If you want to draw realistic portraits, you need to master the skills of measuring and proportioning. Two methods that can help you achieve this are the Reilly Method and the Triangulation Method. In this blog post, we will explain what these methods are and how to use them.

Reilly Method:

The Reilly Method is a technique that was created by Frank J. Reilly, a famous illustrator and teacher. The Reilly Method simplifies the head into abstract shapes called “Rhythms.” These shapes show the main planes and masses of the head. The main steps of the Reilly Method are:

Abstraction of the Head:

Divide the head into simple, abstract shapes that represent the major rhythms, such as the brow line, cheekbones, and jawline. Emphasize the major rhythms and how they relate to each other.

Cross Contour Lines:

Draw cross-contour lines that follow the curves and contours of the rhythms. The cross-contour lines help create a sense of depth and structure.

Use of Angles:

Observe the angles formed by the intersections of the rhythms. The angles help you establish accurate proportions and capture the unique features of the subject.

Construction of Features:

Draw individual features, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, within the framework of the rhythms. Keep a focus on the overall structure and relationships between features.

Constant Comparison:

Compare different parts of the face constantly to ensure accurate proportions. Use landmarks to refine and adjust your drawing as needed.

Triangulation Method: A Simple Way to Draw Accurate Portraits

If you want to draw realistic portraits, you need to master the skill of measuring proportions. One of the easiest and most effective ways to do this is by using the Triangulation Method. In this blog post, we will explain what the Triangulation Method is and how you can use it to improve your portrait drawing.

What is the Triangulation Method?

The Triangulation Method, also known as the Plumb Line Method, is a technique that uses straight lines to create reference points and proportions on the face. By connecting these points with triangles, you can establish the relationships between different features and their distances from each other. This helps you avoid common mistakes such as drawing the eyes too big, the nose too long, or the mouth too wide.

How to Use the Triangulation Method?

The Triangulation Method is simple and straightforward. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Establish Key Points: Identify the key points on the face that you want to use as reference points. These can include the centre of the forehead, the tip of the nose, the chin, and the corners of the eyes. You can use a plumb line (a vertical line) to check the alignment of these points and mark them on your paper.

2. Create Triangles: Connect these key points with straight lines, forming triangles on the face. These triangles will help you see the proportional relationships between different features. For example, you can use a triangle to compare the width of the forehead with the width of the jaw, or the length of the nose with the length of the chin.

3. Check Horizontal and Vertical Alignments: Use horizontal and vertical lines to check if your features are level and aligned correctly. For example, make sure that the eyes are on the same level and that the distance between them is equal to the width of the nose. You can also use these lines to measure how far apart your features are from each other.

4. Adjustment and Refinement: As you draw, keep comparing the angles and distances within your triangles and make adjustments as needed. You can also use curved lines to refine the shape of your features and add details. Remember to check your drawing from different angles and distances to ensure accuracy.

5. Check Negative Spaces: Another useful tip is to pay attention to the negative spaces between your features and use them as reference points. Negative spaces are the shapes that are formed by the spaces around your features, such as between the eyes, nose, and mouth. These shapes can help you maintain symmetry and balance in your drawing.

Why Use the Triangulation Method?

The Triangulation Method is a great tool for portrait drawing because it helps you:

– Draw accurate proportions and avoid distortion

– Capture the unique characteristics of your subject

– Simplify complex shapes into manageable triangles

– Develop your observational skills and eye-hand coordination

The Triangulation Method is not the only method for portrait drawing, but it is one of the most popular and effective ones. Many artists use it or combine it with other methods, such as the Reilly Method or the Loomis Method. The best way to find out what works for you is to experiment and practice regularly.

We hope this blog post has helped you understand what the Triangulation Method and Reilly Method and how you can use it to improve your portrait drawing skills.

Portrait drawing can be fun and rewarding. Don’t get discouraged by mistakes or imperfections. Instead, learn from them and keep trying. Start( https://ashishpatelatelier.com/drawing-courses/) with simple shapes, objects, or scenes that you are comfortable with.

Enjoy the process of creating a likeness and expressing your artistic vision.

 If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Happy drawing!

Regards

AshishPatelAtelier

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Hey, do you want to draw amazing portraits like a pro? Well, you’re in luck, because today I’m going to tell you all about the Loomis Method, a super cool technique that will make your portraits look awesome!

The Loomis Method was invented by Andrew Loomis in the 1940s, a famous illustrator and art teacher. He wrote several books on drawing, and his method is still widely used by artists today. The Loomis Method is based on using simple shapes and grids to construct the head and face. It’s like building a Lego portrait, but with less plastic and more fun! Here’s a breakdown of the key principles:

1. Grid System:

The method utilizes a grid system to establish the basic proportions of the head from various angles. This grid helps you place facial features accurately and ensures a balanced composition.

Loomis devised different grids for front, side, and three-quarter views, each with specific measurements and proportions.

2. Planes and Shapes:

Instead of focusing on individual features first, Loomis teaches how to break down the head into basic geometric shapes and planes. This simplifies the complex form and helps you understand the underlying structure.

The main shapes include the cranium (a sphere), the jaw (a cube), and the nose (a series of wedges).

3. Feature Placement:

Once the basic shapes are established, the method guides you on precisely placing the facial features within the grid and planes. This ensures proper spacing and avoids distortions.

Loomis provides detailed instructions for each feature, including the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and eyebrows, with specific measurements and relationships to other parts of the head.

4. Construction and Refinement:

After placing the features, the method teaches you to gradually refine the drawing by adding details, shading, and texture. This involves understanding facial anatomy and light interaction to create depth and realism.

Loomis emphasizes the importance of observation and practice, encouraging students to study real faces and apply the principles to capture individual likenesses.

So, what are the benefits of the Loomis Method? Here are some of them:

– It gives you a structured approach: The grid and shape system offer a clear roadmap for beginners, reducing overwhelming complexity. No more guessing where to put the eyes, nose, and mouth!

– It improves accuracy: By focusing on proportions and placement, the method helps avoid common mistakes and create realistic portraits. No more alien-looking faces or crooked noses!

– It’s versatile: The principles can be applied to various portrait styles and head angles. You can draw anyone from any angle with the Loomis Method!

-Enhances expression: By understanding the structure of the head, you can manipulate it to create different expressions and emotions.

-Makes you look cool: Seriously, who doesn’t want to draw awesome portraits like Loomis? He was a master of his craft and his style is timeless

But wait, there’s more! The Loomis Method also has some limitations. Here are some of them:

– It can be rigid: Some artists find the grid system too restrictive and prefer a more fluid approach. They like to draw with more freedom and expression, not following rules and guidelines.

– It focuses on structure: While important, overemphasizing structure can lead to a stiff or mechanical look if not balanced with other artistic considerations. You still need to pay attention to things like shading, lighting, colour, and texture.

– It requires practice: Mastering the method takes time and dedication, and it’s not a shortcut to instant portrait mastery. You still need to practice a lot and learn from your mistakes.

So, is the Loomis Method worth learning? Absolutely! It’s a valuable tool for aspiring portrait artists. Its structured approach and emphasis on proportions can provide a strong foundation for developing your drawing skills and creating accurate and expressive portraits.

If you want to learn more about the Loomis Method, here are some additional resources for you:

– Books: “Drawing the Head and Figure” by Andrew Loomis, “Figure Drawing for All It’s Worth” by Andrew Loomis. These are the classic books by the master himself. They are full of examples, explanations, and exercises that will teach you everything you need to know about the Loomis Method.

– Websites:

1.AshishPatelAtelier:  https://ashishpatelatelier.com/drawing-courses/)

2.Andrew Loomis Foundation (andrewloomis.org), 13 Steps for Drawing Heads using the Loomis Method (bingedrawing.com).

These are some websites that offer free online tutorials and tips on how to use the Loomis Method. They are easy to follow and very helpful.

– YouTube channels: AshishPatelAtelier, The Drawing Club, Proko, New Masters Academy. These are some YouTube channels that feature videos on how to draw portraits using the Loomis Method. They are fun to watch and very informative.

I hope this blog post helps you on your journey to mastering portrait drawing with the Loomis Method! Remember, practice makes perfect, so grab your pencil and paper and start drawing! And don’t forget to have fun!

If you want to learn more about the Loomis Method, check out his books or online tutorials.

You’ll be amazed by how much you can improve your portrait drawing skills with this method. Happy sketching!

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Are you ready to learn about an amazing technique that can make your artworks pop with depth and drama? It’s called chiaroscuro, and it’s all about using light and dark to create stunning effects. Chiaroscuro is an Italian word that means “light-dark.” It’s a technique that artists have been using for centuries, especially during the Renaissance.

In this blog post, I’ll show you some key principles and tips for applying chiaroscuro in your artwork. You’ll see how you can use light and shadow to create a sense of volume and three-dimensionality in a two-dimensional artwork. Let’s get started!

– Understand Light Sources: The first thing you need to do is identify the primary light source in your composition. Where is the light coming from? This will help you determine where shadows will fall. For example, if the light is coming from above, the shadows will be below the objects or figures. If the light is coming from the side, the shadows will be on the opposite side.

– Create Strong Contrasts: Chiaroscuro relies on dramatic shifts between light and shadow. You want to create areas of intense brightness next to deep shadows for a striking effect. Think about how you can use extreme contrasts to emphasize the form of the subject. For example, if you’re drawing a face, you can make the eyes or the nose stand out by making them brighter than the surrounding areas, while making the mouth or the chin darker.

– Use a Limited Value Range: Chiaroscuro often employs a limited range of values, from very dark shadows to bright highlights. This can enhance the sense of drama in your artwork. You don’t need to use many colours or shades to create chiaroscuro. Experiment with different pencil or paint shades to create subtle gradations within the limited range. For example, you can use a dark grey for the core shadows, a medium grey for the midtones, and a light grey for the highlights.

– Pay Attention to Form: Use light and shadow to define the form of your subject. The interplay of light and dark can suggest the contours and shapes of objects. Shadows help convey the solidity and volume of forms, making them appear more three-dimensional. For example, if you’re drawing a sphere, you can use a curved shadow to show its roundness.

– Study Anatomy and Structure: Understand the anatomical structure of the objects or figures you’re depicting. This knowledge will guide you in placing shadows realistically. Consider how light interacts with different surfaces, such as skin, fabric, or metal. For example, if you’re drawing a human figure, you can use shadows to show the muscles, bones, and folds of clothing.

– Employ Core Shadow and Cast Shadow: Core shadows are the darkest part of an object, typically where the form turns away from the light source. Cast shadows are the dark shapes created by an object blocking light. Pay attention to how they interact with the surrounding environment. For example, if you’re drawing a vase on a table, you can use a core shadow to show its curvature, and a cast shadow to show its position on the table.

– Experiment with Light Placement: You can also play with different light placements to create different effects. For example, you can use backlighting to create silhouettes or rim lighting to create halos around your subjects. You can also use multiple light sources to create complex shadows or reflections.

– Play with the Light: Don’t be afraid to move your light source around and see what happens. Different angles of light can create different effects, such as mystery, drama, or romance. You can also use artificial lights, like lamps or candles, to create the mood you want.

– Shine On: You can use reflective surfaces, like mirrors, foil, or water, to bounce light back onto your subject. This can create secondary light sources and make your chiaroscuro more interesting. Just be careful not to blind yourself or your subject with the glare.

– Learn from the Masters: If you want to see some examples of amazing chiaroscuro, look no further than the old masters of painting. Artists like Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and Leonardo da Vinci were masters of using light and shadow to create stunning artworks. Study how they used chiaroscuro to create depth, drama, and emotion in their paintings.

– Practice Makes Perfect: The best way to improve your chiaroscuro skills is to practice a lot. Try different subjects, lighting conditions, and mediums to see what works best for you. Chiaroscuro is a versatile technique that can be used with graphite, charcoal, ink, or paint. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.

Chiaroscuro is a fun and effective way to make your art stand out. By using light and shadow, you can create artworks that are realistic, dramatic, and engaging. So grab your tools and start experimenting with chiaroscuro today!

I hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something new about chiaroscuro. Now it’s time for you to try it out yourself! Grab your pencils or paints and start creating some amazing artworks with chiaroscuro! Start( https://ashishpatelatelier.com/drawing-courses/) with simple shapes, objects, or scenes that you are comfortable with.

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Loomis Method:

The Loomis Method is all about using shapes and guidelines to construct the head and face. You start with a sphere, then add a cylinder for the jaw, then divide the head into sections to place the features. It’s like building a Lego head, but with more math. Key features: –

• The Loomis method focuses on constructing the head and face using geometric shapes and guidelines.
• It breaks down the head into simplified forms such as spheres and cylinders.
• Loomis emphasizes understanding and applying proportions, using guidelines to place features in relation to each other.
• There is a strong emphasis on symmetry and balance in facial features.

• Loomis often encourages artists to aim for an idealized representation of the subject, capturing a universally attractive look.
• The method is known for its simplicity, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced artists.

Benefits:

• • Provides a solid foundation for understanding facial anatomy.
  • Helps achieve accurate proportions and placement of features.
  • Relatively easy to learn and apply.

Drawbacks:

• • • Can result in stiff and lifeless portraits if not used in conjunction with other methods.
    • May not be suitable for capturing the subtle nuances of a person’s likeness.

Reilly Method:

The Reilly Method is all about capturing the gesture and rhythm of the head and figure. You use curved lines to sketch the flow and movement of the subject, then add details and shading later. It’s like drawing with a dance partner, but with more flair. Key features: –

• The Reilly method places a significant emphasis on capturing the gesture and flow of the head and figure.
• Artists are encouraged to observe and convey the rhythm and movement of the subject.

• Unlike the Loomis method, the Reilly method embraces asymmetry in features, acknowledging that faces and figures are not perfectly symmetrical.
• Reilly often stressed the importance of closely observing the subject, understanding the subtle nuances of light and shadow.
• The Reilly method tends to result in a more naturalistic and lifelike representation of the subject, capturing the individuality of the model.

Benefits:

• • Helps develop a strong sense of light and form.
  • Creates a more dynamic and engaging portrait.
  • Allows for greater individuality and expression.

Drawbacks:

• • Requires a strong understanding of light and shadow.
  • Can be more challenging to master than the Loomis Method.
  • May not be as effective for beginners.

So, which method should you use? Well, that depends on your goals and preferences. If you want to draw portraits that are simple and idealized, go for the Loomis Method. If you want to draw portraits that are expressive and realistic, go for the Reilly Method. Or better yet, why not combine both methods? That way, you can get the best of both worlds!

Ultimately, the best method for you will depend on your individual learning style and artistic goals. If you’re a beginner, the Loomis Method is a great place to start. It will help you develop a strong understanding of facial anatomy and proportions, which will serve you well as you progress in your drawing skills.

Once you’ve mastered the basics of the Loomis Method, you can then move on to the Reilly Method to learn how to use light and shadow to create more realistic and expressive portraits.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• Loomis Method:
  • Andrew Loomis’ book “Drawing the Head and Hands”
  • Ashish Patel’s “Full drawing Course” course https://ashishpatelatelier.com/drawing-beginner-course/
• Reilly Method:
  • James Gurney’s book “Colour and Light”
  • Ashish Patel’s “Full drawing Course” course  https://ashishpatelatelier.com/drawing-beginner-course/

I hope this information helps!

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You see, in the olden days, people believed that art should copy nature. That’s because they were influenced by the Renaissance, a period of history when people rediscovered the ancient wisdom of the Greeks and Romans, who were all about humanism. Humanism is a fancy word for saying that humans are awesome and they should study and celebrate themselves and their surroundings. So, artists tried to paint the world as realistically as possible, showing every detail, every wrinkle, every shadow, every hair. They wanted to capture the beauty and complexity of nature and human life.

But then, something changed. In the 19th century, some artists got bored of realism. They thought it was too boring, too predictable, too limiting. They wanted to express their own feelings and opinions, not just show what they saw. They also wanted to challenge the status quo, the established rules and norms of art and society. So they started to experiment with different styles, like romanticism, which focused on emotions and imagination, or neoclassicism, which revived the classical ideals of harmony and proportion. These styles were still based on realism, but they added some twists and turns.

Then came realism’s biggest enemy: abstract art. Abstract art is a style of art that doesn’t care about reality at all. It doesn’t try to represent anything that exists in the real world. It just uses shapes, colours, lines, and forms to create its own visual language. Abstract art was born in the early 20th century, when the world was going through a lot of changes: industrialization, urbanization, war, technology… you name it. Abstract artists wanted to reflect these changes in their art. They also wanted to explore their own inner worlds, their subconscious, their dreams, their visions. They didn’t care about pleasing anyone or following any rules. They just wanted to be free. Other important factors:-

1. Artistic Tradition and Training: The old masters were obsessed with realism because they wanted to show off their skills and impress their peers. They spent years learning how to draw, paint, and sculpt like the ancient Greeks and Romans, who were considered the epitome of artistic excellence. They also wanted to follow the rules and standards of their teachers and mentors, who taught them how to create realistic and beautiful works of art. They didn’t have time or interest for experimenting with abstract forms and colors, which they considered childish and sloppy. They wanted to prove that they were serious and professional artists, who could handle any challenge and subject matter.

2. Cultural, Religion and Social Expectations: The old masters were constrained by realism because they had to please their patrons and audiences, who were mostly conservative and traditional. They had to create art that was realistic, recognizable, and respectful of their beliefs and values. They had to avoid anything that was controversial, offensive, or blasphemous. They also had to cater to the tastes and interests of their viewers, who were mostly educated and literate. They had to create art that was informative, entertaining, and inspiring. They had to avoid anything that was boring, confusing, or irrelevant.

3. Symbolism and Narrative Clarity: The old masters were inspired by realism because they had a direct and personal experience of reality, which they could observe, study, and depict with their own eyes and hands. They also had a rich and diverse source of inspiration from reality, which they could draw from nature, history, literature, mythology, or their own imagination. They wanted to create art that was symbolic and narrative, that could tell a story or convey a message. They wanted to use realism as a tool to express their ideas and emotions, not as an end in itself.

So there you have it: a brief history of why the old masters focused more on realism than abstract art. Of course, this is a very simplified version of a very complex topic. There are many more factors and nuances involved in the evolution of art history. But I hope this gives you some idea of how art reflects the culture and philosophy of its time. And remember: there is no right or wrong way to make art. Art is subjective, personal, and diverse. And that’s what makes it so awesome. Please note that this is not a definitive or comprehensive analysis, but rather a humorous and subjective interpretation. Don’t take it too seriously!

Here are some specific examples of old masters who focused on realism:

• Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) was one of the most famous and influential artists of the Renaissance. He was a master of realism, and his paintings are known for their accuracy, detail, and psychological insight.
• Jan van Eyck (1390-1444) was a Flemish painter who is credited with developing the technique of oil painting. His paintings are known for their meticulous detail and their use of light and color.
• Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) was a Dutch painter who is known for his domestic scenes and his use of light. His paintings are known for their realism, their sense of atmosphere, and their emotional depth.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post about why the old masters preferred realism over abstract art. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to share them below. Thank you for your attention!

Happy Painting!!

Learn realism Portrait- https://ashishpatelatelier.com

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