One of the most common concerns I have heard throughout my years of teaching is, “I can’t even draw a straight line with a ruler! There is no way I can do this.” Well, to that I say, “Yes you can!” The following examples are drawings done by students who were new to my methods and had little art experience before coming into my class.
Their first attempts reflect some common mistakes made by most beginners. For example, shapes are a bit distorted because no measuring methods were used. The students had previously believed that freehanding was the only way to draw like a real artist. The drawings are also over-outlined and a bit cartoon-like. There is a lack of dimension and realism due to not understanding my blended pencil technique.
The students’ second attempts at drawing the subjects show the vast improvements made within just a couple of weeks of training. There is clear improvement in both the shapes and the rendering. To help them with their shapes, I explained the process of graphing using the grid system. If their subject was difficult with a lot of detail, I also allowed them to use a projector to capture their shapes on paper.
Before I let them jump in and start the details, I made all of them practice the techniques we will cover in this book. These techniques are critical to drawing realistically. In practicing them, you will see how quickly your art will improve.
In her first attempt Chrissie struggled with the shapes. The slight turn in the lion’s pose created some distortion in her initial line drawing. In creating the look of long hair, she stopped too soon. The results look incomplete.
Artwork by Chrissie Leander
Using a projector helped to draw the proportions of the face accurately. Adding background tones behind the face makes the light look like it is reflecting off the lion. The fur looks thicker and more dimensional due to layers of pencil strokes and blending. The use of a kneaded eraser makes the fur look full and shiny. Chrissie said, “I never thought to add darkness around my drawing to make it stand out. It really helps make it look better. I was also surprised to see how many layers it takes to create the look of long hair.”
Using a projector is not cheating! It is a smart way to capture an accurate line drawing, which is the foundation for your work. The rendering of the subject is what makes it art. Even the Old Masters used forms of projection to get the shapes correct before they began painting. Rulers, grids and projectors are all smart tools for achieving accuracy in your artwork.
In this attempt, the shapes are a bit cartoon-like. While Randy did try to use some blending, the drawing still lacks realism.
The phrase I use the most when teaching is “Get it darker!” Some students swear they hear it in their sleep now. Contrast and the use of tones give a drawing believable dimensions. Without tone and contrast, the drawing appears flat and unfinished.
Artwork by Randy Williams
Everything about this drawing has improved. A projector helped to get the proportions correct, but the real improvement was in the blending technique and use of tone. Deepening the tones for more darkness brought out the contours of the panther’s shape. A kneaded eraser helped create light areas to make the panther come to life. Randy said, “I learned so much from this exercise. Shapes are really important, but the shading is critical. It is all about getting it darker, and knowing where to put the lights and darks.”