Measuring Methods for Artists

In Measuring Methods for Artists, Larry Withers—a veteran of how-to videos on topics such as drawing, framing, and perspective—focuses on measuring techniques that add “greater realism” and accuracy to a finished work. After running through necessary materials and tools (a list is also separately available on the disc), Withers introduces three methods: comparative measuring, sight-size measuring, and triangulation. As he demonstrates each one, an animated pencil moves over the image, repeating his actions. The approaches are useful but involve time and effort, especially sight-size (a painstaking but accurate way of drawing to scale that Winters says was employed by the great painters of the past), and the demonstrations are detailed as he works out the entire example each time. As he says, “The more deliberate you are, the more accurate your drawing will be.” Sprinkled throughout are “try this” hints, such as how to transfer an image if the paper is damaged or how to use an imaginary clock face for plotting points in a drawing. Withers' parting advice is that while method is never a substitute for artistic judgment, knowing skills such as the ones demonstrated here will make the final work better. A useful tool for artists, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Gardner)