Closely Examine Your Subject
Examine your subject carefully as you decide what to describe and how to describe it.
Generally speaking, descriptive lines are used to convey details. It is possible to enhance contour with descriptive lines. Careful linework may be used to describe smaller details or textural characteristics that would be difficult to convey with tone.
Descriptive linework may take the form of a group of close lines used to show off a specific subtle texture, or a few careful lines describing folds in a shirt or other fabric.
Closely Examine Your Subject
Examine your subject carefully as you decide what to describe and how to describe it.
Beat-Up Brush
Graphite pencil on ledger paper
10" × 8" (25cm × 20cm)
Detail of cCose Lines
Mediums used for descriptive linework should have a good sharp point. Fine-line pens or neatly sharpened graphite or charcoal pencils will work best. A sand pad is helpful to keep pencils pointed for a more precise line.
Carefully choosing what to describe and how to describe it with your chosen medium will also help to bring about a successful descriptive drawing.
Choose an Effective Medium
This drawing was done with charcoal pencils. Keeping the point of the pencil sharp was necessary for the detail.
Cotswold Man
Charcoal pencil on ledger paper
14" × 11" (36cm × 28cm)
Detail of Descriptive Line Drawing
Keep the Point Sharp for Descriptive Linework