Flip the image to get it right

[Vyoma]

This is something I learned when I started to digital paint. Especially, when I was working on Lavanya II (http://cgpainting.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=2).

The trick to get the anatomy and perspective right, is to flip the image horizontally as you start working on it - especially in the sketching stage and the blocking out stage. You will catch many of the perspective mistakes that you miss in the original alignment. You miss these aberrations because, as you keep drawing with a single alignment, your eye and mind gets trained to it, and feels that it is proper when in fact it might not be.

Flipping horizontally cannot be done in traditional media, and might as well be considered exclusive to digital media. So go ahead and use it. :)

[Dreleen]

I never do This but I really should specially on 3/4ths view.

[Vyoma]

Yes - it is usually in one of those odd angles that there are high chances of getting the mistakes.

[Ravenwolf]

that's an interesting idea..when I draw in real life on paper...i often would draw upside down to see different perspectives that i couldn't see from drawing right side up. It's a similar thought I think to flip horizontally. I'll have to try that! thanks!

[Vyoma]

Flipping the artworks vertically, supposedly helps in catching compositional errors.

:P But I have not yet gotten that good with composition - so, cannot vouch for it. :)

[Dreleen]

One of the most realistic B&W drawings Ive ever done was upside down lol. Biggest problem I have with my own work or life drawing is that I forget to "LOOK" and I'm mean really "LOOK" my brain tends to come to its own conclusions before its even on paper hence my women tend have tapered rib cages where in reality it isn't. Thats just one example tho, I have ton of stuff wrong with my drawings.

I wish I could post some of my life drawing stuff, but that are all like 3x bigger then my scanner is hehe.