The Secrets to Drawing: Drawing From Photos
Lesson Description
Lesson Twelve of The Secrets to Drawing Course focuses on an essential skill for artists seeking to create realistic artwork: drawing from photographs. While drawing from life helps develop observation skills and understanding of space, perspective, and form, photographs offer the convenience of a fixed subject that can be studied over time. In this lesson, students learn how to accurately translate a photo into a detailed drawing using the grid technique, allowing for precision and proportion even when working with complex subjects.
Introduction to the Grid Technique
The lesson begins with a clear explanation of the grid method, a technique that has been used by artists for centuries to accurately reproduce images. By overlaying a grid on a reference photo and drawing a corresponding grid on the paper, students can focus on one small section at a time, making it easier to capture correct proportions, angles, and details. Matt Fussell emphasizes that the grid technique is not a shortcut—it is a valuable tool for training the eye and hand to work together and for improving accuracy in realistic drawing.
Students are guided through the steps of creating the grid:
- Dividing the reference photo into equal squares.
- Drawing a matching grid on the drawing paper.
- Translating the contents of each square individually onto the paper.
This approach helps artists break down complex subjects into manageable sections, making the drawing process less overwhelming and more precise.
Preparing the Drawing
Once the grids are in place, students begin planning their drawing. The lesson emphasizes starting with light pencil marks to outline the major shapes of the subject within each square. This initial stage focuses on establishing accurate proportions and placement before any shading or detailing begins. By working square by square, students can ensure that the overall composition remains consistent and true to the reference photo.
Matt also encourages students to pay attention to negative space—the areas around and between shapes—which is a key observational skill when drawing from photos. By observing these subtle relationships, students improve their ability to accurately capture the form and spatial relationships of the subject.
Shading and Rendering Techniques
After the basic shapes are laid out, the lesson moves into shading and rendering. Using graphite pencils on white drawing paper, students gradually build value to create the illusion of volume, texture, and depth. Matt reviews techniques introduced in Lesson Ten and demonstrates how to apply them to create realistic fur, skin, and features in the subject.
In this lesson, the primary exercise involves drawing a gorilla, a subject that requires careful observation of textures, proportions, and tonal variation. Students learn to identify the highlights, midtones, and shadows in the reference photograph and translate these into pencil marks on paper. By layering graphite and carefully observing the direction and quality of fur and features, students create a drawing that looks lifelike and dynamic.
Focusing on Detail and Accuracy
A major emphasis in this lesson is capturing fine details without losing the overall structure of the drawing. The grid method allows students to focus on small areas individually while still maintaining coherence across the entire composition. Matt explains how to gradually build textures like the gorilla’s fur, paying attention to the flow of hair, contrast between light and dark areas, and subtle changes in tone that define the subject’s features.
Students are encouraged to continually step back and evaluate the drawing as a whole, ensuring that each section aligns with the rest of the image. This combination of detailed focus and overall observation reinforces skills that are essential for realistic drawing.
Benefits of Drawing from Photos
Drawing from photographs provides unique advantages: students can study complex subjects that may not be available in real life, revisit the reference as needed, and work at their own pace. This lesson teaches that while photographs can be immensely helpful, they also require careful observation and technique to avoid flat or lifeless results. By using the grid method and combining it with shading and rendering skills, students create drawings that are both accurate and visually compelling.
Developing Realistic Drawing Skills
By the end of Lesson Twelve, students gain a solid understanding of how to draw from photographs with confidence and precision. They have learned to use the grid method to maintain correct proportions, translate subtle details, and apply value and texture techniques to bring a subject to life. This lesson builds upon all previous lessons in the course, combining observation, measurement, and mark-making to create a realistic and detailed final drawing. Drawing from photos becomes a versatile skill that students can use for portraits, animals, landscapes, and imaginative compositions, expanding their artistic capabilities.
Lesson Materials
Image manipulation software, drawing paper, soft graphite pencil, eraser, photo reference.
Lesson Resources
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Course Curriculum
Founder of The Virtual Instructor, artist and teacher. Matt makes learning art easy to understand and enjoyable.
I like the integration of digital technology and fine art in your classes. I am sure I am going to be learning something new. Thank you.
I dont seem to have the link to the programs mentioned in the video??
Fantastic!! I now know why griding is preferable to tracing.
No matter how I file and copy this photo it comes out to dark to see the darkest areas on the right shadowed side so I lose the detail I need to really see what is in each grid square Any suggestions? I don’t have my computer in the same room as my drawing board area so I can’t just use the computer screen
photo which is very clear and highly detailed. The problem might be my printer’s capacity to print.
i had the same problem.
I figured out how to move image on computer to Roku on my TV
it made images so much larger and easier to study and draw.
Hope you can do the same?
trying to emulate the same style while drawing the fur: not quite the same….will need to look deeper in the technique.
I am so chuffed I didnt think that i will ever be able to draw . I am impressed with my own amateurish sketches
?
Before u print lighten up the photo a bit i did and can see direction of the fur better
Grid is a future technique for me! I really loved watching this sketch come alive. Awesome!!
I also loved seeing your sketch come alive. Thanks for adding.
The grid technique is something new to me. It seems like something that does take patience but is very rewarding as well. Looks like I will have to try this!
Wonderful classes, thank you.
What is the catch to getting the grid to print on the image? All the image and grid adjustments worked well, but cannot get the grid to print. Using OSX 10.6.8 and Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 (2008); same difficulty with GIMP. Thank you.
do a search for the program Accurasee its a good program
hope this helps
Bill
Liked it too. Seems possible to draw from photos.
Amazing drawing!!
Great instruction!Your observation on patience (which I’m not good at but working on)is valuable to me.Thanks for the excellent teaching.
I spent 3 years in art school and I have learned so much in these few days of watching your videos. In school, my professors focused on the idea of conceptual art and creating a series of art based on an enduring idea. Often times this seems to create a block for me because I have no idea where to start and its overwhelming. I wanted to ask if you used this enduring idea and how you approach it if you do? Any advice would be much appreciated.
Hi Candis,
Thanks for your comments. I’m not familiar with an “enduring idea”, but it sounds a lot like a theme. My opinion is that art doesn’t have to fit into a category. In other words, requiring you to have an “enduring idea” doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. I think that you should just keep creating and let your voice and message emerge on its own time.
Thank you for your advise. I really appreciate it
Hi matt,
you teach about how i could use photoshop and make those 3×3 box easily. thank you.
i use macbook. there is no photoshop. (I miss the Microsoft computer now).
For these simple line work. what kind of free apps would be helpful? Or, instead i should purchase some kind of specific app?
ah…. by the way, what kind of affordable or free beginner artwork apps you think is great?
thank you.
april
Oh I find out your suggestion in the ‘resource’ area. sorry that i focus in the ebook at the beginning. thank you.
Photoshop is definitely available for the Mac, there’s no question about that, it’s always been available on the Mac since the very first version. However, unless you’re going to get into extensive commercial image production either through digital art or photography, it’s much more than you need especially given that is not free.
On a Mac, you can download the GIMP (Gnu Image Manipulation Program) to get a lot of the same features and not pay for it. If you want a commercial option, then the rather fantastic Affinity Photo application (available in the Mac App Store) is a great choice and one that I would recommend to Photographers looking to break free of the Adobe world.
Failing all of that… Many word processors can get you there too. For a Mac, using Pages (which is free from Apple), you can drop in the image on a blank document and adjust the size. Then using the editing tools, move the saturation slider to -100% to make it grayscale. Finally use the ruler and guidelines to draw your grid with the line tool.
Hi, Matt, This is Ophelia from China. Thanks for the video. I am just wondering about the technique you use for the background there. You say you use small circles? The effect is nice and neat but we dont really see the small circles. no direct lines or cross hatching there？ Do you use cirlcles instead of direct lines so as to vary from the fur texture(lines)?
Hi Ophelia,
You may not see the actual lines that are created by drawing small circles. It’s really more about applying the material using a circular motion to eradicate any visible lines.
Like Mary Anne, I cannot get the grid to print on the picture I am using. I am using photoshop, and I looked up on their help, and the only thing I could find on grids says that the grid is non printable. Any suggestions?
This is just the motivation I needed. I downloaded GIMP and I am drawing my first grid drawing (since majoring in art in college) from one of my husband’s photos. I am so glad I found this website. Thank you!
Hi I am really enjoying your videos, so far I haven’t tried to do any drawing but I have downloaded the ebooks and when I start drawing will go through the videos again. Your drawing today was amazing. I have used a grid before so do know the benefits of it.
What is the easiest way to grid an image for us very beginners? The way you showed it seems complicated 🙁
Hi Matt, the next video in this series module 13 “creating successful compositions” does not have the module header bar and the click to view option. I am viewing on my iPad and don’t normally have any problems. I will try shortly on my PCs and see if this happens there too.
Hi Christine,
Everything is normal on this end. You may check and see if your network connection slowed for a moment.
It is fine on my pc so it must just be an ipad issue, as it is the same today.
Regarding the Photoshop grid….. In Windows, instead of “Photoshop.. Preferences .. Guides, grids, & Slice”, try, “EDIT.. Preferences… guide/grid” to get to the screen where you can make the grid size and color choices.
This is great practice. Initially I really procrastinated this. Then I learned the grid in Photoshop. More recently I transferred design to paper. Then I procrastinated. Then I began to do the value work. After an hour, I began to study tutorials on drawing fur. Watched your video many, many times. FINALLY, I began to isolate each address on grid and draw it. I struggled to stay away from spontaneously working other areas but finally I isolated the particular square and covered the rest on both reference & drawing paper. That did not allow me to shift to another area spontaneously because now I couldn’t see it!! Kept thinking “trust the grid” as I worked it, square by square. WOW. That was a very good learning experience. My spontaneity can feel artistically inspired, but I can see that it takes me away from the consistency and deliberate effort that this practice requires to learn value & texture, & form in graphite drawing. I really procrastinated this and now find I learned a lot and am feeling more successful. Great subject for this.
Oh my gosh! This is awesome! I first learned to draw using the grid method and always use it for my portrait drawings…but thought it was bad and that if I used the grid then I wasn’t a very good artist and should learn to draw without it. Thank you Matt! You have no idea how elated you have made me with this video. You are such a great artist and I am so glad I found The Virtual Instructor.
the link to create grid drawing is broken can you fix? thanks
Hi can you recommend a photo printer? thanks
Best lesson yet, this is very helpful for trying to reproduce a photo, I had to draw my own 1×1 boxes but it was worth it, my drawings are getting so much better. Super lecture
Thanks Elizabeth!
Matt;
Bravo for this site, Your patient, systematic approach is effective. Question: How long did this drawing take to complete? You talk about patience when drawing detailed graphite compositions…an estimate of the time this took you would be helpful when working through my own drawings. In other words, “if this took Matt an hour I am doing alright if I am at two hours” kind of thing. DBW
Hi David,
Thanks so much!!! This drawing took approximately 4-5 hours to complete from start to finish. With that being said, speed is relative. Some folks will work faster and produce high quality results while others need to work a little slower. The important thing is to work at a speed where you can be the most successful. So in other words, take YOUR time – which may be different than MY time. 🙂
Hi Matt,
I am hoping I can pick your mind on something quite crucial.
I’ve been able to draw very well since I was a kid – I’m 30. Though I’m an engineer by trade, art remains my first love. I never had formal training, so this course has helped me to grasp the basics of what I need to learn to make my work more realistic. I wish I could post some pics here of what I’ve been able to make use of from what I’ve picked from your lessons – I’m genuinely impressed with myself and hope to learn more.
Here’s my question: I struggle drawing using an artificial light, for this reason I prefer working during the day, i.e. when I have time or immediately after work (17h00 – 18h30). I find that artificial light really obscures the quality of the value on paper work – it adds an extra sheen and it tends to become difficult to keep track of gradations in color or shading. I’ve struggled with this since I was kid and rarely drew at night. I rarely draw at night. Is this a common problem with artists dealing with graphite or other mediums? Do I need better lighting in my room and what kind? I’m only asking because it appears you draw next to an artificial light source.
Your response will be highly appreciated.
Lastly, I appreciate how professional and systematic the content on the site is.
I downloaded your photo of the gorilla but am having difficulty figuring out how to apply the grid using GIMP. Could you please provide instruction on that?
Mahalo,
Lori
Hi Lori,
I don’t have a lesson on this, but this video may be helpful…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSmngg7SB5U
I am using an iPad Pro 10.5. I cannot find an Adobe App that gives me a grid choice. The iOS edit for photos gives a default grid.
Hi Ivan,
The grid created in this lesson was created using Photoshop on a desktop computer.
I have been going through lessons in ‘The Secrets to Drawing’ with interest, and I found them useful until I hit the one that deals with grids on photographs. I cannot understand why such grids are necessary.
I have a photograph by Henri Cartier Bresson of Jean Paul Sartre. Sartre appears in the bottom right-hand corner, and the bulk of the photo is a gloomy linear and aerial perspective – perhaps Cartier Bresson implies some aspect of Sartre’s character. It is a masterpiece. The perspective intrigued me, having read your previous lessons on perspective. I could use your grid technique to draw this picture, but this would just replicate the photo. What would be the sense in that? Where would my creation be? My thought about your gorilla is the same. Why all the detailed work to produce a near likeness of the photo, when the photo seems interesting in itself, and your diagram adds little to your creativity? By creativity I mean your individuality. Surely no two artists would produce the same drawing of an object because no two people are the same, and if they did the same drawing where would the art be?
Hi Ivan,
This is just a method for ensuring accuracy, which is important sometimes. You don’t have to use this technique if you want to be more creative.
If we are following along with the video, once we have the drawing of the gorilla complete, how can we show you our progress and get your advice. Thanks.
the wrinkles on my drawing doesnt look very realistic…what is the catch for drawing wrinkles? the fur is hard too…What is expected of a complete begginer at this point of the course? I wonder if iam getting caught in trying to get too much details…
Hi Lilian,
Wrinkles are just a form of texture and texture is about value. A wrinkle typically has a highlight, a mid tone and then a shadow. Most beginners just the draw shadow – usually a line, but there’s more information there. If you get the highlight and the shadow, then a wrinkle will look more realistic. As far as what is expected of a beginner – just do your best and don’t get discouraged. Drawing is a skill that develops gradually over time with knowledge and practice. Keep at it and don’t judge yourself on the result of the drawing but the knowledge gained from the experience.
No info for digital manipulation
I really enjoyed this lesson. It took some basic principles from many years of cross stitch and brought a picture I took to life. So thankful to be taking these lessons.
I ve really enjoyed your lessons so far. Thank you.
LOVE, LOVE LOVE this! Exactly what I am here for. I haven’t ever used the grid technique before and look forward to trying this out. Can’t wait to dive into this lesson!! Thanks for the great video lessons. I am hoping in other courses I can find much deeper videos on techniques on highly realistic drawing.
Enjoying the lessons and learning so much Mat. Can you direct me the link to the Gif photo manipulation programme. Can’t seem to find it. Many thanks
Hi Geoffrey,
I know this is a few days late, but here’s a link…https://www.gimp.org/
Matt, I signed up for your colored pencil course on Udemy 2 years ago. Life got in the way, discovered your VIRTUAL INSTRUCTOR and **OHHHH** so many courses to take so signed up for it ALL. Sooo soooo happy I did!
1) Is GIMP still a prog suggested in 2022?
2) I’ve done the Kingfisher, are there other images you suggest for a newby learning colored pencil?
PS – I plan on the cupcake since I also saw that in the COLORED PENCIL Magazine, which I of course promptly subscribed to 🙂
Thank you for all the teachings
it would be really cool if with the reference you included a grid version
I am trying to watch The Secrets to Drawing course. The sound is there but no video. I can only see the title slide. I have tried watching other courses and they are okay. Is there a problem with this course?
Hi Debra,
The video is playing normally on my end. Can you try refreshing the page?
I don’t have photo software, so what I do is go to library and print image in black and white. I keep the color on my screen and the printout beside me.
I was never taught the grid method. It kinda really flusters me. This is going to be a challenge to do.
this is nice and all but how do i draw a circle as good as you?
Hi Viliam,
This might be helpful…https://thevirtualinstructor.com/how-to-draw-a-circle.html
Thank you so much for creating these courses! I just started and was struggling with some concepts, but you made them clear. Amazing work! Clear and concise.
I have been working on the Gorilla drawing for Months! I only have 1-2 hrs each weekend to dedicate to drawing and am starting to find it hard to keep my enthusiasm up. My main problem is that I started drawing on grid 2 from the top and I always need to be aware of this shifts the features on my drawing. Also, as with other comments I can’t always see the grid lines in the photo or video and am doing a bit of guessing.
Overall it will look good but I plan on re-doing all the drawing when I am done the modules I am interested in so yhat makes this my ‘practice sessions’
As I’ve been working on this Gorilla, the areas that I draw keep smudging into other sections. I am drawing the same points in the same order that you did, with the paper towel, but how do I keep it from smudging, especially once I close my sketchbook and it’s rubbing on the adjacent page? Thank you, and thank you for these amazing videos!