In order to counteract that pull we can re-calibrate the mind to see shapes instead of whatever it thinks an eye (or cat or tree) looks like. Someone of Hawaiian heritage will likely have a different eye shape than a native Russian, a baby usually has rounder eyes than an adult and so on.īut the mind may have decided on one single idea of ‘eye’ and will keep trying to pull you in that direction, like a jamming steering wheel, away from what you're actually aiming for, or see right in front of you. You may be theoretically aware that there are many different shapes of eyes, for example. Which can be a good thing, unless the image in your head doesn't conform with what you actually see. Sometimes you're drawing something you've seen many, many times before and your mind just goes on autopilot.
These exercises will help you stretch all your drawing muscles muscles (aka your observation, spatial recognition, creativity.) for a serious workout/drawing session and teach you the fundamentals you need to excel. Regular exercise is also crucial in any training regime, whether you're new to it, back for it or never left at all.
If you haven't been working out for a while, or are a complete beginner, you'll always better start slow, rather than jumping straight in and running a full marathon without any training. After all, there's always something else to draw.Drawing really is a lot like sports. It can be hard at times, but there is a point where you just have to stop messing around with it. There's also something to be said about knowing when to stop. Pencil marks are allowed and they can make the drawing more interesting than if it was perfectly even. This is an informal sketch, not a photo-realist drawing, so you don't have to draw the spots or create a perfectly smooth surface. Look over the entire drawing and compare it to your subject, Sometimes, a little "artistic license" might be used to emphasize shadows and improve the form. You can always shade back over the area if you change your mind.
A kneadable eraser is useful for erasing or "lifting out" tone if you shaded an area that you want to be lighter. If you have one, use a softer pencil-at least a B, or even a 2B or 4B-for the darker shadow areas. Most beginners make the mistake of drawing too lightly and shadowed areas may be quite black. When you see a dark area or shadow on the subject, don't be afraid to use a dark tone. The focus is on "global tone"-the overall effect of light and shadow-rather than the color and detail on the surface. The goal of this lesson is to create a fairly three-dimensional looking shaded form, showing light and shade. This little trick is one way to prevent that effect.ĭon't worry about the surface detail such as spots or patterns. Sometimes, if you try to draw up to an edge or outline, the marks will get heavier as you get closer. To create a loose, hatched look in the sketch, allow some of the shading to carry across the outline. Using the side of the pencil for shading will show more paper texture.
A more patient application allows you to get a smooth, fine tone with this method. As in the example, you can use the tip of the pencil so the pencil marks show for a technique called hatching (shading technique that implies shade, tone, or texture). There are a few ways that you can shade and you can use a combination of them in the sketch. You will instead shade the mid-tones and darkest shadow areas.Īlternatively, you can shade over an area and use an eraser to create the highlights. You want to avoid this area and allow the white paper to be the highlight. Note where the light shines onto the fruit and gives it a highlight.