Using real 3D objects as reference?
https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtFundamentals/comments/y7avjr/using_real_3d_objects_as_reference/
2022-10-18 15:57
GalacticRay
I'm wondering what your thoughts are about sometimes using three-dimensional objects as references for the lessons' homework instead of photos, eg real plants for lesson 3, taxidermied (or even live) animals for lesson 5, various objects around the house for lesson 6 etc? It seems like a much more valuable skill for me personally than only working from 2D images.
Uncomfortable
2022-10-18 17:58
Normally art classes really stress the importance of working off real objects instead of reference photos, but due to the manner in which we're working in this course (focusing on construction, breaking complex objects into simple forms and building them back up, instead of drawing directly from observation) it's not something we especially worry about here, as the process sidesteps many of the disadvantages of generally working with photos over real objects.
To be clear, it's fine to use real objects - but I would avoid taxidermy because they tend to be posed more stiffly than a normal, live animal. Also, always remember that these exercises follow a particular process, and serve each as a sort of spatial puzzle that we're solving by combining simple forms. Be sure not to fall into the trap of working from direct observation only, without the additional step of understanding how the things you're seeing sit in 3D space, before you attempt to transfer them to your drawing. This isn't so much a specific issue that's going to be more of a concern if you work from real objects, but I wanted to mention it just in case.
GalacticRay
2022-10-18 18:15
Thank you so much, Uncomfortable!
I'll probably stick mostly to photo references for the curriculum then but likely do most of the other, personal, 50% from life as that is what I enjoy more.