Reference images can be a great way to get yourself started with a drawing, but, have you ever looked at a reference and felt so intimidated that you didn't know where to start?

Or, when you do draw it, it turns out awkward, stiff, or not quite right, leaving you feeling frustrated?

Hi! I'm artist Joe Smigielski, and, in this class, I'll show you a quick technique for breaking down the reference in to simple shapes, and building on them to draw the final image.

Hello and welcome to class!

In over twenty five years as an artist, reference images have been an integral part of my process. Though my style doesn't lean toward realism, I use references to help me draw and paint recognizable subjects. Drawing references with shapes allows me to use imagery that I might not otherwise be comfortable drawing.

How to break down reference images and define the shapes that form them.
How to reassemble, and build on, those shapes, creating a framework for your final drawing
How to stray from the reference images and have fun using your imagination to alter the shapes, and the final drawing, making it your own.
Two approaches to working with references images: intentional and intuitive
- The intentional approach is more analytical and structured, and draws out shapes
- The intuitive method is more organic, and builds up the shapes using a sketchy method

This class is beginner friendly, but created for any skill level. It's designed for anyone who struggles with using reference images, or wants to move beyond tracing imagery.

I will be using Procreate, and an Apple Pencil, for this class, however, you can use the digital illustration app you're most comfortable with, along with any pressure sensitive stylus, on either the iPad or desktop.

Please note: If you are using Procreate, it is helpful to have some experience with the app as this is not a Procreate focused class, and we will not be reviewing the interface.

If you would prefer to work with paper, please feel free! I recommend using a pencil and starting light and finishing dark.

After earning my degree in Art education from Wayne State University in Michigan, I spent several years in the classroom teaching art education. In 2000, I left to become a full time artist and have been happily creating work ever since. In addition to line art, I am also an accomplished oil and acrylic painter, as well as a digital artist, who has sold my work online, in art festivals, as well as brick and mortar stores and galleries across the United States. My work has been featured both in print and on television.

This is the first in a series of digital illustration basics I'll be teaching here on Skillshare. Be sure to hit follow on my profile so you’re always notified whenever I post a new class.

Are you ready to take your reference image game to another level? Then come join me in class. Let's get started!

Music Credit: "A Ghost in Someone's Body," by Ben Reneer on artlist (license on file)

Teressa Brown

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