Da Vinci Eye AR Tracing App Review | #DaVinciEye

This app behaves like an old-style projector to allow users to trace their own reference photos, right from their smart phone onto any kind of paper. Read on to learn more about this amazing little app and why I will be using it both professionally and personally, as well as my PROs & CONs, below.

I literally stumbled onto this app while on Instagram. I dismissed it, initially, but then was curious to learn what it could do. WOW! Once I got into it, I had no idea how rich the app would be. They packed it full of features, settings, tips, tutorials, and more so there's no way to get bored while using this app.

As a disclaimer, I have no affiliation with this company (Cube MG LLC) and I am not paid to promote or review their products. I just think this is an amazing, educational, and really fun app that I wanted to let other artists know about.

DaVinci Eye is a $4.99 fully-functional app designed for newer Apple iPhones and iPads, though it may be compatible in Classic Mode with Android, as well.

So, there are other drawing aid and/or tracing apps out there, like the free SKetchAR app for iOS and Android, but they are significantly more limited in comparison and don't leverage AR capabilities.

Also, there are desktop products, like the Lucy Drawing Tool from LucidArt, which is designed after the old Lucigraph devices from years ago. It uses lenses and mirrors to allow users to look into a lens, see their subject in the distance, and see the subject reflected onto their paper, below. The issue is that it clips onto the table, so it wobbles when you draw, causing the subject to misalign.

In this video, I mention a previous video about "Why TRACING is Good for Artists."
Here's the link to that video: https://youtu.be/cI4Ht9iNZDQ

Below are the PRO's and CON's of the DaVinci Eye AR Drawing app, starting with the CONs:

CONS:
• May be considered expensive at around $5.
• Does not work with older Apple products (specs below).
• AR Mode does not work with Android products.
• No support (as of now) for Galaxy or Google devices.
• Requires phone to be placed on top of a glass (or similar) to use; concern of phone falling or being knocked off, accidentally, causing damage.
• Some minor, forgivable glitches in the software (sometimes relics would not disappear, entering Add Anchor would not permit exiting to main menu, etc).
• Uses significant processing power (static it consumed 28% battery power).
• Moderate file size: 132.7MB.
• Moderate to steep learning curve, especially for non-tech savvy users.
• Interface and features can be complex and overwhelming until user becomes familiar.

PROS:
• At $5, considerably inexpensive for such a feature-rich app that may be useful.
• Works seamlessly with newer Apple products.
• Interface and navigation are easy to use, with some time exploring.
• An excellent tracing reference resource tool.
• Promotes more effective drawing skills.
• Helps to develop shape, value, and perspective recognition.
• Does not require the internet to use, or even electricity if phone is charged.
• Includes daily challenges and inspiration photos.
• Features challenges and motivational components.
• Access to a wealth of tutorials, lessons, and user-community.
• Gallery-like format to share work with others.
• An excellent educational resource.
• and much more!

LINKS:
DaVinci Eye site: http://www.davincieyeapp.com
Cube MG LLC Developer's site: https://www.cubemg.com/da-vinci-eye-anyone-can-draw/

SPECS (AR MODE REQUIREMENTS):
To use AR mode, you must have an A10x or A11 processor and above. We recommend using:
– iPhone 8 and newer (iPhone 7 and below will not work)
– iPad Mini 5th Generation and newer
– iPad Air 2019 and newer
– iPad Pro 3rd Gen (Any pro made after 2018) and newer

GEAR:
• Strathmore Bristol Paper
• Prismacolor 3B drawing pencil
• Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator (for graphic design aspect)
• Apple iPhone 12

MUSIC:
“Still Fall (instr)” by M.D. Campbell © 2021 M.D. Campbell • All rights reserved

Blog: http://www.markdcampbell.com/the-9-lives-of-mercutio
Instagram: mdcampbellart
Facebook: m.d. campbell

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The intent of my channel is to bring videos of useful content to help fellow artists and art students with insightful information, as well as bring consumers real-world reviews on the products we're likely to buy and use every day.

I'm always grateful for feedback to help improve my channel, so please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

Thank you for your time watching! Cheers! ~ Mark

#davincieye
#art-tracing
#mdcampbellart