Lane.Draws

Coaching Clip : Gesture

This video is from a recent coaching session, where the topic of gesture came up. I share a few of my thoughts on the subject while drawing a figure.

If you'd like this sort of direct instruction on topics that interest you, check out my Coaching and Critique tier.

I'm opening a few more slots, but space is limited. It's a great way ...

Threadbare Drawing : Offset

A fun little study.

Threadbare Drawing : Breeze

Here's another from the Grafit Studio set!

This one is also a fairly direct study of the figure. However, I transformed the dress into a blanket to better fit the theme of the series (avoiding complex fashion).

Much of my time was actua...

Figure and Drapery Tutorial /// Grafit Studio Collaboration

In this video I share my process of a Threadbare drawing from start to finish.

Attached is the high-res image and a selection of the brushes used (versions for Photoshop and Procreate).

Threadbare Drawing : Mantle

Here's another drawing from my collaboration with Grafit Studio!

This reference presented a lot of great shapes to work with. Right away I felt a haunting vibe to this pose, so I wanted to play into that. As you can see, I decided to lengthen the ...

Threadbare Drawing : Flourish

What makes the art of drawing special?

We have the power to push and pull in ways the camera can not.

That's my constant motive as I work from a reference such as this. I want to push the shapes, gestures, and values further. Sometimes I pus...

Grafit Studio Collaboration

Over the past couple of months I've been working with Grafit Studio on several new figure reference packs. The first has just been released!

In keeping with my Threadbare project, this set utilizes a variety of fabrics to accentuate shapes and gestures in dramatic ways. The lighting is nice and simple — just the way I like it.

They...

A Few Thoughts About Style

Personal Style

It's something you may dwell on, or rarely consider.

Young artists, especially, often feel a lot of pressure to “find their style”. We want something unique and recognizable, but that quest can feel daunting once you realize just how much art is already out there—and how much territory has alr...

Pink Figure Study #2

Thought process:

Observe the big abstract shape. Subdivide that shape into smaller shapes of light and shadow. Model the edges. Form shadows are softer, while cast shadows are sharp. Focus 80% of detail around those edge transitions. Add simple tone to shadows. Indicate a little bit of detail in both shadow and light side.

Pink Figure Study #1

I'll share the better studies in full resolution. Here's the first.

Sometimes, I find that a quick frame can help to fill (or activate) the empty space around a figure.

Figures in Pink : Demo

In this video I show my process for a quick figure study.

I made some minor tweaks to the legs afterword, trying to find the right balance of detail.

Deviation : Unicorn Rider

I'm a fantasy artist at heart. I would consider most of my figure drawings to be in a realm of fantasy as well. This one is a bit more overt. It began as a simple horse study that I decided to push further. I found good reference for the unicorn pose. The rider is invented.

2025-07-22 19:47:47 +0000 UTC View Post

Threadbare Drawing : Process

If you’re with me here, I can only assume you might appreciate the rough, often quite messy, stages of the creation process. This is the sort of thing I can’t share to a general audience, but you are special. <3

1 & 2: ...

Threadbare Drawing

Happy Friday! It's been a busy week, but lots of fun work in progress.

Shadows : Into the Void

Rather surprisingly, there’s no rule that shadows must be dark.

Around the time I made this drawing from life, that realization began to click. I credit it entirely to the sense of haste I felt while working from the live model. There’s nothing quite like the pressure of fleeting time to spur a higher degree of spontaneity and efficien...

Threadbare Drawing Recap : Contrapposto

In this video I analyze a drawing that I just finished, and give you my thoughts on the process.

This pose is a great example of contrapposto, with the majority of the weight on one leg. This naturally encourages the forms to twist, tilt and turn...

Master Study : John S. Sargent - Male Figure

In this video I share my process of drawing a male figure, following the style of John Singer Sargent.

It's a bit lengthy, as I share the entire process in real time. I invite you grab a drink, some reference, and draw along with me!

You can download the full resolution image below.

Threadbare Drawing : Considering Shapes

There are some poses that just strike me as fun to draw. This is one.

Although it works well by itself, I saw an opportunity to add some draped fabric into the mix. If I manage it well, the additional shapes can flesh out the composition in a sati...

Deviation : Portrait Painting

I aim to keep this Patreon focused primarily on my current project, Threadbare. However, I also want to share my other work occasionally. Here I can present it in full detail, unlike anywhere else online.

Perhaps it's just in my head, but I fear there's a risk of appearing too one-dimensional if I only ever post figure drawings. M...

Threadbare Drawing : Hoist

I find myself attracted to images that feel as if a bit is left unfinished.

If you flesh out the focal areas just enough, it provides material with which the viewer's imagination can use to fill the gaps. Viewer participation makes a drawing more exciting.

But, perhaps there's more to it than just that.

How do we perceive th...

Pose Analysis

Poses!

There’s much to be said on the subject. In this video, I show examples of common issues you’re likely to encounter. If you can avoid these, you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble when drawing.

That said, no pose is perfect. There will always be certain features that don’t translate well into a drawing i...

Threadbare: Iteration and Exploration

For the past 10+ years, I've worked as a concept artist and illustrator in games—primarily focused on character design. Naturally, that involves an incredible amount of rough exploration. It's the aspect of the job that I enjoy the most! Below are examples of rough sketches which I presented to the art team for feedback.

2025-05-27 16:41:50 +0000 UTC View Post

A New Richard Schmid Book Just Dropped

The late Richard Schmid (1934–2021) has a new book out!

Any artist interested in traditional painting and drawing, especially in the alla prima method, is likely already familiar with Schmid. He was undoubtedly one of the most prolific and influential artists of our time.

His books are also among the very best, both in ter...