Weeks 3 & 4: Perspective and "Getting Squashed!"

We covered a lot of ground the last couple of weeks. We moved through a full night of 1-point and 2-point perspective and sketching after Vincent Van Gogh. And then we wrapped up the 4-week course with study sketches and drawings from real-life acorn squash, artichokes and apples. We'll explore more drawing from real objects as we start the next 4-week session.

Too much fun exploring perspective drawing--without the use of rulers!


above left: Sketching straight lines by learning to draw through points; warm-up drawing by Allison; above right: 2-point perspective drawing by Allison

We switched gears from the straight-lined perspective work and launched into studying the high-energy pencil strokes of Vincent Van Gogh. For those who were unable to complete your drawing, here's a link to the reference image: Click here (Hope you can complete it sometime.)


above: Allison's drawing of Van Gogh's sketch

Thinking/Seeing With Your Pencil: Sketchiness and Depicting Roundness
We finally started drawing from the 'crate of realism'. Acorn squash and artichokes provided the inspiration for study sketches of realistic form. Keeping the pencil point on the paper while drawing helped you to 'think' on the paper while looking for contours and proportions. So cool how each of you jumped into more expressive sketching techniques.



"Changing your mind is a positive aspect of seeing and thinking. Layers of thought can bring a drawing to life." --Sarah Simblet, Sketchbook for the Artist

left: Study sketch of contours and 'roundness' by Matt

"...all drawing depends, primarily, on your power of representing Roundness. If you can once do that, all the rest is easy and straight forward... For Nature is all made up of roundness; not the roundness of perfect globes, but of variously curved surfaces." --John Ruskin, The Elements of Drawing

It's exciting that everyone wants to continue for another 4 weeks! I look forward to helping you explore new techniques and developing your own drawing styles. --Rob