#ames talks

[ames-draws]

I see people are again talking about tracing and references in art, so I’m just throwing this out for the record: for all my recent face studies, I started with a traced sketch.

Here’s an example:

Finished study can be seen here: https://www.tumblr.com/ames-draws/810547393854685184/face-study-march-8-2026

I did a quick, loose trace over the original photo and captured the key spots for colour and light transitions.

From there, I completed the face studies by eye with photoshop open on one monitor and the photo open in another. (I use PureRef and I highly recommend it: https://www.pureref.com)

For these face studies my focus was on colour, not on copying the exact dimensions of the face. Since drawing it completely by eye wasn’t the point, I used this shortcut to jump into the meaty part of the study.

I think it’s good for us to share our processes like this. This is just one process for one set of studies.

I don’t think there’s such a thing as “cheating” at art, especially in sketches and studies. The key is variety. Know what shortcuts you’re taking and why, and use them with intention.

[chernabogs]

Gonna be real if the twst boys aren't putting this in their CV's for their internships they're missing out smh. 'Stopped a magical apocalypse— 3 day internship, successfully stopped a crown prince from destroying the world with minimal structural damage.'

[ames-draws]

one of the delights of my life is seeing the usernames people come up with served a handful at a time via reblog notifications

[chernabogs]

OB vil I am never cosplaying u again I gained +3 grey hairs w this LMAO

[ames-draws]

well there’s… there’s a lot to like

[chernabogs]

I said it before and I'll say it again but the inherent bittersweetness of 'being with a prolonged life' and 'being who lives only a fraction of the others lifespan' is, has been, and always will be top tier in any context

[chernabogs]

I never even really noticed this but wow what 400 years and a change of surroundings can do to you