Hello. I have been a teacher and an artist, sometimes both, for most of my life. Talented artists often make poor teachers of art. You seem to be good at both. Great work. Keep it up.
@HuwDouglasEvans
3 жыл бұрын
Blocking in, or what I sometimes just call "basic shapes", is, to me, THE big "secret" to drawing. Once you can do that, everything else is literally just details.
@proudsellout484
3 жыл бұрын
I am new to this. But I agree. Learned the hard way.
@alleynanci
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you
@o82774
2 жыл бұрын
It can also be a way to get trapped into prefab looking, generic, creatively stagnant, soulless rendering.
@jm-he7tl
2 жыл бұрын
@@o82774 ehhh basic shapes are a part of almost all art it won’t get generic if you don’t allow it to
@pian-0g445
2 жыл бұрын
@@o82774 that’s not really true and even then, that’s what the details and proportions are for. Blocking isn’t always to do with realistic proportions. You can do it for literally everything, but how they end up is up to you
@endanarchy
3 жыл бұрын
Recently tried this for the first time when doing a sketch of my wife holding a camera. Drawing the camera was very intimidating because it looked like a sillouette and I couldn't get the contours right. Blocking-in made that experience such a breeze and actually made it an enjoyable process. One of those "Why an am I only learning this now?" moments.
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
Better late than never. Glad you discovered how useful it is 🙂
@hissyfitz7890
3 жыл бұрын
Kindly turn on the ‘closed captioning’ option for those of us who are hearing impaired. 🙏🏻 We don’t want to miss any of your valuable information! Great tutorial; looking forward to seeing you more often. 😊
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
🙏🙂
@hissyfitz7890
3 жыл бұрын
@@alphonsodunn - Wondering if you were able to have the ‘copycat’ cease & desist? 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
Hard to believe, but it is still on going. Will talk about it when I can 🤐
@EckosamaGhostTsushima
3 жыл бұрын
@@alphonsodunn whoa its been months. Good luck Alphonso! :)
@TOPEGGIE
3 жыл бұрын
@@hissyfitz7890 can i ask you a question?
@amexjam55
3 жыл бұрын
I'll start practicing this technique in my drawings. I hope you'll continue doing more tutorials like this one. Thanks, Alphonso.
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
Most definitely
@IkramDrawingZone
2 жыл бұрын
Good job.
@DomTaAldee
3 жыл бұрын
You are the coolest dude thx for having you on KZitem. I also learned a lot from your Book👍🏾
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
🙏🙏🙏🙂
@thomasstanfordart5606
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the vids! Love the block in process. Something that has helped me is to work in 15 minute segments on the block in, taking a break and coming back with fresh eyes.
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
Yup, I have a similar process
@patytrico
3 жыл бұрын
Glad to have you back, teacher! And blocking is important so my drawing does no run out of space in the page :)
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
🤣🤣 me too
@iz4991
3 жыл бұрын
Hey!! Just wanted to say i like the shorter vids!! I usually put most videos in my "watch later" playlist and end up never actually watching them. The fact this one is shorter helped me not procrastine and watch it now. So i hope you'll keep making shorter vids in the future as well!
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
Lol I realized that because I do the same thing
@mitchellsink2584
3 жыл бұрын
This video is gold. Thank you so much for encouraging me. I always get a bit discouraged when it takes me awhile to establish my figure the way I like it. I have to keep reminding myself that art is a process and not every step is going to look like a masterpiece.
@MangaBear
3 жыл бұрын
Mr Alphonso I must say I admire your teaching it's quite easy to follow. I was wondering if you could do the insert and origins of anatomy and discussing the important ones to focus because I other KZitemrs don't seem to do it as often nor easy as you.
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much. Most definitely, I can work on doing a video to the different areas
@Sewius
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the reminder. I've wasted plenty of time going into detail early and trying to adapt a pose to a face. My approach is something I really need to focus on.
@sophieg2175
2 жыл бұрын
Watched this again. I am now blocking in most of my drawings. Thanks Alphonso.
@e.torch.8102
3 жыл бұрын
Your videos and books are awesome! Thank you!!!
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks much
@HptFox
3 жыл бұрын
I always learn from you 👍👍you deserve respect
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
🙏🙏🙏
@johanneshaushofer9844
Жыл бұрын
Hi Alphonso! I like the enthusiastic way you explain things. This makes me listening (and looking) and in the case “of blocking in” it shows me what art is all about. It’s nothing mechanical. It’s reasoning and feeling and looking and experiencing ....
@oonaghguyonnet9723
2 жыл бұрын
What gifts you have and am I grateful!! I’m a few steps above a beginner but at 85, am in a hurry. Thank you.
@zooterlacks
2 жыл бұрын
Just bought your books and they are already putting me back on track to getting back into drawing, rediscovering my own talent and the joy of drawing. Thank you.
@leslie-annepepin8927
2 жыл бұрын
I actually appreciate your short videos! Straight to the point, and bot overwhelming. Thank you! Will go look for your books.
@stevehampton9146
3 жыл бұрын
A THIRD BOOK !!!???!!! I CANT WAIT TO BUY IT !!! I have the first two and they have helped me tremendously. I excited about a new book !!! Thank you for all your help. My art is so much better due to you.
@Leabruh
3 жыл бұрын
Alphonso, thank you for this video. Hearing about you wanting to do this full time excites me. You really are a teacher who provides unique information and instruction at their highest quality.
@sallywarmington6364
3 жыл бұрын
Hello from the UK. I’m so glad to see you back. Hope all is well.
@rosemaryshort8683
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this wonderful artist and teacher. It is the first time I have someone who gives his all in his teaching. Too many you tube lessons do not explain properly. I am trying to master portraits. After watching Alphonsus lessons, I can now understand the facial proportions for the first time. You are a gifted artist and a wonderful passionate teacher. I hope you continue on you tube.
@lilymarie626
3 жыл бұрын
I have both books and LOVE THEM!! I can’t wait for a third 😍
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much
@2dapoint424
3 жыл бұрын
@@alphonsodunn No, thank you Alphonso, for publishing such awesome books!!
@johnprickett8140
2 жыл бұрын
You say 'learning to see' I too have been a teacher and an artist for most of my life ,I am well into my seventies now, spot on! Strange expression that, but you know what I mean. Respect.
@sophieg2175
3 жыл бұрын
Just watched again. Now I’m using horizon lines and attempting blocking in. Thanks Alphonso.
@amartineztor
3 жыл бұрын
I recently bought your first book which is amazing and I'm also watching your videos to practice and have better understanding, Thank you Mr. Dunn
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
🙏
@dirtysilver2841
2 жыл бұрын
This was something I originally did when I learned to improve my skills. Never knew it had a name. Knowing is half the battle and now I know. Thank you!
@robertmaclean9695
Жыл бұрын
It's so much easier to draw straight lines than to start with curves. Curves are changing direction in two ways at once, but with a straight line you're just dealing with one angle. It's magical the way the organic shape emerges bit by bit from the straight lines as they build up - really fun and makes me feel like I can do this. Thank you for the excellent lesson.
@incredulouskirk
2 жыл бұрын
Short, succinct, and practical, unlike so many other YT artists/instructors. That's why a love your videos. 👍
@loricalass4068
2 жыл бұрын
I can give a like to your videos before I have hardly watched them, because they’re always great.
@curiositydrawsme9180
2 жыл бұрын
I’m glad you took the time you needed to, for you. Your content is so helpful and I’m really glad you popped up on my feed today, because I’d been thinking about your tutorials about drawing rock formations and how they’ve helped me, for the first time in my life, to draw rocks that look like rocks, rather than like grey jellybeans. I just ordered both of your books. Thanks for being such a treasure in the art world!
@tomestubbs
2 жыл бұрын
Block form construction brings order out of chaos. That's what I tell my students. Good video. Thanks.
@judigibbs
3 жыл бұрын
I love watching and learning from you although as a beginner it can take me a while to 'get it' so I have to keep going over the lessons - if it is worth learning, it is worth learning right!! I have been missing the basics and it shows with my sketching. I have both of your books and will keep practicing. I can't wait to see your next book. Please keep doing your great work!
@liammoreland2972
3 жыл бұрын
Just bought the book, been following you for a few years now and I can't wait to get into this more.
@lostcrusader8053
3 жыл бұрын
I'm guilty of skipping to details. Mainly because that's what I assumed what professional artists do. Thank you for sharing this.
@janessasanio
3 жыл бұрын
I've always blocked in my drawing because that's what I was taught but the insights as to why its important never really came up. Thank you for this!
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
🙂
@jorg_404
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Alphonso! Your tutorials mean a lot to me!
@wendywolfeakaraven8324
3 жыл бұрын
You're tutorials are so wonderful! They are easy to follow and make so much sense. Thank you!
@jeyzur
2 жыл бұрын
Wow! Thanks for this. I knew that drawings were sort of “built” but, I didn’t understand the process. This makes everything so much clearer now. Thank you!
@undines3979
3 жыл бұрын
Lovely to see you a new video from you. Thank you for all the knowledge you share, you have greatly nourished my art journey.
@KristiCCz
3 жыл бұрын
Hi, Alphonso, I've been a fan of your videos for a few years now. I actually like the short videos, I can watch them when I only have a little bit of time (like now).
@elizabethandiosa4579
2 жыл бұрын
Yes, please do some more videos on blocking in, top, bottom, side, , mid points, the triangle. I really have difficulty with the blocking in. I started gridding to get more accurate but that is very time consuming. I just wasn't getting the blocking in concept, and was using complicated negative space and other measuring methods.
@Renee11123
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you Alphonso! As I'm getting more and more into drawing, I slowly began to understand the importance of blocking in a drawing. Since I'm still in the beginning stages of learning to draw, my current mindset of focusing on details is holding me back. After seeing this video it all became so clear to me, I found myself enjoying this part of the drawing process since It is so simple, it's fun to build up the image, and I feel more satisfied with my drawings than ever before. I look forward to seeing the next video further showing how important blocking in a drawing. Keep up the good work! 😊
@jdhartman100
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your excellent ability to put things in simple terms!! Priceless!!
@williebraxton1988
3 жыл бұрын
I’m glad you’re back.
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
🙂
@generalregistry
2 жыл бұрын
Just wanted to say thank you for your videos, I will definitely pick up your books. Keep up the great videos!
@stews9
2 жыл бұрын
Wonderful video. Thank you for being so clear about this basic approach and skill.
@henrikefabienneresch197
2 жыл бұрын
I know this video is from a bit ago, but I absolutely love this technique and just realised I have been using it for my (realistic) drawings and some character art for years. A little something I used to do in the beginning, when I had too little practise to recognise the shape right away (prompted by an animal-drawing course in the zoo) is to map out the outer points/edges of your subjects to get the dimensions and then do the same thing going inwards. So basically, creating the block in shape by connecting corners and distinct details sticking out. Maybe this helps as a way for beginners (as I was) to train both their perception and ease them in slowlier? (and even now to keep the dimensions in mind!)
@songbird5266
3 жыл бұрын
Just shapes. My art tutor told me that, and I forgot. Thank you for this.
@robear888
3 жыл бұрын
You are an amazing artist and content creator. I have learned TONS from your books and videos. I wish you all the best!
@donnamckinney7734
2 жыл бұрын
I just found your channel. I love your art. And your teaching technique is clear and helpful. Thank you.
@Chavacandraw
Жыл бұрын
Always learn something valuable from your tutorials ❤❤❤
@BruceCarbonLakeriver
2 жыл бұрын
that's the best advice I've ever heard! I always was stumbling around at the beginning with the need to have something on paper to refine but usually I just had to refine crap and as you've said you can't correct those structual mistakes! Thank Alphonso! o/
@pamelalavender8813
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for explaining this to me. Now I understand how to proportion my drawing to the right size
@khati108
3 жыл бұрын
Please increase these essential skill tutorials... you are the best one in this case on KZitem 💜
@vocalchords3609
3 жыл бұрын
Absolutely wonderful tutoring by a great tutor! Joyous, crystal clear and an invitation to 'see' better in order to draw more sympathetically. I teach music and I often say 'I am going to help you learn to listen!' - here is a video which is encouraging us to grasp the need 'to see'. in order to draw. Terrific! Thank you very much.
@bbrachman
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Alphonso. Bought your workbook. It is fun to work through. Getting my pen and ink skills back, slowly. Can't wait to see the next book.
@nightsoul9
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you , Alphonso, for your videos. I have both of your books, and am looking forward to the third.
@ApBananen
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you Alphonso!
@susancarlson5283
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for this. I just tried this technique on a few things, and it helped so much. It’s like a light bulb just when on.
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
It is super useful
@yamabudo3803
3 жыл бұрын
Alphonso's videos are excellent as are his 2 books. I will definitely buy his 3rd book when it comes out.
@abby-fichtner
3 жыл бұрын
Will you do a video showing us how to block in? I’m trying especially to understand what you mean about not having to worry about proportions when there’s foreshortening while you’re blocking in? But could really use some help with how to block in more effectively. Thanks so much for considering.
@carlkligerman1981
2 жыл бұрын
I look for what are called plumb lines. Look at relationships and what shapes might meet along horizontals and verticals. But a lot of blocking in is simply trusting that the ‘flat’ shape you see is actually what’s there; foreshortening in particular creates weird flat shapes that really challenge what you think things should look like. In terms of proportions it’s much easier to measure the relative sizes of the smaller forms that unify to make the whole than say, tracing contours. Hope that helps.
@PaulLeBlanc4u
3 жыл бұрын
Alphonso, i know how hard it can be to manage the main elements in one's life, balancing them like plates on sticks sometimes - just stay focused and press on. Thanks for all the wealth of information you pass on so generously. God bless you man. (ps: Have your book - love it, looking forward to another).
@susanbenson4941
3 жыл бұрын
Short videos are perfect! Just purchase your book. Thanks for sharing your expertise.
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
🙂🙏🙏🙏
@andy-maier
2 жыл бұрын
THAT WAS SO WELL SAID. EVERYTHING.
@goodboybupbup
3 жыл бұрын
I love your books. I've fallen in love with using pen and ink, something which I had been reluctant to try. Each chapter and the attendant exercises build one upon the other. I look forward to your next book and, of course, to your excellent videos.
@AllenWalker92
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much!😃 I've been struggling with getting out from the standard proportions and so on these days and that is holding me down in an endless cycle of 3/4, front, profile, etc. I'm learning a lot from you 😄
@mr.horrorchild4094
2 жыл бұрын
The world's best pencil. Good choice, young one
@jasweb147
3 жыл бұрын
Just purchased your books Bro! Often times it's easier to break learning down into short bursts vice 45 minute videos. Thanks for the short videos. Keep it up!! :D
@kelleymcbride4633
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this video. I have been drawing for decades and I watch drawing videos almost everyday. This just might be the most helpful video I've ever seen you earned a sub today thank you so much! 🔥✏
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks much🙂🙏
@devart1259
2 жыл бұрын
I understand what you are conveying from this video as I was begginer too, I'm still not a pro but I do understood the concept of complex to simple shape drawing, it really essential as it helps to look at figures and pose reference simply, specially to break them up and simplify them
@jackihammersmith8331
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you Alphonso, your videos have helped me learn to see things in a different perspective and then I'm able to draw the object (usually nature scenes) more realistically. You break things down so everyone can understand and then demonstrate. Can't wait for the new book to add to my collection.
@MizaelTengu
3 жыл бұрын
That is one practice I love to do. I'm always doing this. Thank you for the video!
@devonoved7
3 жыл бұрын
Great tutorial. Just wish I could have the same ability to see perspective and proportion. I could never draw the hand of that subject you are drawing at the right proportional size to match the rest of the arm and the head. Also am glad that you are back to doing what you do best, teaching and creating great art, despite evert thing else that is happening. Hope you find peace soon.
@krzysztofmathews738
3 жыл бұрын
Excellent material. You explain and demonstrate this very effectively.
@OhBeans
2 жыл бұрын
The first chapter of Samantha Youssef's figure drawing book Movement & Form is all about blocking in! It talks about the importance of seeing those simple shapes and then sculpting from them as an exercise to train you on how to see and observe your subjects. Sorry to plug someone else's book Alphonso but I did order one of yours last night😊(because Samantha recommended sketch booking in ink)
@kasiako355
2 жыл бұрын
I'm definitely guilty of skipping this technique ^^' The awesomeness of the face and the hand you drew here, really convinced me to use it more!
@Mr.Miyagu
3 жыл бұрын
I watch these videos before I start a drawing, it motivates me...
@50YrOldSK8R
2 жыл бұрын
Great video man, been drawing most of my life. I'm completely self taught & this is a cool technique. I wished I would have known about this yrs ago, I don't draw very much anymore for various reasons. If I do I will def play around with this idea, ty!!
@alyssonbarcellos
3 жыл бұрын
Alphonsoooo, I bought your book and when it arrived I read it from cover to end in a single afternoon, it changed the way I draw with ink and now I'm addicted to pen and ink, for sure one of the most important art book that I've read in my life, thanks for that 😊 cheers from Brazil 🙌
@cosmic733
2 жыл бұрын
This is very helpful i see my art lacking something i just never knew what it was or how i could fix it
@louisemissouri4410
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you thank you I have your book… really appreciate the work and the explanations in it !!
@serenak2505
3 жыл бұрын
Love you so much, glad you’re back!!!!!
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
🤗🤗🤗
@lcaKB
3 жыл бұрын
It's great to have you back, Alphonso! I learned a lot from one of your books, and only by practicing a few lessons. You are a great artist and instructor.
@Mattypantaloons
3 жыл бұрын
Never bought a book so fast. IS IT HERE YET!
@LALA-nk8pm
3 жыл бұрын
As always, thank you for sharing your immense knowledge and talent with others. Truly appreciate it! And the blocking in process is most difficult for me. Thank you for reinforcing that technique. All the best to you! 🤗
@basquaittaylor5329
2 жыл бұрын
I am working on a couple of portraits now and they are from photos that are not straight on the faces are in angles so you are so correct
@susanstark6655
3 жыл бұрын
Love your videos sir. Have both your books and bought one for a friend. Delighted there will be a third, you have so much knowledge and are a good teacher. Thank you
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much
@rickolmsted1156
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing and your advice if Very Helpful :)
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
The pleasure is mine 🙏
@Void-fc6jn
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for the video! I've had many an out of proportion portrait in my time.
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
We all have lol
@eno_7206
2 жыл бұрын
Great content on this video. You packed in the vital information that I will out into practice.
@oscar_jjuarez5266
3 жыл бұрын
I have both of your books ! And let me just say that it’s REALLY helpful , new and fun thing to do ! 100% guarantee . That being said can’t wait until your next book (hoping you working on a new one)
@jrbleau
3 жыл бұрын
You draw and teach beautifully.
@austinflynn5374
3 жыл бұрын
You’re the man, Alphonso!
@melaniepotter3951
3 жыл бұрын
Wonderful videos...you are very generous. I just ordered your book! Thank you.
@gnarthdarkanen7464
Жыл бұрын
Always called it "roughing in" myself, because I so rarely actually used many blocks... haha... BUT that kinda depends on what one is exactly drawing at the time, and some iconic shapes don't always do as good a job for their subjects as one might expect... SO it's helpful (sometimes) to make terms a bit more generic... Take a tree, for example. As a wood-worker with LOTS of hand-tools, I have to know which way to push a plane... go against the grain, and instead of a silky smooth finish, you get something more like a wooden "Brill-O Pad" all frizzy and full of splinters. I KNOW that trees grow in cones from the ground up, and the oldest wood of the tree, in the "heart" is just the thinnest of the cones... AND even for conifers, children frequently use cones as the shape they suppose works for what they see, drawing Christmas Trees... BUT sketching out a cone isn't as useful as it would seem... It can help, and it's certainly rougher than the finished product, but branches grow in accordance to the amount of sunlight they can catch, so no trees are quite going to conform to an ordinary cone in shape... For a "Christmas Tree" with character, it's more lively to start with a series of spheres instead, shrinking in size and at some point around the mid-height, stacking a cone on top is a little more reliably the actual shape of the conifer... Then you still have to look at the branches and make assessments of the smaller structures (needles and tufts) to develop the character of the branches... If the needles are stiff, the branches will seem more erect and spikey... If the needles are loose and dangle, then the branches will seem loose and more "hairy" or softer. A deciduous (broadleaf) tree, on the other hand, may best be a cylinder with several spheres and eggs gathered randomly at the top, or it might be better established like a mushroom or toad-stool, with an inverted cone atop the cylinder... and others may not need the cylinder at all, with trunks that diverge from nearly ground level... AND so far, not even one tree that I've drawn would work out well from blocks... haha... Still, not to bust balls on anyone's account. It's just kinda funny how terms get evolved into "the business" as opposed to how any individual might dubiously and arbitrarily make nomenclature from the individual experience and journey... In any case, it's kinda fun, while we in the "self taught" bunch are looking to "shore up" our basics and structure, to find out there isn't some earth shaking new whole category of techniques we've been missing... but rather a nomenclature we just hadn't thought of using for whatever reason. ;o)
@RealmsOfThePossible
3 жыл бұрын
Very much along the lines of the Bargue Method. Very true that people push for detail far too soon most of the time and that is like building a house on sand.
@alphonsodunn
3 жыл бұрын
Indeed, a solid foundation is important
@seahorse5689
3 жыл бұрын
I've said this before, but I'll say it again, you are an excellent teacher. Thank you for all of your super helpful videos. Looking forward to your new book--learned so much from your last one.
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