How does an artist achieve the illusion of 3 dimensional space on the 2 dimensional surface of your paper? We call it “Composition”. Composition is the arrangement of the elements in an image into specific proportions and into artistic form. Placement and arrangement of these visual elements is achieved by using […]
I want to mention one more drawing method before going on to our new topic of techniques for this month, the Grid method of drawing. Drawing with a grid is a way to create proportionately accurate pictures from photos. This method will help to easily enlarge the standard 4×6 photograph into a larger image. […]
When drawing a picture of a person, there are generic steps to follow that show basic proportions of a human face. Once you become comfortable with the generic measurements and proportions, you’ll be able to use your powers of observation to see those slight variations in a person’s face that makes them look […]
So what is a “Portrait”? Portraits are a very popular subject for a drawing. By definition it is a drawing, painting, photograph, sculpture, or engraving of a particular person. It is predominately only of the face, head, and shoulders. And it is usually desirable to capture their personality, mood and likeness through the […]
Now that we’ve talked about drawing in proportion, I want to take you through several exercises of drawing different animals using the tips and techniques we’ve looked at. Today I’m working with one of my favorite subjects, my tabby cat Eddy, mostly because he won’t leave me alone and is constantly posing for a picture. […]
In my last post I explained there were several ways of composing an image on the paper. We talked about Contour Line drawing last week as one of them, and how it follows the outside edge of the object. Looking at your practice contour drawings you may notice how clearly out of PROPORTION […]
I hope you tried several contour line drawings. Here’s the exercise I mentioned where we will be exploring a new medium, Charcoal pencils. Charcoal, whether in a pencil, square, or vine stick, is a very soft, dark, messy drawing medium. But those are also its appealing qualities. Position your hand in […]
Hands make a great subject for drawing. There is so much more possible than the Turkey handprint you did in Kindergarten. First, you always have your hands with you. But more important, they are so expressive, and can make their meaning known with just a gesture. They are beautifully different as we age, […]
What is a “Still Life”? “A drawing or painting that features an arrangement of inanimate objects as its subject.” Classic examples would be a bowl of fruit or flowers in a vase. Making your own Still Life arrangement is wonderful practice for drawing from life. And, thank goodness, the objects don’t move. […]
What are “Complex Shapes”? When you combine several simple shapes you will have created a more complex and detailed image. You are drawing and “seeing” at a more advanced level when you can analyze an object down to its simple shapes. Every child discovers when you combine a large square, a triangle, […]