Joe Kubert
Joe Kubert
How to Draw Better Using Reference (Photographs, Mirror, Nature)
Using reference (like photographs, the mirror or nature) to produce artwork of professional quality is sometimes essential when we need our drawings to be accurate, look convincing and "jump out of the page."
In short, using reference is a very good aid for any serious artist to produce BETTER artwork.
Using reference is not cheating. It is neither tracing nor duplicating.
Using reference is observing a source that accurately depicts something or someone, and such source is used as a BASE to produce an ORIGINAL artwork that looks both convincing and very professional.
Many great artists, including comics legend Joe Kubert, use reference to produce their master pieces.
If they do, then anyone who is serious about this and wants to draw better, will see amazing results by trying this.
Sad Jesus drawing produced using photo reference of actor Nicholas Cage
Sometimes using reference is a "no brainier."
If the task of the artist is to draw a rare flower from Belize, a specific Russian weapon from World War II or a particular castle in Spain, using reference is a must for most artists to produce an accurate drawing (except perhaps for experts in those matters.)
Then, most times, it may seem not necessary to use reference.
For example, the artist needs to draw the face of a beautiful woman or a super hero in an extreme action pose. He or she goes ahead and draws that without using any reference.
Now, the result could be very good. Most seasoned pro artists do this.
In that case the artist is drawing "from memory."
Drawing from memory is like drawing using reference.
The difference is that the source is in the artist's memory and not in a photograph, mirror or nature.
Seasoned professional artists use their memories to produce great drawings because they have already memorized the sources thanks to a lot of observation of nature and other types of references.
Then again, seasoned pro artists also use reference when they need to.
Until any artist can depend entirely on his or her memory to draw "perfectly", a very good habit is to use reference.
The end result will be artwork of a superior quality.
In other words, use reference to draw better.
Using reference will allow the artist to:
- depict human proportions (body and face) more accurately (from a live model or photos)
- draw more beautiful faces (from photos, there are countless beautiful people in the world to choose from)
- cast shadows and shades in a more dramatic and convincing way
- show body poses that look more natural
- draw facial expressions that seem funnier or more dramatic (use a mirror, Disney animators do)
- create monsters that look more horrific (from a mix of photographs of animals and objects)
- design better buildings or vehicles (from photos of your vacation or the web)
- among other benefits.
The best place to get photographs for reference is the Internet.
Google and other top search engines can be used to search for images.
Search for topics you need and download the images that you like most.
TIP: Search using foreign language words to get photos most don't.
Create an inventory of images in your computer and keep it organized in many categories and subcategories. Organization is essential to find your images quickly and the inventory must be practical or it won't be used.
Finally, use a mirror for drawing facial expressions. I learned this from the Disney animators. Then, the gestures in your characters could be priceless.
Happy drawing!
About the Author
Comic book artist and illustrator, co-creator of the Omega Chase comic book. His portfolio at juliomolinamuscara.com has pencil portraits, comic book pages, pinups and posters of super heroes or beautiful girls, and more.
Joe Kubert School of Graphic Design?
Just curious about this school.
I am 15 and very interested in the comic book/graphic novel industry as an artist. I'm wondering if anyone can recap their experiences at this school for future references. Thanksss
Like any school...they have a style they teach. It is an okay school...a friend went through their program...but don't expect much in the way of help after completing the program...
Joe Kubert
Sergio Cariello films Joe Kubert part 1 of 6
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Dong Xoai By Kubert, Joe $28.26 Keep your heads down and your eyes open In Dong Xoai, Vietnam 1965, legendary author and artist Joe Kubert tells an incredible tale of bravery and camaraderie under fire a searing look at the true cost of freedom and the horrors of war. Based on actual events, this is the inside story of a team of Special Forces soldiers who were on what was to be a simple assistance and observation mission in the village of Dong Xoai that suddenly turned deadly. Pinned down and facing a neverending tide of Viet Cong fighters, they have no choice but to stand shouldertoshoulder and fight for their lives. Written as an original graphic novel with text and illustrations, Dong Xoai, Vietnam 1965 is based on firsthand information from the surviving members of the soldiers involved and includes an afterword and extensive field notes compiled by the real members of Special Forces Detachment A342, 5th Special Forces Group dust jacket back. Author: Kubert, Joe Subtitle: Vietnam 1965 Publication Date: 2010/05/11 Number of Pages: 200 Binding Type: Hardcover Language: English Depth: 0.50 Width: 7.00 Height: 10.00 |
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How to Draw from Life By Kubert, Joe $28.24 Author: Kubert, Joe Publication Date: 2009/08/31 Number of Pages: 128 Binding Type: Paperback Language: English Depth: 0.25 Width: 8.25 Height: 10.50 |
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Dong Xoai, Vietnam 1965 By Kubert, Joe $24.43 Keep your heads down and your eyes open In Dong Xoai, Vietnam 1965, legendary author and artist Joe Kubert tells an incredible tale of bravery and camaraderie under fire a searing look at the true cost of freedom and the horrors of war. Based on actual events, this is the inside story of a team of Special Forces soldiers who were on what was to be a simple assistance and observation mission in the village of Dong Xoai that suddenly turned deadly. Pinned down and facing a neverending tide of Viet Cong fighters, they have no choice but to stand shouldertoshoulder and fight for their lives. Written as an original graphic novel with text and illustrations, Dong Xoai, Vietnam 1965 is based on firsthand information from the surviving members of the soldiers involved and includes an afterword and extensive field notes compiled by the real members of Special Forces Detachment A342, 5th Special Forces Group dust jacket back. Author: Kubert, Joe Publication Date: 2011/05/24 Number of Pages: 165 Binding Type: Paperback Language: English Depth: 0.50 Width: 6.75 Height: 10.25 |
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Joe Kubert's Comic Book Studio Joe Kubert's Comic Book Studio $15.31 With this kit, you will have everything you will need to complete a comic book and become a comic book author and illustrator. You just need to supply the desire and imagination. Kit includes a portfolio, 72- page instruction book, tracing paper, bond paper, lead pencil, colored pencils, pencil sharpener, eraser, drawing triangle, and one blank comic book. Kit measures 8 3/4 in. x 11 in. Running Press. ISBN 0762413433 |
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Annual Somerset County expo showcases art by survivors of brain injuries
Joe Proudman/The Star-LedgerAnnie Arcuri-Abbey poses in home with some of her paintings behind her. Arcuri-Abbey is participating in the 8th annual "Creativity Expo" held from July 9-17 at the Raritan Valley Community College. She is a brain aneurysm survivor who...
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JOE KUBERT READER TP (A) Joe Kubert Lost Joe Kubert artwork from the 1940s and early 1950s rediscovered and never-before reprinted! Horror, adventure, romance, and superhero artwork unseen for half-a-century.... |
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Sgt. Rock 1:6 Scale Deluxe Collector Figure $94.98 Easy Company leader Sgt. Rock joins the popular 1:6 scale deluxe collector figure line!A crack shot and an expert in close hand-to-hand combat, Rock's nearly superhuman endurance is legendary, allowing him to survive gunshot wounds, grenade fragments and harsh outdoor elements.Dressed in the intricate and authentically detailed costume of military garb from the World War II storylines that made th... |
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Batman Joe Kubert Black and White Statue ... |
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Flash #1 Poster By Andy Kubert & Joe Kubert 24 x 36 Art by Andy Kubert & Joe Kubert24" x 36" Item in stock and ready to ship... |
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Kamandi, The Last Boy On Earth Omnibus Vol. 2 $27.65 At last, DC presents the adventures of Kamandi, the last boy on Earth, in the popular Jack Kirby Omnibus format! In these tales from KAMANDI #1-20, Kamandi - one of the few survivors of a Great Disaster that has destroyed civilization -- must make search for a safe haven in a world populated by bizarre mutated animals and other strange wonders! Considered one of Jack Kirby's most creative works, K... |
Joe Kubert
