These drawing basics will quickly
propel your drawings to
a high level if
you consistently practice what you learn.
Welcome to Drawing Essentials Level 2: Drawing Basics. This section is all about the nuts and bolts of creating good drawings.
Think of this section like drawing boot camp.
We are going to learn a simple step by step approach to drawing; and we’ll learn to use some tools and techniques that will force you to slow down and draw in a very structured methodical way.
This is not going to be a free and loose artistic way of drawing. These lessons are all about being meticulous and exacting.
It doesn’t sound all that fun but if you can learn to apply these techniques consistently you will find drawing becomes so much easier and then the real fun begins.
I feel an analogy is in order.
Think of these lessons like gymnastics training. When you watch a gymnast perform amazing gravity defying feats of strength and beauty it blows you away, right?
That’s the end result of a lot of repetitive nuts and bolts training. But after the gymnast gains proficiency in their techniques they let it loose and the result is artistic excellence.
The same is true for drawing and painting. By learning these drawing basics you are putting in the work upfront in order to gain artistic excellence latter (just without the bruises).
There are 3 main objectives to this group of lessons.
Objective 1:
The first objective is to show you a reliable step by step process to construct your drawings that will give you consistent results every time.
This process starts with a large containing shape and broken down into smaller and smaller pieces. It is a formulaic way of drawing but will pay big dividends down the road.
Objective 2:
The second objective is to introduce you to a system called comparative measurement and some very helpful tools.
Comparative measurement is a way of making sure the shapes in your drawing are the right size and in the right place. The most beautifully drawn flower is worthless if it is too large or small for the vase that it sits in. Comparative measurement will force you to see and fix problems as they arise.
The greatest benefit of diligently using comparative measurement is that it will train your eye to see size relationships. Once your eye is fine tuned to see intricate size relationships you won’t need to use the tools anymore.
Objective 3:
Finally I will show you some additional techniques to check your drawing for accuracy and train your eye even further. Eventually you will see these things and draw them without thinking. But like the gymnast you must first put in the time and effort up front to make it look easy down the road.
My grandfather was a graphic designer and he has a great saying.
"the easier it looks the harder it is to do."
I want you to learn these drawing basics and make it look easy. By diligently using these tools and techniques you will get consistently accurate drawings.
When you have consistently good drawings you will then be able to add your own personal style to them. The result will be artistic excellence.
Grab your work hat. You’re about to learn how to use the tools and techniques that will transform you from a doodler to a draftsman.
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