Here are some basic drawing techniques you can expect in our class:
Hatching
Description: Creating parallel lines to build up shading and texture.
Technique: Lines are drawn closely spaced or widely spaced depending on the desired density. The direction and length of the lines can vary to suggest light and shadow.
Cross-Hatching
Description: Using intersecting sets of parallel lines to create depth and texture.
Technique: First, draw lines in one direction (e.g., horizontal). Then, draw a second set of lines perpendicular or at an angle to the first. The overlap of lines adds complexity and shading.
Stippling
Description: Creating texture and shading with small dots.
Technique: Apply varying densities of dots to build up darker or lighter areas. The closer the dots, the darker the area will appear. This technique requires patience and precision.
Scribbling
Description: Creating texture and shading with loose, spontaneous lines.
Technique: Use random, overlapping lines and strokes to build up shading and texture. This technique can create a dynamic, energetic effect.
Contour Drawing
Description: Drawing the outline of a subject with continuous lines.
Technique: Focus on capturing the edges and boundaries of forms without lifting the pen. This technique helps in improving observational skills and capturing the essence of a subject.
Hatching and Cross-Hatching Variations
Description: Using different patterns and directions of lines to create various textures and effects.
Technique: Experiment with diagonal lines, curved lines, and varying the spacing and angle of cross-hatching to achieve different effects.
Graphite pencils are essential tools in drawing and sketching, valued for their versatility and range of tonal qualities.
Graphite Core: Made from a mixture of graphite and clay, which gives the pencil its hardness or softness.
Wood Casing: Typically made of cedar or another wood, which is easy to sharpen and holds the graphite core securely.
What are the letters on the side again?
You will see there is a letter on the side of the pencil with a number sometimes. A sample of a range of pencils might look like: 6B, 5B, 4B, 3B, 2B, B, HB, H, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6
Graphite pencils are graded on a scale from H (hard) to B (soft).
H Pencils: Hard pencils with a lighter mark (e.g., 9H is the hardest, 2H is harder but softer than 4H).
B Pencils: Soft pencils with a darker mark (e.g., 9B is the softest, 2B is softer but lighter than 4B).
F (HB) Pencil: Falls in between H and B, offering a balance of hardness and softness.
Charcoal is a versatile and expressive medium used for drawing and sketching. It offers a range of effects from deep, rich blacks to delicate, soft grays. Types of Charcoal Mediums:
Vine Charcoal
Description: Made from burnt vine branches, vine charcoal is soft and produces light, smooth lines.
Characteristics: Easy to smudge and blend, ideal for creating preliminary sketches and subtle shading.
Uses: Great for initial sketches, light shading, and creating a wide range of tones.
Charcoal Pencils
Description: Charcoal encased in a wood pencil form, providing precision and control.
Characteristics: Available in various hardness levels, combining the convenience of pencils with the richness of charcoal.
Uses: Ideal for detailed work, fine lines, and areas requiring precision.
White Charcoal
Description: Made from calcined limestone, white charcoal is used to create highlights and contrasts.
Characteristics: Provides a stark contrast to black charcoal and can be used on dark papers for striking effects.
Uses: Highlights, lighter tones, and creating contrast on dark backgrounds.
Charcoal Powder
Description: Loose powder made from ground charcoal, used for broad applications and blending.
Characteristics: Can be applied with various tools, including brushes or fingers, for smooth shading and textural effects.
Uses: Broad applications, texture creation, and large areas of shading.
When using charcoal it is MESSY! Prepare Your Workspace! Make sure you have your eraser and paper towels handy. Remember these techniques:
Shading
Method: Apply charcoal in layers to build up values and gradients. Use a blending stump or your fingers to smooth and blend the charcoal for seamless transitions.
Tip: Control the pressure on the charcoal stick or pencil to achieve different shades, from light grays to deep blacks.
Blending
Method: Use blending stumps, tortillons, or your fingers to blend charcoal smoothly. Apply light pressure to avoid tearing the paper.
Tip: Clean blending tools frequently to avoid transferring unwanted charcoal onto your drawing.
Texturing
Method: Create textures by varying your drawing techniques. For example, use a stippling motion with the tip of a charcoal pencil for texture, or create rough textures with vine charcoal.
Tip: Experiment with different mark-making techniques to achieve various textures and effects.
Pen and ink is a versatile medium that can produce a wide range of effects, from detailed and precise line work to bold and expressive textures. Here’s are various techniques used in a pen and ink drawing that aren't included in the drawing techniques above:
Washes
Description: Applying diluted ink to create gradients and tonal variations.
Technique: Use a brush or a diluted ink pen to apply varying levels of ink to the paper. This technique can create a watercolor-like effect and is often used for backgrounds or to add depth.
Scumbling
Description: Creating texture with irregular, circular strokes.
Technique: Use a dry, quick motion to apply short, overlapping strokes. This method is effective for creating textures like foliage or rough surfaces.
Pointillism
Description: Applying dots of ink to build up an image.
Technique: Similar to stippling but often used to create a more intricate pattern or image. Adjust dot size and spacing for varying textures and densities.