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Hello,

I have been drawing for quite long time. It is mostly copying. I always wanted to learn drawing formally.

I recently joined the Drawing Academy course and when I try to practice drawing, I observe that my lines are really pathetic. I get weak, wavy lines that do not look very confident.

Is there any way I can improve the line quality? I am using HB drawing pencil.

Question from Ann Marie

When drawing with colored pencils, should I use hatching and cross hatching the same way as with a graphite pencil without using a blending tool? I have seen so many people blend colored pencils with Vaseline, mineral spirits and mineral oils. I don't like blended colored pencils and I am looking for a better way to use them.

Question from William, Drawing Academy student

It seemed like in lesson 15 of Drawing Academy, you were recommending going to museum to sketch old master works, so I went to try it out. Also, it seems like you are putting sketching classical sculptures in the same category as sketching paintings. Wouldn't sketching a sculpture of Heracles be different than sketching a painting? If not, what do you recommend instead for a deeper study in human anatomy? I do not have access to a model.

Question from William, Drawing Academy student

I went to the local art museum to sketch some classical sculptures. I found it rather difficult to sketch what I know versus what I see. My sketches were terrible, especially since people were walking around and kids were being kids. You are clearly a skilled individual.

I spoke with the front desk staff again before I left and they mentioned the issue of getting a permit for sketching. Is getting a sketching permit a common practice? They said its free, and that I can get a chair and drawing board (also free). I find it funny that they did not mentioned that earlier when I first got there and told them my intentions.

Also, how long should I spend on a sketch at a museum?

Question from Kyle, Drawing Academy student

"Is triangulation an acceptable alternative method to find the end points or envelope of the object(s) being drawn?

I've been exposed to both the measuring method taught in the Drawing Academy course and the triangulation method I've learned elsewhere. I feel more comfortable with the triangulation method, because to me it seems easier. Am I cheating myself by not using the method taught in the Drawing Academy course?"

Question from Silvano

"What is the most difficult part of drawing that newcomers often get wrong - i.e. the most common mistake made?"

Question from Elizabeth

I want to ask a question regarding graphite strokes used in drawing.

In these videos you mention that hatching is best:

https://drawingacademy.com/help-i-cant-draw

https://drawingacademy.com/12-most-essential-skills-every-fine-artist-must-have

However, I use little circles (like what colored pencil artists use).

My question is, is this an inappropriate stroke to use for graphite drawings? Thanks!

Question from Tyler, Drawing Academy student

"Most of the time I spend sketching is purely from imagination using constructive drawing principles, but I must ask, while I know drawing from imagination works, what are the benefits of drawing from life that drawing from imagination doesn't provide?"

Questions from David, Drawing Academy student

How to draw smaller-scale drawings?

And how to measure by eye efficiently and accurately?

Question from Daniele Casini

"How can you learn drawing portraits without photos?"