How to Draw Accurate Proportions

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Pencil Drawing Tutorials with JD Hillberry

Күн бұрын

This Realistic Drawing Tutorial explains how to draw accurate proportions on your paper before you start shading a drawing. This is especially useful for drawing realistic portraits.
I discuss the pros and cons of the "grid method" and give some alternatives if you want to progress out if it.
You can use the proportional divider and compass I mention if you like to draw from life as well as creating realistic looking drawings from reference photos.
Go to www.jdhillberry.com/Drawing_Bo... for more info about my special bonus package that contains the drawing tools seen in this video.
To get access to my private drawing forum, personalized drawing tips and critiques from me: Visit: www.jdhillberrytutorials.com/...
Make sure you check out the various tutorial subjects available. I’d love to help you learn to get the realism in your drawings you’ve been wanting.
Thanks for watching!

Пікірлер: 895

@mikibishop1516 5 жыл бұрын

You have no idea, dear critics, how difficult drawing is. Even with the help of brain tools like this, talent, and your own developed skills, education, and hard-earned wisdom,.you will still spend a lifetime learning how to draw. I personally think it takes two lifetimes. LOL I learned this tool in college, but Mr. Hillberry has helped expand on it. It's a tool, not his entire oeuvre. If you don't like it, I suggest you try it for yourself, then maybe a little humility and understanding will sink into your spirit. I've used this technique to enlarge my own drawings. Is that cheating? This is a tool, and a good one.

@pauljames9869 4 жыл бұрын

Who’s criticising? I’m just here watching the vid you self indulgent douche bag

@princealmighty5391 4 жыл бұрын

@@pauljames9869 dude be nice did he say anything bad man is it because artist play too many video games that's why they are short tempered go outside for a walk man and get a job it will teach you time management and be a nice guy it's not that hatf

@pauljames9869 4 жыл бұрын

@@princealmighty5391 Don’t you know there happens to be a lockdown? it’s fools like you that are spreading this virus.

@elsiehill3758 4 жыл бұрын

I personally use the grid method a lot to help nail the proportions easier and sometimes I do feel a bit bad that it’s not as impressive as freehand because I do consider it a crutch and a more pure form of tracing, but it’s a really good tool to support you in proportions and you can start using larger squared grids and developing your freehand.

@wanderlustaesthete4117 3 жыл бұрын

@@pauljames9869 you’re one crazy fool 😂 chill

@terradan2013 7 жыл бұрын

Wow! Some of the comments people have made are so narrow minded. Just because this guy shows a technique on how to get proportions correctly does not mean that he can't draw or that it's cheating. If you know anything about drawing portraits you'd know that proportions are very important and everything must line up correctly in order to capture the photo accurately. SMH.

@zombizmo 6 жыл бұрын

Totally agree.

@calumkz 6 жыл бұрын

Those comments are just people that dont know how drawing is done and has always been done and suddenly they learn how people draw realistically, they think its cheating, id like to see them try this technique and then say its easy, im sure they wont get the same result. Its Technique + years of practice, there are no shortcuts. what most people can only think of is a simple sketching/life drawing technique which is great if you want to do things quickly but if you want to make a masterpiece you need to take more time with things like proportions.

@jackovitz2362 6 жыл бұрын

I’m studying art and didn’t realise great artists such as JD used techniques such as this still good to know even amazing artist have their own shortcuts or ways to make they’re work less stressful to create not to mention save time good to know I had been thinking of trying a grid technique for a while but was unsure wether people would judge me for doing so this is really great to see and has already made me feel more comfortable using it

@cdunk423 5 жыл бұрын

I've been using the grid for years, I don't alway use it, but if you want a project to just wow for people, its great to use works great to resize an image of choice, change a 4x6 pictures to 11x18 an look amazing. The gridlines, if your like me they'll mostly be erased or shaded away during the process of drawing the rest of the picture. It's just a tool some people use rules/ straight edges others different methods such as the grid. Anyway you want to draw is fine, its your work do it the way you want an feel will produce the best piece to you, tools, grid,or nothing do it for you

@occam5123 5 жыл бұрын

Terrance i watched a video recently where the guy said a proportional divider goes back to the leonado da vinci days or maybe even before that.

@teej783 7 жыл бұрын

Leonardo Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man was made using a type of grid. Are all of the "Art Critics" here saying that he was not a "real artist" or someone who could not draw from "real life" or that his paintings were dead? Why does KZfaq attract so many negative people who seem to feel that their existence on this earth is to criticize everyone around them as if anybody really cared about their opinions of feelings?

@jimmiesutton8468 6 жыл бұрын

Wonderful!!!

@TheRagnarok5000 5 жыл бұрын

This is the climate that social media has created. Now everyone who has an opinion blurts it out, informed or not, right or not, intelligent or not. It really has created a cesspool of communication and is devolving etiquette

@nerxboy 5 жыл бұрын

probably a bunch of weebs trying and failing to draw anime that think da vinci isnt an artist if he supposedly didnt draw from imagination without the help of tools lol

@darcykelly7515 5 жыл бұрын

Apparently Leonardo Da Vinci failed a drawing exam because his teachers said he cheated when drawing a freehand circle they said he must have used a compass because nobody could draw a perfect circle freehand,so he drew a perfect circle in front of them!

@jermiester7772 4 жыл бұрын

These critics or Trolls as we call them have nothing better to do but make themselves feel superior to those they’re criticizing. We just laugh at them not with them.

@art_by_adrian2913 8 жыл бұрын

I've been using the grid method since high school I'm almost 29 so I'm addicted to it so to speak but this is very helpful thanks

@PINTAMAS 3 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/j7ySdKWS0JaRZqM.html

@ItsAYGIbaby 2 жыл бұрын

I've used it and it's not so bad. You normally don't need to erase them if you draw them lightly with an h or 2h pencil. If you have a blank background they will be visible, but they are very easily erased.

@AlishaArlene 4 жыл бұрын

WOW! I'm way too impatient to draw... Much respect to people who can sit still for HOURS and draw like this, and be so specific about it!

@sunriseboy4837 Жыл бұрын

Drawing is a way to fix that stress/insecurity.

@Deathshuck 9 жыл бұрын

It's hysterical how good that drawing is. I mean, it's impeccable.

@PINTAMAS 3 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/j7ySdKWS0JaRZqM.html

@haleytruslow7200 7 жыл бұрын

LOVE this method. I think this will help tremendously. Thanks!

@flxdcatbruce9416 8 жыл бұрын

Having used the graph method (then transferring with tracing paper to clean paper rather than erasing) for some 35 years I thought I would try this 8 line method. I think I just drew the best portrait I ever have....this will now be the only way I reproduce from a photo...excellent lesson, thank you so much.

@rsa4510 4 жыл бұрын

There are few aspects to portraits more frustrating than going through a whole painting (especially one to share with friends and family) and finding there's something wrong with the underlying drawing. These methods are simply great! There are times when you want to freehand sketch, and there are times when you want to practice painting. The ability to quickly and accurately duplicate reference material onto your canvas or watercolor paper is unbelievably useful when you want to focus on slinging paint for the sake of practice, or even a nice end result... Bravo, thanks JD Hillberry.

@sunriseboy4837 Жыл бұрын

Yes, good call. A 'lot' of people paint, but very, very few can draw.

@ShoshiPlatypus 4 ай бұрын

@@sunriseboy4837 I believe it was Leonardo who said to one of his students, "Draw, draw, draw!" Great advice from the master! I am learning the basics of drawing through an online course at the moment as I know I have been lacking in this skill.

@umaornk 9 жыл бұрын

WoW! Thank you so much for the good technique on this VDO. I'm just a beginner so this VDO is very useful for me. You're a great teacher. Thank you KZfaq as well !

@TheObSeRvErTheObSeRv 4 жыл бұрын

EXCELLENT Tutorial, well thought of and in layman terms,

@oldblubblub 5 жыл бұрын

I use a variation of the grid technique. I draw a normal gird on the reference photo but instead of drawing lines on the drawing paper, I make little dots at the points where the lines would intersect. It works very well for me as it minimizes erasing and it's less likely to leave a visual impression unlike the lines.

@drew9687 Жыл бұрын

That's actually the first time I've ever heard of that, that's Way better eraser-wise 🤯 speaking of which, I have to buy as new eraser tomorrow, lol

@sunriseboy4837 Жыл бұрын

@@drew9687 Excellent tip. Thank you.

@Krysoh 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing the knowledge. I have been doing pencil portraits for years, but this video has taught me a lot. I've never even heard of the proportional divider, but now I even know how to use one. I am looking forward to seeing your other videos! Many thanks again!

@MultiRusty50 9 жыл бұрын

I am so glad I found your videos. The measuring of objects I have a problem with. Especially when I measure with a pencil & then try to draw them on paper etc in correct proportion to fit the paper. Wonderful tutorials. Thanks for sharing

@viianapoa7448 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your knowledge to us Sir! I salute your kindness and generosity. May you be even blessed!

@fitnessmotivation3500 10 жыл бұрын

Wow Thankyou so much sir! :) I will totally try this!.. my real art teacher is gone for a year & we have another extra teacher, but he really have no idea how to draw. I'm not learning anything so this youtube videos totally helps me!

@miguelrivas1109 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Every video of yours that I have watched, has really taught me something new. I ve been stuck in the same obstacles for at least 6months. After watching a video on values that u discuss. Waalaa my 1st drawing after that , which I had drawn before, looked soo much better. Now I can keep practicing. Thank u again.

@littlecedarhouse 6 жыл бұрын

I just wanted to say that I love your work, it is very inspiring! Yourself and Mr Sibley where the two people who got me going from crap to something so much better! Thanks for taking the time and making the effort to help others get lovely results!

@DiRidpath 9 жыл бұрын

This is totally awesome! You are such a great artist and I thank you very much for sharing your techniques and talent with us for free on KZfaq. I have never seen this method before and I love it. I am definitely going to start using it. Thank you!

@Pegisus2501 7 жыл бұрын

This is wonderful! :-) You just demonstrated what an artist is doing with their eye after they have become expert with the proportions. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

@amandalarissavieira7428 4 жыл бұрын

OH MY GOD!!! I must admit I was getting really bored with the grid method, but then you started the diagonal method and MY MIND JUST BLOWN. I want to do that to every single photograph I have and try some realism right now. Thanks for sharing.

@noahlambe8230 9 жыл бұрын

all of these tutorials are great, you're really helping people follow their dreams by them gaining confidence through your teaching.

@sunriseboy4837 Жыл бұрын

Yeah, I get that too. The confidence angle is a foundation stone of drawing, and JD's tutes are real confidence developers.

@daisyfield6745 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the wonderful instruction!

@silviatansya 9 жыл бұрын

YAY! THANK YOU very much for sharing this. its gonna be very helpful

@knubbe89 9 жыл бұрын

Just stumbled upon your videos and wanted to say thanks for the very informative and constructive content!

@R3negad3BB01 10 жыл бұрын

Amazing! Thank you so much for this video!

@KarenChatham 5 жыл бұрын

Just what I need. I ordered these tools and I really look forward to using them. Thank you so much for showing us these skills and tools.

@vickiehollar2495 10 жыл бұрын

Outstanding. Thank you so much!

@ayahdaib8932 4 жыл бұрын

You are such a great teacher and artist, thank you so much i can’t wait to try this

@nyxypyxy 6 жыл бұрын

This is a very helpful video. Thank you for sharing it. I'm also very impressed with your proportion tool. Love it!

@miledysdatena9865 4 жыл бұрын

This is the first time I hear about using this kind of tool to do proportioned drawing. This is very clever idea! Thank you for sharing this video.

@aprilthompson5838 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you for replying I appreciate it so much.

@Geiger1983 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this tutorial! I have just ordered my proportional divider ( and will buy a compass too). I can barely wait to try it.

@adrieanhayward7937 6 жыл бұрын

This was extremely helpful! Thanks so much!!

@Butterfly8593 7 жыл бұрын

Oh my gosh! Thank you sooo much for sharing. I'm excited again about drawing. Heading to your website right now!

@margaretgonzalez9350 5 жыл бұрын

thank u....just bought a proportional divider, and, ur tutorial helped explain a lot on how to use it......also noticed this tutorial is 5 years old.....glad it is still up and running.

@jmkhughes 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Mr. Hillberry, for this amazing tutorial, very helpful.

@JDHillberry1 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I'm glad you found the video helpful!

@Aydeet2 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video!! Thank you so much and I learned valuable info that will help!! Great instruction!!

@kimkim-hf9ym 5 жыл бұрын

Loved this video!! I’ll definitely use some of these techniques, it was very helpful.

@capitalf123 7 жыл бұрын

I'm just getting back into drawing daily after a 10 year hiatus. Free-handing proportions has been a huge obstacle but these techniques will help tremendously! Thank you!!!

@chrischapman2968 6 жыл бұрын

This is brilliant JD, I just can't understand all the negative comments about the approach. I am a novice drawer, but absolutely love it. It gives me the head space I need after a long hard day at work. I have started using a proportional divider in some of my more recent work and I'm really pleased with the results, and like some have said, even if all the proportions are correct, the real artistry is in the lines and shading. Keep up the awesome tutorials

@uncledooley 6 жыл бұрын

Chris Chapman I just got a Derwent proportional divider, it is taking me awhile to get used to it, but immediately my general drawing looks 100% better than any portrait I have done. It is the tiny nuances that are giving me a problem, there is a slight problem that I can’t envision the perfect likeness I am sure with more practice I will overcome and get it all right. The proportional divider is a wonderful tool ,and for all you that think this is cheating, just remember that the masters used thins like compasses, set squares, t squares, protractors and magnifying glasses, much more. Are these tools cheating? I don’t think so.

@sunriseboy4837 Жыл бұрын

@@uncledooley Albrecht Durer used the method 'a lot' of the time. And the boy da Vinci wasn't shy on using the same method either. Those who criticise this are simply being self-righteous, and conceited. And when those 'details' refuse to cooperate, use a hand held mirror, turn your back to the work, and look at it with the mirror held out and focused on the drawing. You'll see it!

@aaquib608 6 жыл бұрын

Very helpful tutorial.Thank you for sharing.

@ShamsThoughts 8 жыл бұрын

i have been using the first method for all my drawing. but from now i will try the other one, it seems easier and i will save time by not drawing a lot of squares! Thank you this is amazinggg

@Lorens-art 5 жыл бұрын

EXCELLENT VIDEO, YOU HAVE CHANGED MY DRAWING LIFE, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU FROM MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA XO

@sherifwahba4653 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for this great tutorial! :)

@a15lalbiakzuali53 4 жыл бұрын

This is amazing. I've tried those grids when drawing maps. Never knew it'll be also easy for these 🙌🙌

@claire1078 3 жыл бұрын

Well darn. Sixteen stubborn years of trying to figure everything out on my own and I never thought to try this. Proportions are what I struggle with the most. I'm so excited to test it out and see my drawings improve! Thank you so much!

@bampidraws 2 жыл бұрын

1 year on how did it go? I’m just starting out.

@jazminalvarado8433 10 жыл бұрын

I love this method of a Square with diagonals because the other method I find are tedious for me. Thanks so much and already ordered the compass and divider!

@challita20 8 жыл бұрын

omgg yess thank you very much! ! I used to think it was impossible even when I tried harder now my portrait are better than before and more remarkable!

@sandracointreau3989 3 жыл бұрын

Terrifically helpful. Getting portrait major dimensions just right under watercolor is important, as one wants to minimize erasure. Thank you. I've been drawing and painting people for 50 years and find this video very helpful in helping me to minimize distracting mistakes.

@pdw_art__musicoriginal3699 3 жыл бұрын

In addition to showcasing my own art, I just love to see other people’s creativity as well, and this artist is very impressive! Great job!

@nossasenhoradoo871 8 жыл бұрын

This a great video. As a beginning artist it's nice to know that seasoned or professional artists like yourself also have to use mechanical techniques to get their proportions and measurements correct. Thanks.

@j.-f.laflamme2185 4 жыл бұрын

Je viens tout juste de regarder 2 vidéos de cet artiste. Wow, les explications et démonstrations sont tellement justes! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and knowledge. I will certainly use those tips.

@yourname3649 9 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, you're a great teacher!

@nanaakuaasantewaaaffram3271 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. Exactly what I needed. Very helpful.🎉💃🏾

@TheFishram 3 жыл бұрын

Such a revelation! Thank you! So much more accurate and soooo much quicker! Fab!

@salmawaleed5930 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing this technique !

@RafaelBeltranharlemkiddartwork 10 жыл бұрын

Very very VERY clever technique

@pjbadoria3006 6 жыл бұрын

what measure ment he use the one is compas what is the 2nd one he use to measure the face to be big? thks for this very helpful

@vallgrl2 6 жыл бұрын

Terrific video JD, I learn more by watching it again! I have taken two of your classes and recently won an honorable Mention in a local art show.

@JDHillberry1 6 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad my drawing techniques have helped you improve so much! Hopefully I'll see you in another workshop!

@sreeja6282 4 жыл бұрын

@@vallgrl2 Congratulations!!

@jpsan582 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video, just picked up one of the X-type calipers and this video really helped me in using it. Really liked the cross grid, will try it on my next drawing.

@douglasgiovannini8568 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks my friend! Good class!

@irinabacal6785 6 жыл бұрын

This video helped a lot, I have been using grid lines, and it took more time to get the right proportions, but from now I`m definetely gonna try to use the 2nd method, so thank you for the advice.

@Jupe367 4 жыл бұрын

Wow, your work is so beautiful.

@elliedonnelly6646 4 жыл бұрын

This is amazing you are a god send !

@juliagustin1966 5 жыл бұрын

Wonderful tutorial...Thank you!

@Anikanoteven Жыл бұрын

Brilliant explanatory lesson!!

@tahat5349 8 жыл бұрын

God blessed you for helping us.

@kleemorgan222 10 жыл бұрын

you are amazing… thank you so much for your help

@mikegatou2082 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this!

@debiegross9898 9 жыл бұрын

This is wonderful help. Thank you.

@lindanagengast1148 5 жыл бұрын

finally someone shows me how to do a simple way of proportional drawing... great tutorial

@gabriellambie940 10 жыл бұрын

Hey there JD, your drawings and techniques are very inspiring to me! I've never been one to want to draw, specifically because there weren't any art teachers in my life who encouraged us to do very realistic drawings (which is primarily what I wanted to learn) and most likely could not draw like that themselves. They often stressed creativity over anything, but to me creativity comes second to ability to execute the methods and techniques required to make a given effect. I just ordered your book, kit and dvd. Can't wait to get going! Thank you for all your contributions, they are invaluable.

@JDHillberry1 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your interest in my techniques and your order!

@Jenny-yl2hw 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for this informative tutorial. I was interested to see other methods than the Grid. I look forward to using my proportional divider more. Love your work..

@Octoped 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks JD! I'll be using your video for one of my drawing sessions group. Some of the comments are instructive as well. Thanks for the "sight size reference".

@JDHillberry1 10 жыл бұрын

you can use the "modified grid" technique to draw anything

@hhattingh 4 жыл бұрын

This is great stuff for beginners such as myself. Thank you Sir!

@bbjonesjones8050 4 жыл бұрын

hph081000 : And for well seasoned veterans . I've used it for 47 years !

@brendajeannewyche2294 10 ай бұрын

This is awesome. Thank you very much!❤️🌞

@sj123549 10 жыл бұрын

Make more videos please Thank You for making this video it was very helpful!

@joangagne1903 4 жыл бұрын

Very informative video. Thank you it helps a lot! I was drawing just from looking (only way I knew) then when I painted I could see that the proportions were out in places and after all that work it was very frustrating. This is very helpful!!

@ednasandaal4378 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you this really helps me as a new artist!

@chasealvarez5209 4 жыл бұрын

glad to see this method taught! i am halfway through college-level art classes and never was taught this technique as of yet! maybe i am ahead of the curve haha.

@betsyconway6302 9 жыл бұрын

Wow, this is so very helpful for getting proportions correct. Looking forward to your workshop in Westminster in late June.

@JDHillberry1 9 жыл бұрын

Betsy Conway See you in a fee weeks!

@tylervogel3040 7 жыл бұрын

hello, I am actually able to draw stuff like this free hand without taking any measurements at all, but I am a bit of trouble drawing 3 dimensional, how do you get the shading to look so 3D? I can show some of my drawings if you`d like to see what I've done so far. Oh and please don`t ignore, I WOULD REALLY LIEK IT IF YOU WOULD REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE.

@deba417 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing!

@ronmcknight5300 9 жыл бұрын

hello I just received my divider this very morning from jd I have been looking for one for ages I believe the old masters used one so I am very glad to get one ,looking foreword to using it ron mcknight in Ireland .

@johnshannon5687 6 жыл бұрын

I think this is an awesome technique. Thank you so much!

@ruthgonzalez8041 4 жыл бұрын

Great info. Clearly done. Thanks.

@hazelevans3604 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing, I have used the grid method previously but the other way you have shown seems so much easier, I will be investing in the dividers and compass.

@deyodie 7 жыл бұрын

This has helped me so much. I love using the measuring tools.Thank you

@JDHillberry1 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Debbie, I'm glad you are finding my techniques and the supplies I recommend helpful!

@user-mq1sk4if8x 7 жыл бұрын

debbie greer ף

@clareyp1 9 жыл бұрын

This is fantastic. I really appreciate your channel and uploads! :-)

@kriswashburn274 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you, your video is very helpful!

@hecnnie 6 жыл бұрын

Nicely done with class!

@artpro9329 7 жыл бұрын

This was so helpful! I would have never thought of these strategies. I love your channel

@JDHillberry1 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much.

@mirjamdominicus 3 жыл бұрын

This is really helpful, thank you so much

@artat777 9 жыл бұрын

Awesome thanks for sharing

@sabon0611 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much sir JD Hillberry! You don't know how much you helped a little beginner here finally accomplish their dream of finally drawing an accurate portrait. Your videos have been great help, Keep up the great work :)

@JDHillberry1 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Sophia, Thank you so much. It makes me extremely happy to know that my instruction has helped you with your dream of drawing portraits!

@thefineletterco.7199 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing! Much better than the grid and that proportional divider is magic!

@LunabellaStorm 10 жыл бұрын

So helpful! Thank you!

@drnishatkhatri 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much sir..this helped me alot with my sketches..very well explained...thank you again

@ginettemelody1035 4 жыл бұрын

Big thank you. Brilliant

@casperthegm741 10 ай бұрын

This is an older video, but the information is priceless. I use the grid system, but using this in conjunction with it really gets the details spot on. I can't imagine working without it.