Ask Tutors Questions

Question from Tina

Hi, I’ve been trying to improve my drawing skills by following your video “Help, I Can’t Draw“.

I have a challenge. No matter how many times I draw lines in perspective, the converging lines just don’t come out straight or I completely miss the vanishing point.

I draw on a vertical drawing board, but I feel like I should just resort to drawing on a horizontal surface because only then can I draw steady, somewhat straight lines.

• Is it just that I haven’t practiced enough?
• Is it OK to draw on flat surfaces?
• Do I just need to move my hand faster or slower to get long smooth lines?

Question from Katja Soegaard

“When it comes to drawing tools, what brands would you recommend? Especially for those who don’t have the means to get what is considered “the best of the best.”

Question from Maksim T.

“How can I learn to see in value? There is too much grayscale information; how do I isolate value”?

Question from April Kohl

“Will the tutor be available when I do come up with a question?”

Question from Alexis S., Drawing Academy student

“I’m taking the Drawing Academy course and I love it! After the drawing course I would like to learn painting and do sculpture. Is there an order in which should I learn these skills?”

Question from Diane, Drawing Academy student

I am working on a drawing of a building, positioned at the corner so I can draw both left and right sides. When drawing in 2 point perspective, how is it determined where the vanishing points should be? If the vanishing points are off the paper, how to determine that imagined point and how not to lose it?

Question from Jinuk, Drawing Academy student

I’m taking Drawing Academy lessons and I love the course!

Are there any reference photographs available to print to help me follow each video? I need some relevant references to copy from.

Thank you

Question from Wayne, Drawing Academy student

In the “Drawing a face” lesson, the 1/3 placement of the nose, eyebrow, and hairline uses the top of the hairline and bottom of the chin as the outer dimensions to calculate the 1/3-1/3-1/3 and not the top of the skull and chin. This leads to the question: How much room do I allow for the hairline to the top of the skull before I divide it into thirds?

I really appreciate your help and critique of my work. It has taught me to pay more attention to detail.

Questions from Nicole, Drawing Academy student

I think this is usually what trips me up whenever I try to draw something, especially with perspective. What is the best way to identify and then apply where the horizontal line is? I know it’s at eye level, but what are some tips for applying that to my drawings?

Thanks so much,
Nicole