Comments on: Graphite Portrait Series

By: Sue McLam

Sue McLam — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 03:21:49 +0000

I loved this lesson and watched all 9 episodes. I’m new here and haven’t drawn since I was a kid and now am in my 60’s. I’m drawn to architectural subjects so was interested to see this series. I wonder though, why Matt didn’t put more value in the fence. The photo shows it as having a darker value and, in my opinion, it’s hard to tell it’s a fence. I don’t recall that he talked about the fence in any of the episodes, unless I missed it.

By: Sahara Kassam

Sahara Kassam — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 21:04:12 +0000

Nice photos. But looks difficult to do. I am just watching it right now.

By: matt

matt — Sat, 30 Mar 2019 13:37:21 +0000

In reply to Beverley Martin. Hi Beverley, I prefer to work at a slightly tilted angle. By doing so, it prevents any distortion that may occur from looking at the drawing on a flat surface.

By: Beverley Martin

Beverley Martin — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 23:29:46 +0000

Hi Matt,
Do you lay your drawings flat on a desk or have it tilted?
Thanks..New member
Beverley

By: matt

matt — Wed, 03 May 2017 16:08:57 +0000

In reply to Patricia Lee.

Hi Patricia,
The videos are set to play in high definition by default. If they are freezing on you, then you’ll need to turn the HD off. To do so, scroll over the video and click on the “HD” icon. Although your internet connection may be stable, streaming in HD requires a fast connection as well.

By: Patricia Lee

Patricia Lee — Wed, 03 May 2017 03:05:24 +0000

My feed keeps cutting out but my internet connection is fine.

By: Sumana Huong

Sumana Huong — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 14:31:31 +0000

you were right when you said that the final result worths the effort. it’s outstanding and precious lesson! Thanks for your careful teaching!i drew along with recorded lessons and I finished it today. I love it so much ^^

By: Margaret J

Margaret J — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 19:43:25 +0000

I am learning Photoshop. It would not replace traditional art for me but I find I really enjoy learning what it can do. I was especially surprised to find the artwork that was possible using the “brushes”. I would find a Live Lesson quite interesting. It seems to have potential as another learning tool in working value, light, & color.

By: matt

matt — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 19:19:34 +0000

In reply to Janie Fletcher.

Hi Janie,
Charcoal paper has a unique texture – it is a laid paper. This unique texture works well for developing certain textures like the trees and bushes in a house portrait like this. It also gives the finished drawing a unique look. Just because the paper is labeled as charcoal paper doesn’t mean that you can’t apply other drawing mediums to it.

By: Janie Fletcher

Janie Fletcher — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 19:13:01 +0000

Could you explain why you use charcoal paper.