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Sketch a Figure
Use what you've learned about line to draw a scene
You've seen how some artists use line to create realistic drawings. Now it's your turn to sketch a figure using contour lines.
props and a chair for model
watercolor paper
graphite pencil
bamboo sketch pen
colored ink
ink tray
water bucket
paper towel
kneaded eraser
easel and drawing board
Step 1: Sketch the Scene
Begin by lightly sketching the scene.
How does the student who created this drawing use diagonal lines?
First, recruit a classmate to be a model. Gather some props and a chair and arrange a scene for your model. Choose props with a theme that gives your scene meaning. You might choose piles of books, art supplies, or sports equipment. As you design the arrangement, make sure that the primary light source cascades across the figure from the side. Don’t light the scene from the front or back of the model, because there won’t be many shadows or highlights. Next, use a graphite pencil to lightly sketch the scene. This is a rough sketch to work out the placement of the figure and surrounding objects. You might want to crop the scene in an unexpected way. Remember to include diagonals to help define the space.
Tip: Don’t worry about including any of the details yet.
Step 2: Add Color and Contours
Trace the contours of the figure.
How does the student who completed this drawing balance the foreground and background?
Begin to add color using a bamboo pen and colored ink. Use loose, broken lines to create a contour drawing right on top of your graphite sketch. Slow down your drawing pace and spend as much time looking at the scene as at your drawing. Carefully draw both the interior and exterior contours that illustrate your model’s pose. As you draw, develop a style. You might use curving lines, broken lines, or rigid, mechanical lines. Remember that the scene surrounding your model is just as important as the figure. Give equal attention to the figure in the foreground and the background.
Tip: Changing the pressure you apply to your pen will vary your line weight.
Step 3: Add Value and Detail
Add hatching to create shadows.
How does the student who created this sketch use hatching?
Select a technique to add value to your drawing. You might use hatching, cross-hatching, or pattern to build the scene. Be consistent to give your drawing an overall sense of unity. Focus on the areas of light and shadow in the scene. Find the darkest area and the lightest area. As you work, remember that all the tones in the drawing should fall within this tonal range. Add any remaining details to the drawing. Once the ink is dry, use a kneaded eraser to clean up the graphite lines.
Tip: Leave some areas of your paper white to create highlights.
Prepared by Peter Yuscavage, Jersey City Arts, Jersey City, New Jersey
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