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The NeoLucida Project How It Works Press FAQ
Everyone can learn to draw Using the NeoLucida
Camera Lucida History Who Used the Camera Lucida? Vintage Camera Lucidas Historical Documents
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Trace what you see!

What happens when two art professors revive an obsolete art technology? 

Learning to draw is frustrating. 

 

Even if you’re good at it, drawing can still be frustrating. Both the NeoLucida and the NeoLucida XL are simple technologies that may make learning to draw a little less discouraging, and perhaps a little less intimidating. As a modern reinterpretation of the camera lucida—a 19th century optical drawing aid—the NeoLucida is part of a rich history of drawing technologies aimed at helping people draw.

As someone who likes to draw, and has drawn consistently since I was little, I was surprised by how many people were drawn to (pun intended) these tools I make. Despite high resolution smartphone cameras in our pockets, people like to draw, and a lot of people have the desire to learn to draw.

So what is The NeoLucida Project all about?

  1. Reviving historical art technologies that help people draw, in order to:

  2. Demystify drawing and explore how people—past and present—learn to draw.

Drawing accurately from life is not a superhuman ability reserved for "gifted" artists. Armed with a little knowledge and a lot of practice, I believe anyone can learn to draw. Tools like the NeoLucida might help getting started a little less frustrating. 

Who’s behind this project? The original NeoLucida was created by art professors Pablo Garcia and Golan Levin, after long conversations about art and technology and history. NeoLucida is manufactured in partnership with Big Idea Design. In 2013, 11,406 Kickstarter backers made the original NeoLucida possible. In 2017, Pablo launched the completely redesigned NeoLucida XL, supported by 5,229 backers on Kickstarter.

The NeoLucida was named WINNER of the Best DIY Designs of the Year by CORE77!

 
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NeoLucida

The NeoLucida is an optical drawing aid that lets you trace what you see. It is a modern reinterpretation of the camera lucida, an indispensable tool popular in the days before photography was invented. How does it work? The NeoLucida prism acts like a beamsplitter; when you look down into the eyepiece, you see a ghost image of your subject on your paper. You can also see your hand, so you can trace from real life.

The NeoLucida is inspired by a long history of optical drawing tools, modernized using 21st century manufacturing and materials. Instead of a complicated tool with delicate, finicky parts, the NeoLucida is simple to set up and robust enough to toss in your bag for artists and designers on the go!

The NeoLucida was launched in 2013 and was supported by 11,406 backers on Kickstarter. Learn more about the NeoLucida from the Kickstarter campaign here.

Want to learn more about the camera lucida? Check out our History section for more.

We know learning to draw is hard. Click here to learn more about why, and how NeoLucida might help.

Ready to buy? Click below to purchase from Big Idea Design, the authorized seller for all things NeoLucida.

How It Works: NeoLucida, a Split-Pupil Camera Lucida

The NeoLucida uses a prism to split your vision between a view of your paper and a view of your subject. There have been different prism configurations over time, but each split-pupil prism design works the same way:

  • When you place your eye close to the edge of the prism, the lower part of your view sees the paper. The upper part of your view looks into the prism. Your brain superimposes the two images into the appearance of a ghost image of your subject onto your paper.

  • The combination of internal reflections and optical refraction provides the double reflection to make the image on your paper right-side up and correct left-right.

NL Prism Diagram 2400px.jpg
 
 

NeoLucida XL

The NeoLucida XL is an update to the original prism NeoLucida. It works just like the NeoLucida: Look down into the eyepiece to see a ghost image of your subject on your paper. The NeoLucida XL uses mirror and glass to provide an extra-large viewing area. This makes the NeoLucida XL even easier to set up and start drawing.

Use the NeoLucida XL for portraits, landscapes, still-life, or image copying. Fold it up and store it in the custom pouch provided and take it on the road or to your studio.

The NeoLucida XL was launched in 2017 and was supported by 5,229 backers on Kickstarter. Learn more about the NeoLucida XL from the 2023 Kickstarter campaign here.

Want to learn more about the camera lucida? Check out our History section for more.

We know learning to draw is hard. Click here to learn more about why, and how NeoLucida might help.

Ready to buy? Click below to purchase from Big Idea Design, the authorized seller for all things NeoLucida.

How it Works: NeoLucida XL, a See-Through Camera Lucida

The NeoLucida XL is a “see-through” camera lucida design. The optical arrangement is a setup where you see straight through to your paper with a reflected ghost image of your subject superimposed.

In the NeoLucida XL, the angled glass is partially silvered, making it highly reflective but also maintaining enough transparency to see your paper. Instead of reflecting your subject, the partially-slivered glass reflects a mirror facing your subject. This double reflection (once at Number 1, then again at Number 2) means your ghost image is both right-side up and correct left-right.

NLXL Diagram 2400px.jpg

NeoLucida Plus

The NeoLucida Plus is an update to the original prism NeoLucida with advanced, integrated features to make drawing easier for beginners and experienced artists alike.

It works just like the NeoLucida: Look down into the eyepiece to see a ghost image of your subject on your paper. The NeoLucida Plus uses an all-new prism design to make looking into the eyepiece easier.

Use the NeoLucida Plus for portraits, landscapes, still-life, or image copying.

The NeoLucida Plus was launched in 2023 and was supported by 1,990 backers on Kickstarter. Learn more about the NeoLucida Plus from the 2023 Kickstarter campaign here.

Want to learn more about the camera lucida? Check out our History section for more.

We know learning to draw is hard. Click here to learn more about why, and how NeoLucida might help.

PRE-ORDER Now available from Big Idea Design, the authorized seller for all things NeoLucida.

How it Works: NeoLucida Plus, a Split-Vision Camera Lucida

The NeoLucida Plus, like the original NeoLucida, is a “split-vision” camera lucida design. The optical arrangement is a setup where you see straight through to your paper with a reflected ghost image of your subject superimposed. The NeoLucida Plus prism is based on the very first camera lucida design created by William Hyde Wollaston in 1807.

The NeoLucida Plus uses a prism to split your vision between a view of your paper and a view of your subject. There have been different prism configurations over time, but each split-pupil prism design works the same way:

  • When you place your eye close to the edge of the prism, the lower part of your view sees the paper. The upper part of your view looks into the prism. Your brain superimposes the two images into the appearance of a ghost image of your subject onto your paper.

  • The combination of internal reflections and optical refraction provides the double reflection to make the image on your paper right-side up and correct left-right.

NeoLucida Deluxe

To celebrate ten years of NeoLucida, get this very special Deluxe Edition! This kit includes the all-new NeoLucida Plus, the NeoLucida XL eyepiece, a gooseneck arm and clamp to fit both, instructions, a Drawing Guide, and very special limited edition Blackwing X NeoLucida pencils in Firm, Balanced, and Soft graphite. All of this comes packaged in a custom designed case, perfect for drawing in the studio or out in the field. 

What’s included with the NeoLucida Plus?

  • NeoLucida Plus Eyepiece with Adjustable Arm

  • NeoLucida XL Eyepiece

  • Special Edition Blackwing X NeoLucida Pencils (Set of 3)

  • The NeoLucida Drawing Guide (Print Edition)

  • Instruction Booklet

  • Custom Hard Shell Case

The NeoLucida was launched in 2013 and was supported by 11,406 backers on Kickstarter. Learn more about the NeoLucida from the Kickstarter campaign here.

Want to learn more about the camera lucida? Check out our History section for more.

We know learning to draw is hard. Click here to learn more about why, and how NeoLucida might help.

Ready to buy? Click below to purchase from Big Idea Design, the authorized seller for all things NeoLucida.

Blackwing X NeoLucida

Special Edition Pencils

A decade of NeoLucida deserves a very special celebration. How about a collaboration with the best pencils ever made!? 

We are excited to announce special edition Blackwing X NeoLucida pencils! Blackwing pencils have a rich history—John Steinbeck, Duke Ellington, Chuck Jones all loved their Blackwing pencils!

These special edition pencils come in three graphite formulations: Firm, Balanced, and Soft (corresponding to Blackwing’s “602,” “Pearl,” and “Matte”). A perfect set for the beginner looking to level up their pencils or for the experienced artist who wants to stock up on the luxury that is Blackwing. 

12pk of pencils, including 4 Soft, 4 Balanced, and 4 Firm graphite formulations

While supplies last! 

Which NeoLucida should I get?

We think all of the NeoLucidas are pretty great. All of our devices let you trace directly from real life, but you may be wondering: “what are the differences?”

 

Best value with crisp, sharp optics.

The NeoLucida uses a small glass prism. It is compact and has no moving parts, so setup is quick.

The prism optics are sharp and crisp under most lighting conditions.

The NeoLucida ghost image easily covers a US Letter/A4 page.

The small prism and required concentration means the NeoLucida is not suited for children under 9 years old.

The NeoLucida is suitable for making still life drawings, portraits, landscapes, and even copies of other images from prints or screens.

Users with corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) can use the NeoLucida. Our extensive testing, however, suggests the NeoLucida’s small prism has a longer adjustment period for some users with vision issues.

Largest view, great for beginners.

The NeoLucida XL uses a mirror and angled glass that folds up for storage.

The glass-and-mirror optics are also sharp, but with lower contrast. The included shader helps balance irregular lighting conditions.

The NeoLucida XL ghost image is slightly larger; you can draw to nearly US Tabloid (11x17)/A3 size.

While the NeoLucida XL isn’t a toy, the larger viewing area and easy-to-understand setup makes it easier for younger artists to get drawing.

The NeoLucida XL is equally suitable for making still life drawings, portraits, and landscapes. The NeoLucida XL is excellent for making copies of other images from prints or screens.

Users with corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) can use the NeoLucida XL. The viewing area is larger, making it easier for users with vision issues to get started.

Designed with advanced features.

The NeoLucida Plus uses a redesigned glass prism. It is compact and has added features that fold into the eyepiece for easy storage.

The prism optics are sharp and crisp under most lighting conditions, and the NeoLucida Plus has an integrated shader for additional lighting corrections.

The NeoLucida Plus ghost image easily covers a US Letter/A4 page.

The small prism and required concentration means the NeoLucida Plus is not suited for children under 9 years old.

The NeoLucida Plus is suitable for making still life drawings, portraits, landscapes, and copies of printed or screen images. The NeoLucida Plus is excellent for working outside and for making more precise drawings from nature.

Users with corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) can use the NeoLucida Plus. Our extensive testing, however, suggests the small prism has a longer adjustment period for some users with certain vision issues.

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