Now you've done some basic contour drawing,
its time to start developing a more three-dimensional approach.
If you are used to copying from photographs, drawing real
objects can seem frustrating at first, but persevere, as the
results are well worth the effort. In this section of the
course we are looking at how we perceive three-dimensional
form, and how we can represent that on a two-dimensional plane
(the drawing paper).
Some of the ideas we looked at in the first drawing lessons
will be revised in these lessons. Drawing is a 'holistic'
activity that involves many inter-related skills (of perception
- seeing line, shape, value and form, as well as controlling
the pencil) so it is difficult to break up into separate steps.
This sounds a little daunting, but soon you'll be doing it
without thinking, like riding a bike.
As you progress through the lessons, you will add to your
understanding and technical ability, and the separate skills
will begin to work together.
Before we get started on the next group of lessons, you might
like to consider starting a sketchbook. If you can't afford
to buy a special one, a wad of printer paper in a folder,
or a cheap kid's newsprint scrapbook, will get you started.
Nothing beats daily practice to help you learn a new skill.
Below are some articles and exercises to help you develop
an understanding of three-dimensional form. Work through them
in order. When choosing subjects to draw, start with simple
objects. Until now, I've suggested using pieces of fruit and
other 'user friendly', natural items. Now that we are looking
at structure, try using manufactured, fairly symmetrical objects,
such as books, boxes, bottles, old-fashioned cameras or toys
- anything that will show clearly whether your perspective
is accurate or not.
Linear perspective drawing, since it was formalised in the
15th century, has been the artist's standard method of representing
three-dimensional form. Despite efforts by the modernists
to declare it outmoded, linear perspective remains the most
visually convincing method of depicting an object on a two-dimensional
surface.
When you are drawing, you will generally sketch the perspective
effects 'by eye' and instinctively, but practice in constructing
perspective will help you deal with it confidently and accurately.
How to Draw What You See
This article talks a little more about how we look at the
world around us, and offers some suggestions to help your
drawings better express what you observe.
Introduction to
Perspective Drawing
Don't be put off tackling perspective by memories of draconian
graphic arts teachers - its easier than you think, and nobody
is going to assess your work!
Basic Form and Structure
Learn some basic strategies for establishing a framework or
skeleton from which to build a drawing.
Measuring The Model
This lesson explains how to use the thumb-and-pencil method
to measure out the proportions of the model in life drawing.
The same approach can be useful for other large-scale subjects.
Congratulations on getting this far! You're doing a great
job. Stay tuned for the next series on value drawing coming
soon!
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Tips:
- Don't be disheartened with 'failures'. How many times will
someone fall over learning to rollerblade?
- Practice often. You need to train your hand and eye.
- Don't think of everything as a masterpiece. Exercises might
just be scribbles, but will help your technique. Think of
a musician playing scales.
- Enjoy! Draw subjects you like, and have fun!
