Here's a fun, easy exercise for beginners of all ages. I discovered
this exercise in Claire Watson Garcia's excellent book, Drawing
for the Absolute and Utter Beginner.
This is one of the first drawing exercises that I use with
a new class, as it is non-threatening - because the wire shapes
are abstract, you can't really be critical of them. It is
also a great exercise in hand-eye co-ordination. Becuase the
wire doesn't look like anything, you can't revert to 'drawing
what you think you know' but have to consistently use your
eyes to study the shapes.
What You Need: All you need for this exercise
is a yard of scrap flexible wire or (as I usually use) an
old wire coathanger, carefully snipped open and bent with
pliers. Be careful not to stab or cut yourself! Use any old
sketch paper and a fiber-tip pen or number 1 or 2 ( B or HB
) pencil.
What to Do: Bend the wire into any random,
three-dimensional shape you like - try a variety of spirals,
odd curves, irregular squiggles.
Anything goes. Place it on the table in front of you, and
sketch! Don't try to make the wire look 3D, and don't make
your lines too thick - all that matters is catching the overall
shape of the wire. Keep your line as continuous and relaxed
as possible - don't use short, uncertain strokes - a flowing
line that isn't perfect is better than a load of perfectly
placed but tentative lines.
You can do several on a page - remember, this is an exercise,
it doesn't matter what it looks like. Take your time and observe
carefully - you are training your mind and hand to work together.
