DRAW with Chris

Why do faces look “off” even when the features seem correct?

In this new video, I critique a student drawing and explain how I handle unique facial features and unusual proportions without flattening the likeness.

This is a key skill for portrait and figure artists who want more accuracy and character in their work.

🎥 Watch the video here:
https://youtu.be/u0nGXvbA-d4

📩 For more free lessons, critiques, and downloadable drawing handouts, join my email list here:
drawwithchris.com/

4 days ago | [YT] | 11

DRAW with Chris

Struggling with composition or flat values? This simple tonal study exercise can change how you see.

I put together this free Composition & Tonal Study handout based on a master painting by Richard Schmid.

👉 To download the free, hi-resolution version, subscribe to my free Studio Insider email list here:
www.drawwithchris.com/

It breaks down the exact process I use to design strong value structure before details ever matter.

In the handout, you’ll learn:
• How to simplify a complex scene into clear value masses
• Why squinting reveals the true design of a painting
• A step-by-step tonal process you can apply to any subject
• How masters create clarity, focus, and mood with value

This is the same kind of exercise I use in my own training and teach inside my classes.

Train your eye. Design first. Details later.✍️

1 week ago | [YT] | 181

DRAW with Chris

Do you struggle with composition?

Most artists try to fix it by adding more detail. That usually makes things worse.

Here’s a simple tonal composition exercise I use to train my eye to see value design instead of detail. Inspired by Richard Schmid.

Full lesson and article here 👉
www.drawwithchris.com/articles/composition-exercis…

Let me know if you want more exercises like this.

1 week ago | [YT] | 104

DRAW with Chris

Composition is not about copying details. It’s about design.

In this video, I share a simple but powerful composition exercise using a tonal study inspired by Richard Schmid.

If your drawings or paintings feel flat or unorganized, this kind of practice will train your eye to see value, structure, and visual flow.

🎨 Watch the full demo here:
https://youtu.be/EYYdzA-rLqk

👉 For more free lessons and composition study guides, join my free Studio Insider list:
drawwithchris.com/

More composition and master study videos coming soon.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 26

DRAW with Chris

Want your portrait drawings to feel more real?

In this quick demo, I show you one of my favorite tips for adding realism: using light and shape design to emphasize the corners of the head.

It’s a subtle technique—but once you see it, you can’t unsee it.

👉 Watch the tip here: https://youtu.be/4sZAxSbu_ws

If you want to go deeper and get free resources that’ll help you improve faster (like handouts, guides, and more), subscribe to my free Artist's Insider to download my free art training bundle here:

🎁 www.drawwithchris.com/

Let me know in the comments if this kind of tip helps. I’m planning more.

#PortraitDrawing #RealismTips #ArtEducation #DrawWithChris #FigureDrawing #ShadingTips

1 month ago | [YT] | 19

DRAW with Chris

🔥 NEW (Uncensored) Drawing Demo + Step-by-Step Article
🎥 Watch here → www.drawwithchris.com/articles/figure-shading-blue…

I just published a brand new figure drawing demo and step-by-step tutorial on my website. This lesson was too real for social media, so it’s fully uncensored and only available on my blog.

You’ll see:
✔️ A full figure shading demo in blue pencil
✔️ My step-by-step process for realistic light and form
✔️ Close-up shots, tools, and pro tips
✔️ Downloadable handout included

This one's for serious learners and collectors who appreciate fine figure art and want to level up their shading game.

🎨 Watch the video and read the article here:
👉 www.drawwithchris.com/articles/figure-shading-blue…

2 months ago | [YT] | 34

DRAW with Chris

🔥 NEW Handout – Figure Shading in Blue Pencil 💙

Want the high-resolution version of this process guide?

This handout shows my full figure shading method using blue pencil—from shadow block-in to final touches. It’s clear, structured, and made to help you draw with more confidence and control.

👉 Get the high-res download + full article here:
www.drawwithchris.com/articles/figure-shading-blue…

If you’re serious about mastering realistic figure drawing with traditional tools, this one’s for you.

✏️ Prismacolor Blue Pencil + Grafit Studios Reference

Let me know if you want more printable study guides like this!

2 months ago | [YT] | 103

DRAW with Chris

New Demo + Full Article is Live!

Want to learn how to shade the figure with blue pencil like this? My newest article breaks down the entire process step-by-step.

👉 To watch the full, uncensored video and read the in-depth article, click here: www.drawwithchris.com/articles/figure-shading-blue…

PS. You can also access a new process handout for free. Click the link above to visit my site.

2 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 5

DRAW with Chris

🎨 New Free Live Class – How I Study the Masters (Ep. 1)
📺 Watch it here →

If you’ve ever copied or studied a master painting and felt like something was missing… this class is for you.

In this first episode, I break down how I study masterworks— the mindset, techniques, and what I actually look for to get better as an artist.

You'll see how I break down the design, value, and structure so I can learn and apply it to my own work.

This is the start of a full 5-part series on how to learn from the masters the right way.

📍 Upcoming episodes will cover:
- Value composition
- Shape and design
- Light and form
- Anatomy design and more...
– Final master copy demo

👉 Watch Episode 1 now and follow for the next sessions.
Let me know what you learned or want to see next.

2 months ago | [YT] | 22

DRAW with Chris

🔥 I Spent 100+ Hours Studying Instagram... Here's What I Learned

After years of being shadow-banned for my figure drawings, I decided to go all-in.

100+ hours deep into IG strategy, growth psychology, and content mechanics. I learned why most artists get stuck, and how to finally get seen without selling out.

In this video, I share my personal 2025 IG strategy, the key lessons, and the biggest mistakes I see artists making.

If you're serious about growing your art, audience, or creative career, this one’s for you.

👉 Watch here: https://youtu.be/z3iELHIe8Sk

💬 Drop a comment if you want more social growth tips for artists.

#InstagramForArtists #SocialMediaStrategy #ArtistGrowth #DrawWithChris #ArtMarketing #CreativeBusiness #RealisticDrawing #FigureDrawing #InstagramTips #ArtEducation

3 months ago | [YT] | 6