Draw!
Edition: 2
Copyright: 2018
Pages: 192
Edition: 2
Copyright: 2018
Pages: 192
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Being able to see is a prerequisite to drawing. Learning to see requires people to move past assumptions, drawing what they see and not what they think you see. Although this may seem like a simple concept, it can prove to be one of the more difficult challenges for the beginner. Beginning students must learn to look at their subject as though seeing it for the first time, without preconceived notions about what they “know” it looks like. This requires students to trust their eyes, allowing the eyes to inform the hand. Students must learn to slow down and be patient to observe precisely and accurately, recording information directly from what they observe.
This text provides an introduction to the basic concepts and skill-building necessary when learning to draw from direct observation. In addition to the important elements of composition, value, sighting, positive and negative space, and mark-making, it also deals with materials, critiques, and general studio procedures. Draw! empowers students to transform their drawing from a practiced skill into an effective means of communication and self-expression.
Preface
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction
Materials
Importance of the Easel
Critiques
Tips for Setting Up a Still Life
Studio Classroom Procedures
Learn from Each Other
2. Composition
Why Composition?
How Composition Works
The Visual Elements
The Principles of Good Composition
Compositions to Avoid
Summary
3. Contour Line
Why Contour Line Drawing?
Technique: Blind Contour Line Drawing
Technique: Semi-Blind Contour Line Drawing
Sequence for Semi-Blind Contour
Line Drawing
Line Quality
Variation in line quality
4. Positive Space/Negative Space
Shapes, Forms, and Space
Why Negative Shapes Are Important
5. Sighting
Why Sighting?
Sighting Techniques
The importance of a fixed point of view
Establishing and maintaining a fixed point of view
The importance of easel position
Sighting Angles
Comparing/Measuring Proportions
Combining Sighting, Angling, Measuring, and Point-to-Point Techniques
6. Value
What Is Value?
Materials for Charcoal Value Drawings
Creating Edge through Change of Value (No Line)
Value Gradation (Rounded Forms)
Procedures for Value Drawing
7. Mark-Making and Texture
Why Are Varied and “Meaningful Marks” Important?
Creating Value with Marks (No Blending or Smearing)
Media for creating value with marks/lines
Value-scale with marks/lines
Variety of line systems
Creating Gradations in Value with Marks/Lines
Creating Texture with Marks/Lines
Making Your Drawing with Marks/Lines
8. Drawing From Life Self-Portrait
Procedures for Self-Portraiture
Gesture Drawing
Procedures for Gesture Drawing
Purpose of Gesture Drawing
Figure Drawing
Proportions
Procedures for Figure Drawing
Anatomy
9. Concept in Drawing
Using What You Have Learned
Generating Ideas and Possibilities
Techniques
Creative Brainstorming in a Group
Individual Creative Brainstorming
Creative Block
Self-Portrait from Direct Observation
Conceptual Self-Portrait
Sequence for the Conceptual Self-Portrait
Congratulations!
10. Index of Vocabulary and Definitions
11. Appendices
Thumbnail Sketch Sheets
Value-Scales
Sketchbook Sheets
Viewfinder