How strict is the "no reference" rule when free drawing?
https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtFundamentals/comments/10g8ub1/how_strict_is_the_no_reference_rule_when_free/
2023-01-19 18:16
ItsYehor
I can't draw from imagination or memory at all but I can sketch from a reference where I can be satisfied with the process and result. That's the thing, I just sketch: I don't try to get every single line right, just trying to get the pose, clothes, facial expressions to look similar. Don't get me wrong, if it's required for the sake of better progress - I can bare with it. I just thought the free drawing part should be for enjoyment and I definitely enjoy sketching from a reference a lot more. I guess if was able to draw a literal copy of the reference I would have, so maybe that is the answer to my question. But I still would like to hear your opinion.
Uncomfortable
2023-01-19 19:34
There's two distinctions laid out in regards to the 50% rule, when it comes to the use of reference.
One distinction, which you referred to in your question, is regarding using reference to the point of making something a study (and thus literally copying it directly as the entirety of your drawing). That should be avoided for the purposes of the 50% rule.
The other distinction however is more straightforward in some ways, but extremely difficult to wrap one's head around in others: It's the distinction between a student thinking that they "can't draw from imagination at all without reference" and thinking that they can draw without it, but simply not well. As in, whatever they draw without reference looks like absolute garbage, may not be identifiable as what they intended, etc. That does not constitute "not being able to draw" in those circumstances - just that they can't draw well. There's no harm, and no shame, in not drawing well. It's where we all start.
For the purposes of the 50% rule, I push students not to use reference at all if they feel they are unable to draw at all without it. This is to force them to come to terms with the incorrectness of that belief, and the distinction between being able to draw, and being able to draw well.
Once a student is no longer as inclined to think in that way, and to regard really bad drawings as not being the result of the act of drawing, then they can apply reference based on the first distinction. But until then, it is important for the student to push themselves to draw however they can without the reference, so as to correct that mindset.
GETitOFFmeNOW
2023-01-19 21:36
Lots of artists use references all their lives. Never heard of a "no teference rule."
YouveBeanReported
2023-01-19 22:51
I agree with you in general, but this is the Draw a Box subreddit and I think they are specifically asking about the 50% rule and no references suggestion in that.
https://drawabox.com/lesson/0/2/50percent
https://drawabox.com/lesson/0/2/faq
Draw a Box seems heavily against reference when not studying, because it's work, and that 50% should be your chill play time.
SSAli943
2023-01-20 00:06
The general rule of thumb is reference will always be useful in doing better drawings, any professional art you see is likely from some kind of reference. Drawing from imagination is a good way to test what parts of drawing youve internalized and it can be relaxing. The idea that your imagination drawings will be bad isnt something to be anxious about but rather it is a definite reality and they will become better over time. Especially when youre just starting out your mental visual library will be weak so using reference most of the time helps.
richalex2010
2023-01-20 04:24
This isn't a general art question, this is a specific question regarding the Draw A Box program which this subreddit is dedicated to. While your answer is correct for art in general, it does not align with the goals of the program.
ericerickson19
2023-01-20 02:20
Ill tell you now, no one cares at all how you get the end result if they like what they see. I promise you. Get paid!
richalex2010
2023-01-20 04:24
This isn't a general art question, this is a specific question regarding the Draw A Box program which this subreddit is dedicated to. While your answer is correct for art in general, it does not align with the goals of the program.
Razilup
2023-01-20 05:44
The 50% rule seems more of a way to break up DaB with something that you find fun and using your own imagination (something essential for all artists). As for using references, I think it depends on your current level. If you are still very new to drawing and have trouble visualizing things, absolutely use a reference. Its better to use a reference so you know how something actually looks, than to try and drawing something and end up teaching yourself bad habits (if that makes sense).
I always recommend working on your Visual Library, which is objects that you can draw from imagination/memory. Do 2-4 drawings with a reference of a subject (top hat, treasure chest, side table, sunglasses, books, etc) then do a final drawing completely from memory. This way you have a chance to study an object, the lines and shapes (which should start to be more familiar as you progress through DaB) and then exercise your imagination. Hopefully as you do this you will get better at picturing things and be able to draw more things without references.
Just remember, it takes time. Dont get frustrated or put out if it takes a while to see results. Its a skill that is built over time, not in a few days of frenzied intense sessions that make you question your life choices.
bbbruh57
2023-01-20 07:24
Just do what you feel like unless your goal is to draw from imagination. There are no rules, just best practices to achieve specific outcomes if you want that instead
of_kilter
2023-01-20 09:13
Its however strict you want it to be. Theres no art cops that will slap a reference out of your hand
Use references when you want to, they pretty much always help and have no down sides
TheSilentTitan
2023-01-20 11:41
The beauty with art is that you can do whatever you want. If it helps you to use references (which countless artists do) then use references.
cqshep
2023-01-20 12:32
Use reference. Itll make your art better. All of the best artists do. It lends your art authenticity. People who have a rule against using reference are just
Wrong.
synthequated
2023-01-20 13:46
This is a very context dependent rule for the drawabox course. it's no reference specifically in the 50% fun time, and it's specifically so that people can get over the mental barrier that prioritises good art over enjoying art. Once you're sure that you're over that, you are allowed to use reference, but not as a study i.e. you should use multiple references
kie7an
2023-01-20 15:31
References are the absolute best thing you can use to improve your art.
But when something says dont use reference dont worry about it being the best piece of art youve ever made, have fun with it
Srkili
2023-01-20 16:44
I think hat you have mixed up term "using reference" with "tracing picture".
Using reference is always fine because you build up your visual library like that and you can also use multiple pictures as an inspiration board.
Tracing picture is on the other hand is what is looked down at, especially if you claim it as your own drawing. Only time when tracing is ok is when you are still learning so you can get a feel for proportions.
Twoshoesonefoot
2023-01-20 16:50
Early stages should def be using reference all the time
Twoshoesonefoot
2023-01-20 16:56
Also stop looking at using reference as making a perfect copy = perfection. A perfect reference study means youve broken down the 3d form, you can now rotate the pose 360 because you have understanding of the pose, youve studied the line work that gives the drawing its aesthetics, youve broken down the gestural line paths, youve broken down how the weight is distributed in the references, youve studied the light and perspective of the pose and many other studies. But just drawing and making it look the same is the least form of understanding and it may make you believe youre learning
Adikooo
2023-01-21 07:52
Try watching Draw like a sir he have some cool tutorials on how to use references and more
Mother-Fortune-7523
2023-01-21 16:54
You may just be unable to imagine stuff.Its a thing like 30% of people have.Some artists also have it even
Uncomfortable
2023-01-22 23:52
If what you're referring to is aphantasia, then I would like to clarify one thing. Aphantasia is not the inability to imagine things - it's the inability to visualize what we do imagine in our heads, so like the absence of a "mind's eye".
Honestly though, I made a video about this for Proko's youtube channel, and even they used the clickbaity title of "how to draw with an imagination", so that misnomer is not on you. I do want to stress however that while it does seem like aphantasia's something that holds us back as artists, it really doesn't - not even when it comes to drawing from one's imagination.
Rather, the expectation that we can only draw things if we're able to visualize them first, is incorrect - and it's actually something that leads to a lot of frustration with those students who can visualize quite well. It leaves them with the expectation that what they visualize is enough to draw from, as though it were the equal to looking at a photo reference, and then when they find themselves unable to draw it as expected, they are prone to getting frustrated.
At the end of the day, learning to draw from one's imagination requires strong spatial reasoning skills, which we all must develop through the same kind of hard work. To that end, I'm glad that you mentioned that some artists also have it, as that is very true. I just wanted to be clear that it doesn't actually make much of a difference, as many people might be inclined to think.
ItsYehor
2023-01-19 19:54
I understand. Thanks a lot for explaining and for the course in general! The mindset, self-image, mental health, and other non-technical things you've talked about are something worth reading just on their own.