Developing Your Style by Studying the Masters

Summary

In this video, the artist explores the process of creating a caricature study by copying the works of master artist Sebastian Kruger. Emphasizing the importance of artistic influences, the video guides viewers through the technical steps of studying and replicating a masterwork, focusing on big shapes, proportions, and value design. The artist highlights the benefits of copying, noting how it improves skills and understanding of exaggeration in caricature. Viewers are encouraged to apply this technique to their own art by choosing a caricature to study, while also learning about Kruger's career and workshops.

Takeaways

• 😀 Studying and copying the works of the Masters is an essential method for improving your artistic skills, especially in caricature.
• 😀 Developing your own style in caricature is a result of your influences, instructors, and the mediums you work with.
• 😀 Simply observing an artist's work is not enough. Actively copying their art helps you understand the choices behind their exaggerations and techniques.
• 😀 Start your study by identifying the biggest shapes first (head, hat) to ensure accurate proportions before adding any details.
• 😀 The process of finding big abstract shapes first helps you accurately judge the relative proportions (height, width) of the subject.
• 😀 Don't rush into details early on. Map out the larger shapes first to avoid mistakes and ensure your copy's structure is sound.
• 😀 When shading, always build up to your darkest darks to maintain control over the values and avoid making areas too dark too soon.
• 😀 Use a structured approach to drawing: start with the big shapes, break them into smaller components, and then add details.
• 😀 The importance of patience: take time before shading and rendering, and focus on accuracy before jumping into finishing touches.
• 😀 Minor deviations from the original are expected in studies, but the key takeaway is understanding the artist's choices and learning from them.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the lesson in the script?

The primary focus of the lesson is on studying and copying the works of master caricature artists to improve one’s own artistic style, specifically by learning how they create exaggeration and design shapes.

How can studying other artists' works improve one's own caricature skills?

By copying another artist's caricature, you mimic their hand movements and techniques, which helps you understand their design choices, improve your skills, and refine your ability to create exaggerated features in your own work.

Why is it important to study the works of multiple artists rather than just one?

Studying multiple artists prevents you from becoming a clone of any single one. It allows you to absorb the best qualities from various sources and develop a more unique and well-rounded style.

What is the significance of blocking in the largest shapes first during the drawing process?

Blocking in the largest shapes first helps ensure that the proportions are accurate and makes it easier to judge the overall structure of the subject before focusing on smaller details.

Why does the instructor choose to use charcoal on smooth newsprint rather than replicating Kruger's acrylic painting techniques?

The instructor uses charcoal on newsprint because the focus is on understanding the structure and exaggeration choices of the caricature, rather than learning painting techniques. Charcoal allows for more direct exploration of shapes and values.

What role does 'calligraphy' play in this drawing exercise?

Calligraphy refers to the quality of the lines in the drawing. Some lines are crisp and thin, while others are soft and diffuse, helping to replicate the visual style of the original artist, in this case, Sebastian Kruger.

What is the purpose of mapping out the plane changes (such as the nose and cheek) before shading?

Mapping out the plane changes ensures that the different facets of the face are accurately placed before adding shadows. This step prevents mistakes and the need for erasing later in the process.

How does the instructor avoid making errors in shading with charcoal?

The instructor builds up to the darkest shades gradually, avoiding going too dark too soon. This allows for more flexibility in adjusting the drawing later without damaging the paper or making irreversible mistakes.

What is the challenge when rendering hair and beard in the caricature, and how is it addressed?

Rendering hair and beard is challenging because it requires balancing light and dark values while maintaining the overall shape and design. The instructor suggests being patient and focusing on the larger picture rather than detailing each strand of hair.

What is the significance of doing a study of another artist’s caricature, even if minor deviations occur?

The study of another artist's caricature helps develop an understanding of their artistic choices and exaggerations. Minor deviations from the original are expected and are part of the learning process, as the goal is to internalize and apply those techniques, not to perfectly replicate every detail.