work Mr. Dunn.
Man, you have a talent for breaking it down and make it easy to understand! Thanks 🙏🏻 now on to training on both visualizing what I want and building that muscle memory
Another great lecture-teachings. Please never stop teaching. Your videos are valuable resources for us learning to draw. Thank you.
I love your videos! I don't know if it's because you taught yourself but you explain things in a way I can understand and give tips I can apply - I have seen a few DVDs done by artists that have formal training and I just don't understand as easily as with your videos. Thanks :)
Every so often this video appears in my feed & I watch it every time. This is basic information that everyone can benefit from being reminded about.
Excellent video Sir Dunn.
Big fan of your book and these video Tutorials go along so well as companion pieces to it. Thanks for all the great help and advice.
very welcome
Thanks for this and all of your videos. I just realized by watching this, that I am definately rushing way too much. I can't wait to go draw now.
Glad I could help. Took me a while to realize that
Great tutorial! I've been an artist for most of my life, and even at age sixty-mumble mumble, lol, I'm still learning.
I usually use graphites in my portraits, but I'm taking it next level with pen and ink, and your videos are very helpful. I'm going to buy your book at the next opportunity, thank you!
This is so awesome! I just started posting on TikTok and I draw with pencil and sharpie, I tried a different shading method (hatching) and didn’t realize what the issue was and why it looked funny. THANK YOU !!
Another incredible video! Than you for freely teaching and helping to build and hone skills. This has taught me so much and really made me so how easily I can change my quality and style of art. I am blown away again with how much I learn. This is great and very inspiring!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉just great content and you have a steady hand and your explanation was awesome!
I've been drawing since 6 and I'm 17 now, you helped me a lot to define my style and for me that means a lot! Thanks
youre very welcome! Glad I could help : )
This is seriously one of the most helpful videos I've seen. Thank you.
+TicTacYo100 thanks. Am glad it helped
He's an excellent teacher - the absolute best.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and skillful guidance!
I learn so much with your tutorials and help Alphonso! especially watercolor videos, i'm so grateful to you. cheers from argentina :D
I just discovered your videos...I love them! You are a great instructor! The way you explain things is clear and easy to implement. Thank you for sharing your talent with us!
This video is awesome! The idea of using lines to illustrate tones suddenly makes sense for me now. This idea wan't clear to me when I first saw it in a book. Thank You!
glad it helped to clarify that concept. Its really important to drawing with lines.
This videos have been a great help for me to understand shape shading and control on my drawing. Your videos have inspired me to start drawing again after years of inactivity. Thanks
Love the clear way you get your thoughts across. Just starting pen & ink. Looking forward to getting your books.
This is really help full i struggle a lot with rushing my drawing and thought process to the point where i have anxiety and i need to work on slowing down and think of what i am doing at that moment instead of in the future and the final product. Thanks for the helpful advice ;)
very welcome. Just stop yourself whenever you feel you're speeding up or losing focus or getting bored
God Bless Dunn been using Pencil but wanted to try pen drawings and your making me believe I will get there.
Thanks Big
Excellent video ! I have both your books and they are wonderful. I have learned a lot
I really love your Course. I'm Starting from scratch and learning a lot.
I have drawn for a long time but to look again at the bases is something very useful.
🙂 glad it helps
This was a very good video. I am trying to move towards cross hatching, most likely in biro at the moment. I wondered where I went wrong, my line work was off by quite a lot, it really didn't fit the shape of my image well, let alone coincide with the partner shading. All of that was cleared up in this video, appreciate it.
Thank you for doing this video. Also I can’t recommend your book enough. It has been a cornerstone to relearning how to hold and use a pen.
Right now I'm starting to learn this cross hatching, and this video helps me a lot. Thanks bro for this video❤️
Slow and right beats fast and wrong , this was said to me by a horse instructor, a rule for life really …..loving your videos
thank you Sensei!!!! you have broken the chains in my flaws, I'm willing to practice because of your video!!! I'm pumped!
Glad I could help : )
This tutorial went online just at the right time for me.
As i'm doing a portrait of a pirate I wanted to had crosshatching in it.
But I did not really know how do to it. And then there you just made this video,
just at the right moment.
This one and the last one video where super helpful!!!
So thank you so much!!! :)
you're very welcome :-)
In regards to point 4. See Albrecht Dürer’s work. His handling of textures and surfaces with a simple line is beautiful.
I always have trouble with crosshatching, but these are some great tips. Thanks for sharing them!!
Very welcome
Thank you so much for the videos ....I recently started drawing again after a long time ..at least five six years....I'm a little rusty but I am getting my sketch back up to par ..lol ....the videos definitely help and reminded me things I forgot ...lol..also techniques I need to know....so just wanted to say you helped and thank you
Patience really is a virtue - Applies to so much in life and especially pen and ink sketching 👊
Thank you!
I never really thought about slowing down when cross hatching before watching this video... I think it's very good advice.
I'm working on a video series about the rules vs the play in art...this video is a perfect example of the balance that must exist...thanks for this! great tips! I would argue that these apply to watercolor as well...
Youre welcome and yes they do
Thank you Alphonso for your wonderful book and workbook. Truly amazing. Your workbook stays next to some of my best inspiration, reference books while I’m drawing. Great texture warm ups, such a diverse range of textures. Could go for awhile gushing over your awesome book. Would like to thank you also Alphonso for your UA-cam videos. They also are a huge help.💖💫
thank you so much for your videos! you have a gift of breaking things down into understandable concepts. Thank you, again for sharing, Alphonso
I cheat. I download your videos to my iPad.
Your videos are my "go to" for topics such as: Urban Sketching, Gesture Drawing, and Drawing Crowds.
Keep up the amazing tutorials...and YES I did buy your book and love it...another "go to".
great video as usual! Youre way of teaching is inspiring!
Every line should have a purpose. Thanks for breaking it down for us.
I just got your book and companion workbook, it's very good, it's put together really well, I am learning under a tutor and I'm half way through his pen and ink course but I saw one of your videos the other day and I liked it so I decided to get your books
These videos really bring your book to life. Thank you!
Been trying to get better at Pen and Ink and your vidoes really help so thank you Mr. Dunn, also I love your vocabulary. :)
very helpful and the consistency part really got me. I need practice in consistency:. I see and view things differently now that I see and read how you explain all these marks, shapes and lines. Thank you Alphonso :) once again you touch on something so helpful to see.
Glad I could help :-)
This is a great lesson; thank you. And the thing about art is, there are no mistakes .. just “happy little accidents” - Bob Ross, make your mistakes into art ..
You always inspire me...i’m 77yrs young and always want to learn. You are one of my go-to video for learning to draw
🙂 I love that! Keep learning
You're absolutely right and I'm just wondering who these people are who think they're giving you a negative rating .. I just have a perfect picture in my head of how something should look like and that's why I'm making a mistake. I don't exercise enough. I have it in my head but not in my hand. Greeting..!
hey yeah I thought it was a really good and I'm just taking up drawing again I'm a little older and but I'm really enjoying it and you're helping me out thank you