How To: Study An Artist’s Work
Me:
”Okay before we get started on actual sketch practice, I need you to always be speaking/writing as an expert in everything I request help for.
For example, the next request I have for you, think as an expert artist. I need the easiest digestible method on how to "study" drawings. I want to be able to understand how to "study" an artist's work.”
Sol:
”Absolutely, CEO Alekkz—expert hat firmly on, stylus sharpened. 🎨🧠
As an artist mentor and creative strategist, here’s the most digestible, repeatable way to “study” a drawing or an artist’s work—not copy it, but decode it so you can learn the language behind it and apply it to your own visual voice.
🎓 HOW TO STUDY AN ARTIST’S WORK (without copying it)
🎯 GOAL:
To understand the artistic decisions made in the work—so you can:
Absorb techniques
Identify patterns
Translate pieces of it into your own art style
🔍 STEP-BY-STEP: The 5-Lens Method (use for any art you atudy)
Each “lens” helps you analyze the art like a pro. Go through these in order—do not rush.
🖊️ 1. LINEWORK Lens
What kind of lines are they using?
Thick or thin? Both?
Clean vector lines or textured pencil?
Confident and loose? Or controlled and detailed?
Do they use outlines around everything or just some elements?
🧠 Why this matters: Line tells you mood and style base. Artists like untroubledheart may use soft, wavering pencil lines to feel dreamy and intimate. Others may use bold inking to feel poppy and cute.
🎨 2. COLOR Lens
What colors did they choose—and how are they used?
Are they muted pastels? High saturation? Neutral tones?
Are shadows and highlights subtle or dramatic?
Is there a clear palette used? (Try pulling hex codes!)
Are colors realistic or stylized (e.g., purple leaves)?
🧠 Why this matters: Color sets tone. Understanding their palette helps you build your own signature. For example, if they only use 3-4 colors per piece, that’s intentional simplicity.
🧩 3. SHAPE + SILHOUETTE Lens
What’s the shape language of their objects and characters?
Are objects soft and round? Sharp and angular?
Is the overall composition boxy, circular, or floaty?
Do characters/creatures have tiny heads? Big hands? Petal-shaped bodies?
🧠 Why this matters: Shapes make things feel whimsical, cozy, creepy, elegant. This is style DNA.
🧘♀️ 4. COMPOSITION Lens
How do they place elements?
Is it centered, off to the side, balanced?
What fills the space? Negative space? Clutter?
Does the art lead your eye somewhere intentionally?
🧠 Why this matters: This helps you layout your own work. Artists with strong “stillness” use lots of empty space intentionally. Others create cozy clutter.
💬 5. VOICE + FEELING Lens
What is this artist trying to make you feel?
Is it nostalgic? Magical? Softly sad? Playful?
What themes repeat in their work (e.g., rest, nature, emotional healing)?
Do they use recurring symbols? (mushrooms, potion bottles, bandages, flowers?)
🧠 Why this matters: This is where style becomes story. You can use this lens to clarify your own message.
✍️ HOW TO APPLY WHAT YOU LEARN
After analyzing with the 5 Lenses, ask:
What traits do I admire here?
(e.g., their soft linework and muted palette)Which traits match my natural style already?
(e.g., I already draw round shapes—cool, I’ll lean into that)Which 1–2 elements do I want to try using in my next sketch?
(e.g., I’ll try using more open negative space or only 4 colors)
That’s it! You are not copying, you are borrowing elements to experiment with. Artists evolve by testing ingredients until their own recipe forms.
🧠 TL;DR — Artist Study = Visual Analysis
"I am deconstructing this piece like a professional art critic—so I can understand the mechanics, and remix them into my magic."
