Supplies: hardcover sketchbook, various grades of graphite pencils, kneaded and vinyl erasers, pencil sharpener, sandpaper block
This activity has two sections:
- The Process of Sketching
- Sketch Visual Memories
ArtSpeak
Hardcover: A durable type of book cover that is made from a thick and unbendable material.
Outlines: (also called contour lines) Lines that follow the contours of the various shapes and forms of a drawing subject.
Overlapping: A component of perspective and composition used to create or enhance the illusion of a three-dimensional reality on a flat surface by rendering the subject(s) in front of or behind others.
Shape: A two-dimensional geometric object that can serve as the outline of a three-dimensional object. For example, a circle is the shape of a sphere.
Sketch: (noun) A simple representation, outline, or drawing that captures the integral aspects of a subject quickly and efficiently. (verb) The process of rendering a sketch.
Style: An artist's individual approach to his or her own art.
Subject: Any object or living being that an artist chooses to represent in an artwork.
Technique: A well-known method of accomplishing a particular activity or task (such as a specific way to render shading).
Background: (also called distant space) The sections of an artwork that are farthest from the viewer.
Middle ground: The sections of an artwork located in between the foreground and the background.
Foreground: The sections of an artwork closest to the viewer.
The Process of Sketching
Artists use sketchbooks to capture their unique interpretations of the world around them.
Sketching on a regular basis documents the progression of your drawing skills and also serves as a personal journal.
You can create a sketch once a week, once a day, or several times a day.
Anything can become a sketch in only three simple steps.
Tip!
Begin your sketch with light, simple lines to establish the subject on the drawing paper.
Don't erase any of these initial sketch lines.
They show the drawing process and give character to the sketch.
Simply make your final lines darker so they stand out more (Figure 1).
Step 1: Examine your Subject
A thorough visual examination of your subject is the most important step in creating great sketches.
Great sketches are based on careful observation, and with lots of practice, the observation process becomes quick and easy.
Look at the contours and the proportions of your subject.
Observe how all the parts interact with one another.
Mentally note the sections of your subject that you consider important.
Identify the shapes of their various parts.
Observe which sections are in the foreground, middle ground, and background.
Note objects that overlap others.
Look at your drawing paper and imagine this subject on your paper.
Tip!
Practice drawing bits and pieces of the human anatomy every chance you can.
If your friends and family run for the hills when you approach them with your drawing stuff, you can always draw your own body parts!
You need only one hand to draw, so use the other one as a model.
Take off your shoes and you'll find two wonderful foot models.
Step 2: Sketch Proportions
The first goal of sketching is to lightly sketch where the different parts of the subject are in relation to one another.
Visually break the subject down into shapes.
Use loose sketch lines to lightly draw the outlines of the shapes.
Continue adjusting lines until the arrangement and proportions look good.
Tip!
If nature or humans have placed an object in a position that you don't like, simply draw it in a different place or remove it entirely.
For example, a beautiful scene may have a telephone pole right in front of your line of vision.
You can't chop down the pole, so you need to visualize and then sketch the scene without the pole.
Step3: Add Additional Outlines and Details
Now that your preliminary sketch is complete:
- Add more details to your drawing.
- Pay close attention to the shapes that make up each subject.
- Check the relationships of objects to one another.
- Check that angles, sizes, and proportions are accurate, and adjust as needed.
- Continue adjusting your drawing until you are happy.
Tip!
If a potential subject moves, talks, breathes, or grows, it qualifies as a living being.
If a subject continues to move while you are trying to sketch it, capture it with your camera and use the photo as a reference for sketching.
Sketch Visual Memories
1. Go forth into your world and find an interesting but simple drawing subject.
Tip!
Draw slowly.
Accuracy is more important than speed. Your speed will automatically improve the more you practice.
2. Create a sketch of your subject.
Remember there is no right or wrong way to create a sketch.
Experiment with different ways of drawing until you find the techniques and styles with which you are most comfortable.
Tip!
When planning outdoor sketching excursions, you need to take into consideration such factors as weather, lighting conditions, and time of day.
Plan accordingly.
3. Find additional drawing subjects and capture them in sketches
Caution!
Make sure your proposed subject isn't more than you can handle.
If you're a beginner to drawing, choose something simple that you will enjoy drawing.
You set yourself up for a frustrating experience by taking on a project far beyond your current skill level.
As an Aside
Leonardo da Vinci, one of history's most diverse geniuses, had several sketchbooks during his lifetime that he filled with hundreds of pages of drawings and writings.