"Drawing is the only thing I've found
in which I can lose myself Completely."
~ P. Capaldi
Small objects you love, make great models for quick gesture drawings.
This sketch was done with a quick gesture *holding the pencil like a wand
and then details were added, **holding the pencil like you would to write your name.
*** See Drawing Tips Below
If you are strapped for time, just do one set of 2 minute gestures everyday.
You'll be surprised how much even that little bit will help!
The brain processes 3D objects differently than when viewing flat, 2D reference. Drawing from photos is good practice too, but there are some real benefits to to starting off the summer season with drawing from life!
Here's a photo of the nest which was drawn from life, at a slightly different angle.
***Some Tips on Drawing two minute gestures from life.
• When drawing small objects, it
helps to get the item closer to eye level, so I set them up on a box or
a large coffee can.• It also helps to isolate the subject with a solid colored background.
• Closing one eye often helps if you are having difficulty.
• When drawing, try to keep your body and head in the same position or your view will change.
• Prop your drawing pad up at an angle. Use a Beanie Baby, or something similar.
• Squint to see large shapes as you start to draw quickly.
• Hold your pencil *In Position One - like a wand (*Like you were conducting an orchestra) It's the complete opposite position from **Position Two (**the position we use to write our name).
• Block in large shapes. Use the side of the pencil. Look at negative space. Make comparisons.
• Then, if you still have time, turn the pencil to **Position Two and add a few details.
• You can see a short video on sketching gestures and how to hold your pencil here.
Follow this link for more tips on how to go
about doing quick gestures. http://www.sketchingeveryday.com/…/in-starting-gate-and-the…
"Sometimes
the very best of all summer books is a blank notebook. Get one big
enough, and you can practice sketching the lemon slice in your drink,
the hot lifeguard on the beach or the
vista down the hill from your cabin."
~ MM. Dirda
Happy Creating My Friends!
