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50 Percent Rule Clarification

10:30 AM, Tuesday April 30th 2024

In the information in the lesson regarding the 50 Percent Rule, we are encouraged to draw from imagination rather than reference. And that if we are to use references, we should always use more than one when fulfilling the 50 Percent Rule.

However, I've heard from so many artists online that you should try to "draw from life" when possible. If I were to try to draw and paint a scene from daily life (I'm currently on vacation and am trying to draw/paint some scenes from my travels) that would technically only be using one reference would it not? Would this be an exception to the one reference recommendation, or would you say that this sort of drawing/painting not be included as part of the 50 Percent Rule?

Thank you!

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4 users agree
11:59 AM, Wednesday May 1st 2024

As I understand it, the 50% rule is just about drawing for the sake of drawing - if you're drawing from life as an exercise in practicing a specific skill set or building out your visual library, then I would consider that deliberate practice and not part of the 50% rule. If you're drawing from life just because you're in a cool place and you're having fun drawing what's around you (and the result of how it turns out is not the focus of the drawing) then I would consider that part of the 50% rule.

The point of having multiple references is to help avoid copying any one specific reference, and instead pulling information from what you can see in front of you. If you're having fun trying to copy a scene exactly, then that's totally fine - ultimately, the 50% rule is about learning to have fun regardless of the outcome. If your piece turns out poorly and you still enjoyed the process of making it, then you're doing the thing.

At least that's my understanding, anyone else please feel free to correct me. Good luck!

0 users agree
7:16 PM, Friday May 3rd 2024

I'd argue drawing from life to be more than one "image" because you are free to change your PoV, pick it up and move it around, to help you get a better understanding of your subject.

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