I Taught My Video Editor How To Draw Hyperrealism - He’d Never Touched A Pencil Before

I've taught a lot of people to draw over the internet but never in person, so I thought it would be interesting to try and teach one of my team members to draw from scratch, with no hands. I hope you guys enjoy the video and if you do attempt this drawing, we'd love to see the results!

Tag me on instagram with your final drawing

To order prints of my work, visit:

For more of my work visit:

[Zoeswildart]

I loved this video for a few reasons:
1- It shows how teaching simple techniques can take a complete beginner and guide them towards something they can be proud of
2- it shows the pleasures and frustrations every artist goes through
3- it shows the specificity of hyperrealism, how it encourages you to look super closely and appreciate all the little details of your subject.
4- it shows the specific techniques of a given medium (in this case graphite)

My conclusions: there is no such thing as "good or bad at art" in general. Anyone can become decent at a specific style and medium with specific study. And that doesn't necessarily translate into other types of art either, like gestural drawing, character design, or, say, oil painting!

[thomascleveland]

As an art teacher, I wish I had more than 3-4 people as dedicated as this guy (the student) in my classes every year. But I thank God for people like him. Because they make it all worth it.

[andrewa]

The most difficult part about realism is how tedious and time consuming it can be but when the subject is something your really passionate about it can make it all worth while.

[jessicanicole]

I don’t believe this man has never touched a pencil in his life before this moment

[kellyro]

I cracked up when you said you were at first liking'drawing then not liking it when you discovered your grid was off. Been there! Great job!

[norabalkibekova]

Well Done! The finished image is so impressive, hard to believe that James never drew before. And great idea for the video, thank you so much! It gives us, stick-figure people, hope that we will be able to improve in our drawing abilities. :)

[BryAnthonyC]

James has so much drawing potential. I would love for him to continue down that path if that is something he truly wants to do outside of being an editor. Good video guys!

[justwondering]

You helped James prove that anyone and everyone is an artist if they want to be. Well done!

[lindalangeheine]

"Focus on an area and commit to it" was a helpful remark for me. I tend to jump around also. And the suggestion to get a sense of the hyperrealism was eye-opening. Thank you for the wonderful video!

[amandagfuller]

My whole life people have been saying, "I wish I could draw."
I always say to them, "You can, you just don't know it."
Now I can reference your video, and show them what I mean. Thank you for this.

[theanna]

I like how he was teaching, very positive, no harsh critique, he was genuinly happy about the result and very supportive. When he pointed to the "problematic" areas he didn't said "this is not good" he instead gived advice on what he can to do improve. I find it very encouraging and a positive experience. When someone is a beginer at something they are already in big stress because they try to figure out a lot of things, new stuff they didn't deal with until that point, some to have someone experienced by your side offering guidence is such a releaf of the burden. But to have a master by your side who critiques you at every step it's just overkill. Well done to both of them 😊

[drandreaoconnor]

The final portrait of the pup has a dreamy like quality, so I think you finished it at the right level. So inspiring!

[soowzy]

What a wonderful crash course in drawing! Lucky guy to have your in-person instruction, and I could see the joy it brought both of you. Thank you for sharing the gift with him, and us!

[SmithCaro]

I learned, in the 80's so pre-computer technology, to draw using the grid method. I'm not a realist artist, but I believe using a grid is helpful and immeasurable as an artistic tool. The potrait came out beautifully as well. Congratulations 😊

[douglaschandler]

That was outstanding. I use grids for drawing images on canvas to paint, and it has changed my paintings tremendously.

[AshleyDL]

After watching your video, I just ordered a grid from Amazon. I've never thought about this awesome idea... I've lost of drive to draw again. I used to draw from 9yrs to 16yrs.. at 43 now I'm wanting to get back into drawing an start painting. Thank you Jono D for this idea to start getting people back into drawing again.

[robertscott]

he did a super good job for not having much experience! I would say the "sharpness" of the highlights are the main thing holding it back from that photo-realistic image.

[crazytimes]

Man you are very lucky to have this experience. You did an amazing job. Keep going forward.

[ishansiddhartha]

2:17 thank you that's all I needed to hear 🙏🏻

[pentachronic]

One pivotal book for me has been “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” by Betty Edwards. Basically she explains this technique in detail. Yes we now have the internet and talented artists who can teach us but sometimes seeing it in text really helps.