Using Neuroscience to Draw for 10,000 Hours --- 100 hour review

Summary

The video script discusses the journey and learnings of an artist who has dedicated 100 hours to painting and drawing, focusing on the principles of form and technical skill. The artist emphasizes the importance of understanding and applying XYZ space for 3D perspective, using overlap and scale to convey depth, and the value of simplification in art. The script also touches on the evolution of pen grip technique, the interplay between pen and paper, and the artist's self-awareness in training. The artist shares insights on how to combine different focuses during practice and the concept of 'noob gains,' highlighting the progress made in the initial phase of learning a new skill. The video aims to inspire viewers with the artist's meta-learning approach to mastering the craft.

Takeaways

• 🎨 **XYZ Space Understanding**: Every drawing should be considered in 3D perspective, with lines aimed at imaginary points in space, treating the paper as a 3D volume.
• 🧐 **Anatomy and Perspective**: When drawing, consider the rotation and tilt of the subject to determine which sides are visible, enhancing the understanding of form.
• 📏 **Sectional Planes**: Break objects down into three sectional planes and connect their silhouettes to create convincing 3D forms.
• 👁️ **Overlap & Scale**: Indicating overlap in drawings tricks the brain into perceiving 3D space, which is useful for conveying form.
• 📉 **Simplification**: Including less detail in drawings can lead to more interesting art, as it allows the viewer's brain to fill in the gaps.
• 🖋️ **Pen Grip Adjustment**: Experimenting with different pen grips can influence line control and the overall quality of the drawing.
• ✍️ **Line Quality**: Holding the pen further up the barrel can lead to a more fluid and less precise line, which can be desirable in certain contexts.
• 📄 **Paper & Pen Combos**: The choice of paper and pen can significantly affect the outcome of a drawing, and it's worth experimenting to find the best combination.
• 🔍 **Technical Skill Evolution**: Over the first 100 hours of practice, the artist noticed improvements in their technical skills with drawing tools.
• 🤹 **Multi-Focus Training**: As skills progress, it becomes possible to combine multiple focuses during training sessions, rather than concentrating on a single aspect.
• 🚀 **Noob Gains**: Recognize the rapid progress made during the initial phase of learning a new skill and prepare for the need to work harder to continue growing.
• 📚 **Meta-Learning**: The importance of self-awareness during the learning process, documenting personal progress and understanding how one learns best.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the channel mentioned in the transcript?

The channel is dedicated to helping others improve as artists in the most efficient manner possible, by leveraging the research of neuroscience, meta-learning, and autodidacticism.

What does the speaker refer to as 'XYZ Space' in the context of drawing?

XYZ Space refers to the concept of drawing in 3D perspective, where every line is aimed at an imaginary point in space, and the paper is considered as a 3D volume being drawn into, similar to how a sculptor works.

What is the significance of considering the number of visible sides when drawing objects or forms?

Considering the number of visible sides helps in understanding the rotation and perspective of the object, allowing the artist to determine what parts of the object are visible from a given viewpoint.

How does the concept of 'Overlap' contribute to the perception of 3D space in a drawing?

Overlap contributes to the perception of 3D space by visually indicating that one object is in front of another, which the brain interprets as a depth cue, thus enhancing the 3D effect in the drawing.

What is the role of 'Simplification' in creating more engaging art?

Simplification helps in creating more engaging art by not including every detail, allowing the viewer's brain to fill in the blanks and engage more with the piece. It turns the drawing into a suggestion of the form rather than an exact depiction.

How does the speaker's pen grip affect their line control in drawing?

The speaker's pen grip, being close to the business end, allows for very precise line control. However, they have been experimenting with holding the pen further up the barrel to achieve a more fluid and less precise line quality.

What is the issue with using ballpoint pens on layout paper, as mentioned by the speaker?

Ballpoint pens can skid on the surface of layout paper, which is not ideal for drawing. Additionally, they can drop a large amount of ink at random moments, potentially ruining a line.

Why did the speaker switch to a fine liner pen towards the end of their first 100 hours of drawing?

The speaker switched to a fine liner pen because it provided better balance between precision and fluidity, especially when holding the pen further up the barrel, and it skidded less compared to ballpoint pens on smooth papers.

What is the importance of high-quality paper and pens in the drawing process?

High-quality paper and pens are important for achieving better results in a drawing. They allow for better control, less ink skidding, and more precise lines, which can significantly improve the final artwork.

What does the speaker mean by 'spinning multiple plates' in the context of drawing?

Spinning multiple plates refers to the ability to focus on several aspects of drawing simultaneously, such as anatomy, perspective, and line quality, without having to consciously worry about each one. It signifies a higher level of skill and understanding where various drawing principles become second nature.

What are 'noob gains' and why are they significant for someone starting a new skill or learning undertaking?

'Noob gains' refer to the rapid progress made in the early phase of learning a new skill. They are significant because they represent the initial leaps in knowledge and understanding that occur as a beginner, setting a foundation for further learning and development.

What is the speaker's approach to learning and improving their drawing skills?

The speaker focuses on meta-learning, which involves understanding how they personally learn, and then creating experiments to explore what works and what doesn't. They concentrate on abstract, generic principles and qualities rather than specific techniques, aiming to build a strong foundation that can be applied to all future art.