1000 days of my journey of traditional art. DAY 3 How to measure using pencil and is accuracy good?

All right, welcome to my channel. It's William Jiamin here, and today, I want to talk to you about how to measure. Previously, I discussed the concept of observation - drawing from observation rather than from an abstract concept. A good way to observe things is to measure them intensely and accurately. Once you've mastered measurement, you achieve great proportions. That's why we start with still life; moving subjects can be challenging to measure without the aid of, say, a camera. You might take a photograph and measure from that later, but for now, let's focus on still life.

For instance, if you're drawing a large tree, one so big that you can't possibly replicate its proportions on your canvas, you'll need to scale it down. I've observed many talented artists employ a fascinating technique for this. Unfortunately, my camera isn't large enough to capture my full demonstration, so I'll try to explain as best I can. Artists often hold out a pencil or brush, stretch out their hand, and use their thumb to mark measurements. For example, if there's an apple that's significantly larger than a normal one and I'm standing far away from it, I would hold out this pen and use my thumb to measure it. Once I've marked this measurement, I can transfer it to my actual canvas, adjusting the scale as necessary.

The theory behind this technique is essentially mathematical. I won't delve into the details, but it involves using visual angles and the principles of scaling to accurately represent the subject on your canvas. For instance, imagine a person holding a pen, using their thumb to mark a measurement, and then scaling that measurement down to fit on the canvas. This method can also be doubled or adjusted according to the distance and size of the subject.

One crucial tip when measuring is to ensure your arm is fully extended and straight to avoid any change in the measurement due to bending. Also, maintaining a consistent position is vital for accurate measurements. Sometimes, I find that I've not focused properly on the canvas, which can be frustrating as it wastes time and effort. Regularly checking your camera or measurement tool is essential.

Another point to consider is the angle of your measurement. Your arm's position relative to your eye can change the perceived distance, so it's important to keep your measuring tool at a consistent angle. Some artists suggest using your non-dominant hand to help stabilize your measurement and minimize errors.

Now, onto a broader thought. I've been pondering whether traditional drawing techniques, like the one I've described, are becoming a lost art. With modern technology, such as projectors and digital tools, we can achieve perfect measurements and proportions. However, does this technological approach diminish the value of art created through traditional methods?

This question has led me to reflect on the value of art and the importance of human effort and interaction in the creative process. Even if a piece of art is not 100% accurate, the effort, emotion, and personal touch added by the artist can significantly enhance its value.

As I continue my journey in both traditional and digital art, I aim to explore these questions further, sharing my discoveries and reflections with you. Remember, the best way to support me is by giving this video a thumbs up, subscribing to my channel, and if you're able, supporting me on Patreon. Your support keeps me motivated and allows me to continue this journey.

Thank you so much for your time. This is William Jiamin, wishing you happy creating. See you in the next video!