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Fernando

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Sketching tips for beginners

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20 sketching tips to empower you to make your mark | Creative Bloq

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Please click here if you are not redirected within a few seconds. Images 20 sketching tips to empower you to make your mark | Creative Bloq creativebloq.com Images may be subject to copyright.

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Fernando

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Drawing is one of the most basic ways to exercise your creativity. Whether you're using a pencil, pen, crayon, or even your fingers, the skills you gain from the activity translate to a bevy of different media. Learning the fundamentals is simple to do, but like all art, they require a lot of practice to master. But once you do, you'll have the ability create images you're truly proud of.

Need help selecting your first set of drawing pencils? We've got you covered with our guide to the best drawing pencils!

Drawing Techniques for Beginners

There are standard drawing techniques that you need to be familiar with as you put pencil to paper. Some are so basic that you've probably used them before without even realizing it.

Back and forth: When we say basic, this what we're talking about. This approach challenges you to move your drawing utensil back and forth across the paper in an even, level motion. Depending on how much pressure you apply, the darker your drawing will appear.

Hatching: Hatching involves making tiny ticks on your page. Make sure that each mark is parallel to the other. Lines that are close together will look darker, while lines further apart will indicate highlights.

Cross Hatching: This technique is the logical extension to hatching. But instead of creating a series of parallel lines, have your marks intersect one another in a cross-like formation.

Scribble: Scribbling allows your hand the opportunity to fly across the page. Move your pencil in a random formation-no precise marks necessary. The more you scrawl all over an area, the darker it will look.

Stippling: For those who love meticulous processes, this one's for you. Stippling involves making a countless amount of tiny dots on your paper. Like all other approaches, the closer the dots, the darker the drawing.

Blending: If you're using charcoal or pencil, try blending them. To do so, begin with the back-and-forth technique to cover your paper, and then rub the medium into it. You can use your finger, a blending stick (aka tortillon), or chamois cloth. Another option for blending is to experiment with powdered graphite and use a paintbrush to gradually blend and build tone onto your pages.

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New to Drawing? Make Sure You Know These Basic Techniques Before You Start

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Drawing is an easy way to exercise your creativity. Whether you're using a pencil, pen, crayon, or even your fingers, the skills you gain from the activity translate to a bevy of different media. Here are the basic drawing techniques that you need to know.

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Fernando

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3D representation and 2D orthographic projection

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3D representation and 2D orthographic projection

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Kobi

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Fernando

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Your browser might not support the ability to play mp3 files from within a webpage.

Click here to download and listen to the audio file on your computer.

What is an Orthographic Projection?

An Orthographic projection is a 2-D representation of a 3-D object. The 2-D drawing represents different sides of an object.

The six principal views

The 6 principal views are created by looking at the object (straight on) in the directions indicated.

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Your browser might not support the ability to play mp3 files from within a webpage. Click here to download and listen to the audio file on your computer. An Orthographic projection is a 2-D representation of a 3-D object. The 2-D drawing represents different sides of an object.

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Fernando

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THE BASICS: Sighting & Measuring in Drawing

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Fernando

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Question from Clayton, Drawing Academy student

What is the best way to measure with a pencil?

Can you explain in more detail how I can measure the proportions of what I am drawing with my pencil?

Many thanks,
Clayton

Answers from Vladimir London, Drawing Academy Tutor

Hi Clayton,

Many thanks for your questions.

Measuring with a pencil serves four purposes:
1. Measuring proportions on a model;
2. Checking proportions in a drawing;
3. Measuring angles on a model and checking them in your drawing;
4. Checking the cross-sections and points where one line crosses another, both on a model and in your drawing.

Measuring proportions is the process of analyzing how many times one part of an object fits into another part.

Measuring angles involves checking the tilts of certain lines.

Checking cross-sections and cross-points entails finding and checking where certain lines intersect other lines.

I'll explain how to do all these things below.

First of all, it is recommended that you develop your ability to measure proportions and angles by eye. You have to rely on your drawing skills, not on measuring tools.

When you apply constructive drawing principles, you can draw objects, judging the proportions and angles by eye and then double-check by measuring with a pencil.

1. Measuring proportions on a model.

Extend your arm fully while holding your pencil with the 'candle' grip. The pencil can be positioned vertically, horizontally or tilted left or right, but not forward or backward.

With one eye closed, align the pencil with the model/object. Move your thumb along the pencil so that what you're measuring fits between the edge of the pencil and the tip of your thumb.

Now, keeping your thumb still, align the pencil with another, larger portion on the model and see how many times the first size fits into the new one.

In this way, you may check, for example, how many times the head of the model fits into the body, or how many times the nose fits into the height of the face, and so on.

2. Checking proportions in a drawing

When you know what a given proportion is, you can double-check it in your drawing.

Take your pencil and align it with the given dimension in the drawing.

Using your index finger, mark this dimension on the pencil.

Keeping your finger still, re-align the pencil with the larger dimension you checked on the model.

Check how many times the smaller dimension in your drawing fits into the larger one.

Needless to say, the ratio between these two dimensions has to be the same in your drawing and on the model. If not, fix the drawing.

3. Measuring angles on a model and checking them in your drawing

Here, we are interested in angles and tilts rather than dimensions and proportions.

Position your drawing board vertically at the arm's length, so you can see the model and the drawing at the same time.

Fully extend your arm while holding your pencil with a 'candle' grip.

With one eye closed, align the pencil with the angle you want to measure on the model/object. Do not tilt the pencil forward or backward, it has to be perpendicular to your line of sight.

Without changing the tilt of the pencil, move your straight arm towards the drawing and check whether the tilt aligns with the given angle in your artwork. If not, fix the angle in your drawing.

4. Checking cross-sections and points where one line crosses another, both on a model and in your drawing

This measurement is similar to the previous exercise. However, instead of checking only angles, this time you need to analyze at what point a line will intersect other line.

Use the same vertical position of a drawing board as in the previous process.

Extend your arm as you did to measure angles on the model.

Align the pencil with the line in question on the model and check where this line crosses other lines.

Check these cross-sections and cross-points in your drawing, fixing it if required.

A good example of this method is when drawing a still-life - you can extend with a pencil the line of one object and check where it will intersect another object(s).

I hope this helps.

To your creative success,
Vladimir

To learn how to draw skillfully,

Enroll in the Drawing Academy Course:

Total cost - Only $257

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How to measure with a pencil - Drawing Academy

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What is the best way to measure with a pencil? Can you explain in more detail how I can measure the proportions of what I am drawing with my pencil? Many thanks, Clayton Answers from Vladimir London, Drawing Academy Tutor Hi Clayton, Many thanks for your questions.

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Kobi

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3.3 Sketching Circles, Arcs, and Ellipses Circles

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3.3 Sketching Circles, Arcs, and Ellipses Circles

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Fernando

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This chapter is from the book 

3.3 Sketching Circles, Arcs, and Ellipses

Small circles can be sketched using one or two strokes, without blocking in any construction lines. Circle templates also make it easy to sketch circles of various sizes.

For better looking freehand sketched circles of larger sizes, try the construction methods shown here. Figure 3.26 shows an object with rounded features to sketch using circles, arcs, and ellipses.

Many objects have rounded features that circles, arcs, and ellipses are used to represent. (Tim Ridley © Dorling Kindersley.)

Sketching Arcs

Sketching arcs is similar to sketching circles. In general, it is easier to hold your pencil on the inside of the curve. Look closely at the actual geometric constructions and carefully approximate points of tangency so that the arc touches a line or other entity at the right point.

Sketching Ellipses

If a circle is tipped away from your view, it appears as an ellipse. Figure 3.27 shows a coin viewed so that it appears as an ellipse. You can learn to sketch small ellipses with a free arm movement similar to the way you sketch circles, or you can use ellipse templates to help you easily sketch ellipses. These templates are usually grouped according to the amount a circular shape would be rotated to form the ellipse. They provide a number of sizes of ellipses on each template but usually include only one or two typical rotations.

3.27 A Circle Seen as an Ellipse

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This chapter is from the book  Small circles can be sketched using one or two strokes, without blocking in any construction lines. Circle templates also make it easy to sketch circles of various sizes. For better looking freehand sketched circles of larger sizes, try the construction methods shown here.

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Fernando

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Draw an Ellipse - Arcs Of Circle Method - Engineering Curves - Engineering Drawing

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Kobi

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Stacey

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nail and rope drawing a circle - Google Search

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art string art equal parts stock footage nail polish circle into shutterstock painting decoration round wood board hanging

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Kobi

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How to measure proportions with a pencil in drawing

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Fernando

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Isometric drawing, sometimes called isometric projection, is a type of 2D drawing used to draw 3D objects that is set out using 30-degree angles. It's also a type of axonometric drawing, meaning that the same scale is used for every axis, resulting in a non-distorted image. Since isometric grids are pretty easy to set up, once you understand the basics of isometric drawing, creating a freehand isometric sketch is relatively simple.

This post explains all you need to know about isometric drawing. You'll learn exactly what defines an isometric drawing, how it differs from one-point perspective, what to do to get started creating your own isometric projection, and even more. Elevate your art skills further by following the tutorials in our how to draw guide (which will teach you how to draw pretty much anything).

What is isometric drawing?

An isometric drawing is a 3D representation of an object, room, building or design on a 2D surface. One of the defining characteristics of an isometric drawing, compared to other types of 3D representation, is that the final image is not distorted and is always to scale. This is due to the fact that the foreshortening of the axes is equal. The word isometric comes from Greek to mean 'equal measure'.

(Image credit: Christophe Dang Ngoc Chan, Mike Horvath)

Isometric drawings are a good way to show measurements and how components fit together, and is used in technical drawing, often by engineers and architects. They differ from other types of axonometric drawing, including dimetric and trimetric projections, in which different scales are used for different axes to give a distorted final image.

In an isometric drawing, the object appears as if it is being viewed from above from one corner, with the axes set out from this corner point. Isometric drawings begin with one vertical line along which two points are defined. Any lines set out from these points should be constructed at an angle of 30 degrees.

Isometric drawing vs one-point perspective

Both isometric drawings and one-point perspective drawings use geometry and mathematics to present 3D representations on 2D surfaces. One-point perspective drawings mimic the human eye, so objects appear smaller the further away they are from the viewer. In contrast, isometric drawings use parallel projection, which means objects remain at the same size, no matter how far away they are.

(Image credit: Oliver Harrison - CC BY 2.5)

Basically, isometric drawing doesn't use perspective in its rendering (i.e. lines don't converge as they move away from the viewer). Isometric drawings are more useful for functional drawings that are used to explain how something works, while one-point perspective drawings are typically used to give a more sensory idea of an object or space.

The limitation of isometric drawings compared to 3D models is that you can't change your vantage point, you have to see the drawing from the top viewpoint.

How to draw an isometric cube

(Image credit: Cmglee)

The most common isometric drawing is that of a cube, and drawing a cube using isometric projection is very easy. You will need a piece of paper, ruler, pencil and protractor (or for the shortcut version, using gridded paper, jump to the next section).

Using the ruler, draw a vertical line on the page, and mark three equally spaced points along it. Draw a horizontal line through the lowest point, and using the protractor, mark out a 30 degree angle up from the line on either side. Draw a line back through the lowest point from the 30 degree angle on each side.

Repeat this step through the middle point and the same through the top point, but with the top point, mark out the angle downwards. The lines from the second and third point will cross at a certain point, and from this intersection, draw a vertical line down towards the angled lines coming from the bottom point. You should be able to see the form of the cube where all of the lines intersect.

Using an isometric grid

For all the cheats out there who don't have the necessary tools (or inclination) to create an isometric projection, there is a foolproof way to bash out your axonometric drawing: simply use an isometric grid. The pattern can be downloaded online, and will save you lots of time and effort, or you can have a play with the grid using this isometric drawing tool.

Alternatively, learn how to set up your own grid in Illustrator or Photoshop by following the video tutorial below.

Once your eyes become accustomed to the trickery of the triangular pattern, you will immediately notice how the isometric works. The super handy thing about the grid is that it already has all of the 30 degree angles set up for you. This tutorial walks you through how to draw a cube using an isometric grid.

The benefits of isometric drawing

Isometric drawings are very useful for designers - particularly architects, industrial and interior designers and engineers, as they are ideal for visualising rooms, products, and infrastructure. They're a great way to quickly test out different design ideas. They also illustrate the 3D nature of an object, without being drawn in 3D software, and measurements can be made to scale along the principal axes.

There are a number of other situations in which isometric projection is useful. In wayfinding systems, for example in museums or galleries, isometric wall maps can show visitors where they are in the building, what is going on elsewhere, and how to get to get around.

Some of the best infographics use isometric projection to enable them to show more information than would be possible in a 2D drawing. Some of the best logos also use this approach to create impact.

Exploded isometric drawings are useful for revealing parts of a product that might be hidden or internal. They're used by architects, engineers and product designers the world over to better explain the intricacies of a design. To create an exploded isometric, you need to know the detailed inner workings of whatever you are drawing, so they're are usually used at the final design stage for presentations to clients.

Isometric drawing examples

Illustrator and art director Mauco created this isometric map to represent the areas surrounding the SPECTRUM building in London. It shows just the main roads and landmarks to help people orientate themselves.

Jing Zhang is an illustrator working mainly with clients in the advertising industry. She's built a particular reputation for her detailed exploded isometric designs, including this creation for Slack. It's part of a series to accompany the brand's stories, focusing on elements such as a happy mobile workforce (above).

This design was created for an article in the The California Sunday Magazine, entitled The Tech Revolt and exploring political activism in the tech industry. In it, illustrator Tim Peacock uses isometric projection as a way of revealing the inner workings of a Silicon Valley office block.

MC Escher was perhaps the king of using isometric projections in his artworks. His use of parallel geometries to depict mind-bending staircases that go nowhere will be familiar to most. In Cycle (1938), shown above, is it clear how isometric projection comes into his work, from the pattern on the ground to the use of cubes that turn into steps.

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Everything you need to know about creating an isometric drawing.

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Kobi

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Drawing tutorial │Drawing circles and ellipses

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Drawing Lessons - Practicing Curves, Arcs and Elipses

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Stacey

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nail and rope drawing a circle - Google Search

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equal parts string art circle into stock footage shutterstock nail polish painting decoration round wood board hanging compass

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Kobi

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How to Shade with Pencil - Shading Lessons

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Kobi

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Fernando

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When people look at drawings and remark at how realistic they look, it usually has everything to do with the shading.

Pencil shading requires the artist to consider every stroke, in order to properly recreate how light hits an object.

Read on for the five elements of shading which will help you create your most realistic drawing yet!

What is shading in art?

Drawings can only come to life if you have the one key component: shading.

With visual arts-especially pencil drawing-shading is very much necessary to bring depth to your work, adding dimension and defining where your subject is in relation to your light source.

It starts with value, which is the lightness or darkness of a color.

Shading refers to the darker values that, when combined with tints (lighter values), produce a more realistic masterpiece.

However, there are many elements of shading and techniques to learn first!

Elements of shading:

Cast shadow

The cast shadow is the darkest point on your drawing. It falls opposite the light source and represents where the object prevents the light from penetrating.

Shadow edge

This is where the object is turning away from you and is lighter than the cast shadow.

Halftone

This is the mid-gray of the object. It's neither in direct light or shadow.

Reflected light

The reflected light is a light-gray tone. It's found along the edge of an object and separates the cast shadow and shadow edge.

Full light

This area is stark white and shows where the light source is directly hitting the object.

When you understand how shading can affect how we perceive light to be drawn, your artworks will reach a stunning realism.

Types of shading techniques

Blending & Rendering

These are actually two techniques that work together to create our smooth finished product.

Blending uses different amounts of pressure to determine the values on your subject.

Use the medium itself or a blending tool to help you.

Then you can render the image to remove some of the density to create lighter areas. It's a back-and-forth type of technique!

Hatching

There are several types of hatching that exist. (We'll even go over another type in just a bit!)

This technique is when you simply let your lines travel together to create dimension.

Every time you put that pen or pencil to paper, keep the lines going in the same direction. The closer your lines get, the darker that area of the image will be.

Cross-hatching

Using the same lines as we did with hatching, cross-hatching is exactly what the name suggests: cross the lines.

The higher the density at which you are crossing the lines will determine the darker and lighter values.

Stippling

With stippling, your goal is to express the gradation of value with dots, dots, and more dots.

And just like with the other shading techniques, the density of your dots will dictate the value throughout your subject matter.

Interested in learning more?

Hunakai Studio of Fine Arts in Foxboro, Massachusetts offers art lessons and workshops to all skill levels.

Learn more about our studio workshops, kids art classes and drawing classes for adults and call us at 508-543-5665 today to learn more about enrolling!

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When people look at drawings and remark at how realistic they look, it usually has everything to do with the shading. Pencil shading requires the artist to consider every stroke, in order to properly recreate how light hits an object. Read on for the five elements of shading which will help you create your most realistic drawing yet!

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Fernando

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How to shade drawings || Basic shading techniques

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Kobi

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Stacey

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Isometric Sketching techniques - Google Search

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Pencil Drawing Techniques: Pro Tips to Sharpen Your Skills

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Pencil Drawing Techniques: Pro Tips to Sharpen Your Skills

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No matter what kind of artist you are, chances are that a pencil and a piece of paper figured prominently in your early art life. Throughout my career as a character designer and visual development artist - as I've learned how to draw - I've realised that having a strong respect and understanding of the process and fundamentals of drawing is essential to becoming a better artist, and what's more fundamental than pencil skills?

Before you start you need to decide upon the best pencil for your drawing style. Next, follow my seven fundamental tips for next-level pencil drawing, and take a look at the video above demonstrating these pencil drawing techniques in action.

If this inspires you to educate yourself further, why not head over to Schoolism.com to discover courses, workshops and more?

01. Master pencil grip

When I draw, I use not the tip but the side of the lead in order to maximise its utility. Holding my pencil like I would charcoal also keeps it sharper longer.

When covering large areas, I shade with my pencil perpendicular to the line I'm drawing to get wide, soft lines. For details, I hold my pencil parallel to my lines to get sharp, narrow marks. The only time I use the point is when I'm working on intricate details.

02. Mix up shading techniques

I like to shade in two main ways: the first is with all of my lines going in the same direction, which makes my shading appear more cohesive. This pencil drawing technique also helps my details pop out from the lines I'm using for shading.

The second method I use is working in patches, which help define shape. Patches of lines go around the form, which help keep things in perspective. This technique is also great for backgrounds and adding texture.

03. Control line weight

The next drawing technique concerns line weight. Having control over my line weight is a great way to separate objects from one another, and can help emphasise shadows. Thicker lines can fade and disappear into the shadows, which can help convey the 3D form.

I try to avoid outlining my drawings because this tends to make things look flat and deadens the 3D effect. Breaks and spaces in my lines show form in the lights and shadows.

04. Build up your sketch

When I start drawing, I plan and explore using loose lines, and avoid committing too early with hard, dark lines. As I progress my lines will change, so checking and rechecking my work is vital. I darken my lines and add details at the end. I don't focus on one area for too long to prevent overdrawing.

When drawing something symmetrical, I focus on the spaces between the lines, and of course keep reevaluating as I go along.

05. Check and recheck

When I've checked my drawing, I check again. I have to nail down its underpinnings before I can add details. I really avoid guessing at the details; I want to make sure things are symmetrical and look right before putting down stronger and harder lines. I constantly ask myself, does this feel right?

If anything seems off - even if I can't immediately put my finger on what it is - I trust my gut and troubleshoot my drawing before continuing.

06. Prevent pencil smudges

This is a valuable beginner's tip: I always put a piece of paper under my hand to keep from smudging my drawing.

I also like to view my drawing in a mirror, through a camera, or step away from it. This way, I can get different vantage points on my drawing and detect if anything is off.

07. Know when to finish

Like every other artist I know, even after I've signed my name, I will sometimes continue tinkering with my drawings. I can always find something to change if I look hard enough, so it can be difficult to tell when a piece is truly finished.

But remember that a drawing can be overdone! Eventually, I make a conscious decision to put my drawing away and start something new. That's when I consider my drawing done. Well, maybe...

I hope these pencil drawing techniques have helped - join in the conversation by adding your tips and tricks in the comments on Facebook or Twitter.
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Drawing techniques: 7 fundamentals of pencil drawing

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No matter what kind of artist you are, chances are that a pencil and a piece of paper figured prominently in your early art life. Throughout my career as a character designer and visual development artist - as I've learned how to draw - I've realised that having a strong respect and understanding of the process and fundamentals of drawing is essential to becoming a better artist, and what's more fundamental than pencil skills?

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