From left to right: straightedge, triangle, T-square, angle ruler
In addition to the basic supplies, there are other tools that will help make your drawing experience easier and more enjoyable.
Using a straightedge will give you sharp, accurate lines when your subject is technical and requires precision. The precision from a straightedge would look awkward in a sketchy drawing, though. If you want straightedge accuracy without the tightness, use the straightedge during the sketching stage with a light pencil line, then draw over those lines more heavily freehand in the drawing stage.
Because it is larger than a ruler and has more surface area to grip, a triangle can be easy to use for drawing straight lines.
Using a triangle with a T-square hooked to the side edge of your board or drawing pad will help you draw more precise vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines. This method is best used for drawing technical subjects such as buildings in linear perspective.
An angle ruler works like a ruler, but it can pivot to measure angles and can fold small enough to fit in a pencil box.
From left to right: straightedge, triangle, T-square, angle ruler
Dividers are used to observe and duplicate proportions from a photo or sketch.
Proportional dividers are used to proportionally enlarge or reduce a image.
On left: divider; on right, proportional divider.
A sewing gauge is an inexpensive tool that can be used to measure the proportions of a still life, three-dimensional subject matter, or when working from flat reference materials such as photographs.
A light box allows you to work from a structural drawing without having to sketch guidelines directly on your drawing paper.
Use a small mirror for self-portraits and for observing facial features. It is also handy for examining your artwork in reverse form. Looking at a drawing in reverse will allow you to see the composition through fresh eyes.
Fixative is a spray applied to pencil drawings to prevent the artwork from smudging. It’s used mostly for carbon or charcoal drawings, which tend to be powdery. For the demos in this book, fixative isn’t necessary because you’ll be drawing with graphite.Graphite is not likely to smear if the drawings are stored loosely, one on top of the other.
4H, HB and 4B graphite pencils
Pencil sharpener
Sketch pad
11" × 14" (28cm × 26cm) medium-tooth drawing paper
Drawing board
Kneaded eraser
White vinyl eraser
Straightedge, triangle or angle ruler
Light box
Dividers, proportional dividers or sewing gauge
Small mirror
Erasing shield
Pencil extender
Craft knife
Sandpaper pad
T-square
Fixative
Tracing paper
Masking tape