Drawing Techniques

Drawing Techniques:

Drawing is a visual art which can use any number of drawing instruments that make up our two dimensional works of art. You have seen so

Here are the different range of drawing materials:-

• Graphite pencils

• Pen and Ink

• Inked brushes

• Color pencils

• Crayons

• Charcoals

• Chalk

• Pastels

• Markers

• Stylus

I will have in-depth descriptions of all these as we go along. Yet remember Rome wasn't built in one day! so keep an eye on this page as I get them done, ok....

Now, dry media is associated with drawing, such a chalk which can also be used in pastel painting. Also drawing can also be done in a liquid media applied with brushes or pens. Remember the old pen and Ink!

 Now, I have chatted to you before about some areas of drawing in Learn to Draw so I will not go over some areas which we have already discussed. You can always go back to Learn to Draw, then come back to drawing techniques if you feel you need to go over anything whilst reading this section.

"Indian River" Arist-Andrea Balch

Traditionally drawings were mainly monochrome, with all the different art materials out now, colored- pencils almost cross the boundary to painting, just because you are using color. Almost.... not entirely.

Drawing in the old days, was mainly a means to an end - the use of building up a structure; an idea onto canvas for a finished painting. In finishing this sort of art work, drawing was a problem solver used in putting ideas on paper, an idea collector. And we cant leave out composition - it was often the means of execution in the painting process, mainly in the early stages.

Drawing Surfaces

There is also the variety of different drawing techniques in drawing surfaces. Again, there are many of them. There are different qualities, grades and sizes of papers. Ranging for inexpensive to the other side of the price scale. Varying in texture, hue, acidity, and strength when wet.

Smooth paper is good for detail, but a more rougher paper surface will hold the drawing material better and can create distinct finishes for deeper contrast in drawing techniques, that you will enjoy working with.

Pen and Ink Work in drawing techniques

For Pen and Ink work, you would be best using typing paper for practicing your drawing on first. I would suggest that you buy a drawing board when you can, or even an easel. As this will help the distortion of perspective when drawing. Though, you don't need to go out and get right this moment. I remember the time I started drawing as a child, and all I had was a flat table to work on. Though, as you spend a little time on your drawings, then go out and get one.

I bet you have never thought about art when it comes to being right handed! or left handed. It does affect you in drawing techniques. Typically a drawing will be filled in, based on which hand the artist favors. A right-handed artist will want to work from the right to the left, so to avoid smearing their image. I have also found with myself being right handed, that I feel more comfortable starting an animal form the right to the left. Again, working to avoid going over your drawing, even when painting.

With Ink, some drawing methods that you will typically use in drawing techniquesis:

• Cross-hatching - Which consists of groups of parallel lines, crossed over in two or more different directions.

• Hatching - Which just consists of a  group on parallel lines.

Now these can be used in a method called broken-hatching, where you create a form of lighter tones, experiment with these ones. Also don't just go with straight lines, also curve them. This will give you the effect of a rounded form which you will need with animals.

• Stippling - which are dots, this also produces texture and shade.

Now when we talk of a Sketch what do you think of...... when it originally came about? it was a way that artists put their thoughts onto paper. Just as a scientist might have written down his formulas. The artist used his own language of sketch which permantly kept his ideas on paper for him to come back to. Rather something, don't you think.....

Blending

Is using an implement to soften or spread your original strokes of your drawing.  Even freshly applied ink can be smudged if you are quick enough. How about Tissue, I have used this one myself, I used to tear of bits and twist it to work with, in small areas.

A kneaded eraser is also effective. And also a chamois, its useful for creating smooth textures, and also for removing material to lighten up your work in areas.

Spray Fixative

You will probably need a Spray Fixative, which preserves your image. Especially when it comes to charcoal. What I used to do, if I did not have any fixative at the time. Was to put a piece of paper on top of my mark. Or in between the pages of my drawing book. That will stop the drawing becoming smudged or transferring itself onto the following paper leaflet in your drawing folder. Spray-on fixative is clear, and once sprayed on, will hold your loose material onto the sheet, and prevent it from smearing.

What I do is hold it fairly high from the page when spraying, so that you don't get great blotches of spray in one surface area. As it might run a bit, and you also need to get used to the power of the spray can. Also a well ventilated area is a good idea.

You are going to have fun experimenting with different art materials, as you move farther into drawing, and will find what is best for  you. Though don't become ridged in your use of materials. As you experiment with your drawing techniques, you will find your own way in how to use them best for you.

Lets go from Drawing Techniques to Home

Learn to Draw
Pencil Art
Pencil Shading
How to Draw Eyes
Charcoal Art
Step by Step Drawing
Pen and Ink Drawings
Drawing Tips