Basic 101: Class1 - Drawing Basics - Old thread

[arnoud3272]

(Do we ever get to draw birds?:) )

There is a class on animals, but mostly fur I fear :evil:.
Anyway, don't despair, you will learn it, there are classes on portraiture on several levels.
So for now, well done, move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[Peanut Butter]

Thank you, Arnoud! I'm on to Class 2.....

[mindbender]

Hi again,
have begun working on the very first assignment now. Was surprised how much I enjoyed the "under palm" grip. Haven't tried it before but immediately felt that there was much less tension in the arm and a lot easier to draw from the elbow, with the entire arm instead of using the wrist (like I've normally done).

Now I've done the very first part of step 1 - those "turn the paper" lines, using both grips. Am I supposed to post these "line studies"? Is it preferred to post all assignments in one post or do I post as I finish each drawing?

Already feel more like a "real" artist, simply from finding the new "under hand" technique. Really glad I've found this course. :-)

/M

[arnoud3272]

Am I supposed to post these "line studies"? Is it preferred to post all assignments in one post or do I post as I finish each drawing?

You are not really required to post the lines, but most people do.
It is a good idea to post partial assignments when ready. It is discouraging to find out that you were on the wrong track after working on the whole lot. But don't wait for comments to continue in the same class.

[mindbender]

Thanks, Arnaud, that makes sense.

Just found the "Class pdf's so now it's much clearer how many and which the assignments are. Still not finished with part 2: straight lines. Will post them when ready before moving on to part 3. :)

Brb... /M

[mindbender]

Hi again, here are assignment 2 and 3:

[arnoud3272]

Mindbender -

Well done on the lines :thumbsup:.
You interpreted the "circles in lines" very creatively but too literally :evil:. But when I checked the PDF file, it is not so well explained as in the class thread itself, specifically post 68 (p. 5): draw a (round :evil:) circle, shade it with straight lines to form it into a sphere. Now I realize that redoing your pre-class drawing in straight lines will be a funny sight, so skip that part. Draw another couple of spheres as indicated, then get loose on the chair.:thumbsup:

[Essk]

Hi there,
I'm working my way through this class, have done lines and spheres, chair and re-drawn pre-class subject are to follow.

I found it quite hard to keep the lines straight, especially at the "light" end, I will keep practicing this!
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-May-2009/187125-lines_upload.jpg

And here are my spheres, I quite enjoyed this exercise, I could see that I was getting the hang of it and feel like I nailed the last one
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-May-2009/187125-spheres_upload.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Essk -

Very nice :clap:

[mindbender]

Good morning,
well I thought it was a bit challenging not using ANY curved lines whatsoever :D. Also missed that the spheres should have been in different sizes.
Will do some more spheres and then the chair - should that one be shaded using only straight lines as well, or can I do it anyway I like to?

[arnoud3272]

then the chair - should that one be shaded using only straight lines as well, or can I do it anyway I like to?

Well, after all, class 1 is about straight lines :lol:

Cheers,
Arnoud

[mindbender]

Okay, straight lines shading it will be then. Here are some more spheres, hopefully more along the way they were intended to be. :-)

[arnoud3272]

Mindbender -

These are fine :thumbsup:.
I'd like to make a remark that is really on a higher level than for this class, but I am sure you are up to it. The shading of the spheres show light and dark lines, but each individual line has a constant tone. The result is a bit mechanical, as a technical drawing. Many of your lines in the "lines" exercise show a nice tapering off, so you know how to do it. No need to repost anything, but I think you can use this in your next assignments.:)

[mindbender]

Thanks for the great advice, will keep that in mind for my future "line drawing" :-)

Hope to have a chair drawing to post here in a not too distant future...

[mindbender]

That was one vicious chair, especially all those different shadows and values. Got De Reyna's book today also - seems to be a great one :-D

[arnoud3272]

Mindbender -
That chair is a real challenge indeed. It is also meant to be a challenge :evil:. Besides, if you could draw it effortless, you would not take these classes, would you? :lol:

You did very well, move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[mindbender]

Yay! :) Thanks a lot for this class. It's been great! :clap:

[pug307]

Hi arnoud

the picture from leonardo is particularly er.... interesting
can you tell me what its called I would like to lokk for it on the net

regards

[arnoud3272]

the picture from leonardo is particularly er.... interesting
can you tell me what its called I would like to lokk for it on the net
Hi, it is (one of) "Five caricature heads". It is on the ARC on-line museum. BTW, Leonardo did a lot of caricatures.

Cheers,
Arnoud

[Synserina]

Ok. so here are my lines..it was a lot easier to draw in the writing position, but I think its because I've never drawn in the other position. http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-May-2009/187619-lines10001.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-May-2009/187619-lines20001.jpg

[Synserina]

And here are my line-shaded circles. I didn't do too well on this, I think. And that was a LOT of lines. lol

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-May-2009/187619-circles_and_lines0001.jpg

[Synserina]

And here is the chair. I had a lot of trouble with proportion and the shading. Proportion mainly, though.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-May-2009/187619-chair0001.jpg

[Synserina]

Wow. I thought the lines would be easy. Drawing my daughter with lines is really difficult. She has lots of curves and so she looks like a dot-to-dot.. I really hate to post it as is, so I'm going to try again. :(

[Synserina]

Ok. So I tried her drawing again, and it came out tons better, but not even close to most of the people in here.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-May-2009/187619-haylielines0001.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Synserina -
You are doing fine :clap:.
A big advantage of this online classroom is that you can learn from comments to other pupils, unlike a system where you got the comments by email. My advice would be to use this to your profit. For instance, you misunderstood the "redrawing your pre-class subject with straight lines". As a matter of fact it was explained 2 pages ago. Never mind, this first class is about getting used to handling the pencil. You are now ready for the next class, on perspective. If you fear this subject is too technical for you, I'd advise to start with this tutorial (http://www.russpix.com/perspective/).
Move on to class 2 :thumbsup:

[1dockside]

I'm a real newbie, trying to find my way around the site and especially enjoying this thread. :wave: I didn't pick up a brush or pencil until a few years ago and have taken some community art classes but no formal art training so I'm delighted to find a place to continue studying. It's amazing to me that this level of study is available in the comfort of my own home! I'm posting my lesson as well as my pre-class drawing although I think it belongs somewhere else. Thank you to all the moderators, volunteers and others who obviously give of their time....you are greatly appreciated!:heart: I hope to "pass" and continue on with the next lesson. Nancy

[arnoud3272]

Nancy -

You're doing fine :thumbsup:.
Welcome again, these threads are very long and still ongoing. Please post homework and questions only in the relevant thread. The pre-class drawing belongs in the pre-class thread (http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=555712).
But no worries, you are invited to draw it again here :evil:, but this time -- this class is about straight lines :) -- by suggesting light and dark with straight lines i.e. "hatching", instead of the tonal rendering.
BTW your tonal rendering is outstanding :thumbsup:.

[1dockside]

OK, thanks for the advise and now here is my line drawing of the boots in the previous post. Hope I got the idea. It certainly took a lot less time. :wink2: Nancy

[arnoud3272]

Nancy -
Very nice :clap:.
Move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.
That can be a very tough class, don't hesitate to ask questions.

[Godsartist7]

Hi everyone :wave:

In balancing with school and wc, I figured I'd draw on my every free time! I enjoyed reading class one lesson on pdf and did the lines assignment. I find that I am comfortable with both writing position and the cupped position. I find that I do best with the cupped position but with doing the verticle lines, I used the writing position to help me control the lines better. So here's my lines!

I have been doing that a long ago, I bought a book called The Fundamentals of Drawings, a complete professional course for artist, I bought that in high school when the school was selling books! Anyway, I enjoyed doing the lines. I just started the 3d spheres assignment, so far I did 10 of them, tomorrow I will finish that and post it then off to do my line drawing of my dog!

I'm off to bed since it's late now! Goodnight everyone! :music:

[Godsartist7]

Hi Everyone :wave:

I'm done with step 3 and I enjoyed it, really calms me. I noticed that I need to practice making circles too, the lines are wiggly and all. Overall, It was not bad and it's fun. Just got to keep practicing.

Tomorrow I will do the step 4, I'm exciting because I never done the drawing with lines only! Never done this in high school, I only done the dots drawing. Hmm, it should be very interesting assignment.

Oh btw, my scanner didn't capture the whole paper though, I tried to take pictures with my phone but it didn't really show the lines and all because it seem far. So this is the best I can come up. I can't wait to finish this sketch book that are 9 by 12 in size. I bought a book that are 8 by 10 but I want to use up the big one. :)

Valencia :wink2:

[arnoud3272]

I'm exciting because I never done the drawing with lines only! Never done this in high school, I only done the dots drawing.
Valencia - This exercise has no relation to the pre-school "connecting the dots". That would be the opposite kind of pencil handling of what is the subject of this class: here the practice is about loose strokes, in "cupped" hand position, and with a nice varying tone/value. Such as you did on some of the circles. Draw the outlines of your pre-class drawing as you did before, but suggest the shading with straight lines, "hatching".
You are on the right track :thumbsup:

[Godsartist7]

Hi Arnoud,

I did the connecting the dots when i was in elementary but it wasn't what I meant. I meant such a slow and painstaking long dots drawing. I mean if you draw an outline of an apple, you would need to fill it in with dots, poking like a wookpecker but on paper lol. the shading would only be in dots. I gots to find that dots drawing I did. It's somewhere in my closet I believe. I would add it to my signature.

Valencia.

[arnoud3272]

you would need to fill it in with dots, poking like a wookpecker but on paper lol. the shading would only be in dots.
I see, that is a favorite technique of contemporary pen and ink artists, they call it "stippling" :lol:. Speaking of pen and ink, the practice in this class would resemble their traditional method.

Cheers

[laurghita]

Oh, so many classes and I dont know where to start my pencil works are at

http://laurghita.blogspot.com/

can someone guide me ?!

[arnoud3272]

Oh, so many classes and I dont know where to start
can someone guide me ?! Laurghita, welcome to the classroom!
These are beginners' classes. To get a good foundation, classes 1 through 5 are to be taken in that order. Afterwards, you can choose from the more advanced classes and in any order. If you want to start, post a drawing that illustrates your current level in the "Pre-class" thread (http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=555712).

[Godsartist7]

Hello everyone:wave:

I'm done with the line drawing, and boy it's is one challenging drawing... Came out not bad at all, my mother was surprised and said she would love to hang up my line drawing of our dog. Oh boy..

I find that I need to work on shading in lines... I did improved a little I think with the eye on the right.. I don't know what else but let me know :)

I enjoyed doing this, I never done a line drawing before like this.. It's one fun journey and it's just got started lol. Oh yeah, one more thing, the scanner cropped out the leg and made it look lighter.. I guess I got to put pressure on the pencil...

Valencia

P.S. I have a question, do I have to draw the chair that was assigned to the class???:music:

[arnoud3272]

Valencia -
That is a very nice line drawing :clap:. You are very dedicated :thumbsup:. The exercises in this class are meant to give you some practice in handling the pencil - drawing lines - without becoming too boring. So, yes :evil:, you are supposed to draw the chair, with straight lines for the shading. But don't worry, it is the practice that counts, not the result :heart:.

[newford]

Here's my circles (or at least 11 of them). I was a little worried about trying them as I've had problems with shading with lines when I've tried in the past. And as I proceeded, my spheres didn't quite come out the way I wanted. So I started just doodling with them and having some fun with it while keeping with straight lines barring the occassional accidental curved line. And lo and behold: some sort of mutant fruit :)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/29-May-2009/184316-class1_2.jpg
I like how some of them came out anyway but I'll try again at getting some that are straight spheres.


- Karol

[Godsartist7]

Hi Everyone,

You're right Arnoud, practice and practice makes perfect.. Thanks! Pencil holding position, I've gotten used to the cupping position and I find that most comfortable but I had the habit of using the writing position and moving it with the wrist.. I had to remind myself everytime when I draw, use with elbow.. my poor wrist is weak and bit sore from writing and bit of drawing..

Anyway, I've done the chair. I saw that I need much practice!

[Godsartist7]

Oh and Karol, you did some beautiful spheres! Great job! :)

[arnoud3272]

I was a little worried about trying them as I've had problems with shading with lines when I've tried in the past. Karol -

Several principles can be used to suggest different tones with lines: putting lines nearer or farther away from each other, drawing thicker or thinner lines, and particularly in pencil: varying the pressure, lift the pencil gradually at the end of the stroke. That is the technique where the cupped hand position gives you the best control.
This class is also for finding out what you can do with just lines. For a suggestion how to shade portraits with lines, see post #2244 (page 150)
You are doing fine :thumbsup:

[arnoud3272]

Valencia -
Well done :clap:.
You did very well in this class, move on to class 2, perspective :thumbsup:
A few links to additional tutorials on perspective: without technicalities (http://www.russpix.com/perspective/) and more in depth, but fun (http://www.scottmcdaniel.net/drawing/perspective/perspective.html)

[Godsartist7]

Hi Arnoud :wave:

Thank you! I'm excitied! :D Thanks for the link, I need much more info on perspective!

Blessings,

Valencia :music:

[newford]

Thanks, Arnoud! I see what you mean with the example you mentioned. I'll have to try the different ways you suggested and just keep practicing with them.

And, thanks, Valencia for the feedback, I liked your redo of your drawing also :)

- Karol

[newford]

Okay, here's the rest of the spheres:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Jun-2009/184316-class1_2c.jpg

And here's the "infamous" chair:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Jun-2009/184316-class1_3.jpg

I'll try to get my re-draw of my pre-class drawing done by tomorrow.
- Karol

[arnoud3272]

Karol -
You were very creative on your sphere drawings :lol:.
The chair is really good, I like the way you placed it firmly in the corner :thumbsup:

[newford]

Here's my re-drawing of the preclass picture.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Jun-2009/184316-class1_4b.jpg
I didn't get the shape of the face quite right but it's all I had the time to do for now. I still got the practice in for shading using lines vs blending, though.

- Karol

[arnoud3272]

Karol -
Well done :thumbsup:.
Portraits are very difficult, but you captured already the joy of live on his face :clap:
Move on to class 2 :music:

[Pasqueflower]

Hi, Arnoud :wave:

I'm working on Class 1....have done the line exercises, read deReyna's chapter on perspective and did a page of boxes per his instruction; I am now working on spheres and will do the chair, plus a redraw of my pre-class picture using straight lines.

I'm getting this information on what to do from the third sticky from the top of the forum, posted originally in 2006 by Judi1957. It's the thread of PDF's prepared by another member.

My question is, is this the current/correct source for homework instructions? It's a wonderful source, but because I stumble around very, very slowly in the website with my dial-up browser, I just want to make sure I've got the right one!

Thanks,

Pam

[arnoud3272]

Pam -
That is correct, although perspective and boxes is for class 2. There is often some confusion on drawing the spheres, chair and pre-class drawing "with straight lines". Don't try to force curved outlines and features into a series of broken lines. What is meant is that you replace the tonal or blended shading by linear shading, "hatching". Think engraving.

[Pasqueflower]

Thanks, Arnoud --

Glad I've been working with the right source, and now have a bit of pre-practice for Class 2! (Getting those boxes to look right was a bit o' work) :p

[newford]

Hi, Arnoud!
Before I went on to class 2, I wanted to retry the redrawing again as I was pretty unhappy with my attempt. Unfortunately, the flu intervened but I'm starting to get back up to speed again.

So I'll be working on class 2, but I thought I'd go ahead and post my re-re-draw of my preclass portrait :)
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Jun-2009/184316-class1_4c.jpg

Unfortunately I got a crease in the paper while trying to get my camera shot of it:(

- Karol

[arnoud3272]

Karol - You're working hard :thumbsup:. I cannot compare with a reference, but it certainly looks more natural :clap:.
Drawing children is in class 19, so don't be too harsh for yourself :).

[Pasqueflower]

Good morning, Arnoud!

It's probably not morning on your side of the world -- Sooo, good afternoon!

I believe I've gotten the class work completed for Class 1, as follows:

(I did draw lots of lines and scribbles, but no sense posting those.) With these spheres, I traced around various circular objects but then it occurred to me perhaps we were supposed to do circles freehand, so I tucked in a couple of those, too.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Jun-2009/25293-BDClass1AA.jpg


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Jun-2009/25293-BDClass1B.jpg

I'm somewhat doubtful about the chair.....I struggled with the shading using lines. But perhaps it could pass as a nice wicker chair :lol:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Jun-2009/25293-BDClass1C.jpg

And the re-draw of the pre-class drawing:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Jun-2009/25293-BDClass1D.jpg

And a question --- would you rather have each item posted separately, as it gets completed, or all in one bundle at the end, like today?

Thanks,

Pam :) :) :)

[arnoud3272]

Good morning, Arnoud!

It's probably not morning on your side of the world

--- would you rather have each item posted separately, as it gets completed, or all in one bundle at the end, like today?
Pam -

It's 7 o'clock now, p.m. that is :lol:.

It is a good idea to post partial assignments when ready. It is discouraging to find out that you were on the wrong track after working on the whole lot :evil:.

Your work is outstanding :clap::clap:. I like your creativity in shading the chair :lol:. Just a thought, you could have used the traditional diagonal hatching. The outline of that chair is excellent :clap:.

You are more than ready for the next class, move on :thumbsup:.

[Terry Renner]

I've written a short note regarding my absence, but don't know where it went to! In short, family visit and minor physical problems, plus the lack of a working printer or scanner, which limits my involvement with your classes, which I really would like to join, but don't know how that can be worked out. I rather expect to get that all fixed in the next few months, but without definite date. Do you have any suggestions?
Terry Renner

[arnoud3272]

Do you have any suggestions?
Hi Terry, welcome again.
You could always work from the computer screen if no printer. As to the scanner, many artists prefer a digital camera over a scanner. You could also use your mobile phone for the beginner classes, no fine art involved yet.
These are ongoing threads and already rather long, so I'd ask you to post in the relevant thread only. If you decide to start, post your pre-class drawing in the Pre-class thread (http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=555712), not in this thread.

[Terry Renner]

Thanks, Arnoud! I think, though, that for the time being I will just read and follow along by working, and then join in later when these repair issues are taken care of. Your suggestions are good and quite helpful, but this may be better for now.

[snowfall]

Hi there

I've just started this class. So far I have practised my lines and 3D spheres and attach the spheres for your comments and to see if I am on the right track. I adopted the writing position and found at first that I was doing my lines too far apart. I've managed to correct that but I find that I either go over the edge of the circle slightly or I don't quite reach the edge - does this matter? If I try and do it more deliberately, concentrating on reaching the edges then it all goes "pear shaped" (sorry - introducing an unnecessary shape to the class at this stage!).

Also, I normally hold my pencil slightly differently. It is very close to the writing style though, is this acceptable? I find that I can hold the pencil more loosely and draw from the elbow better this way.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Jul-2009/142898-spheres_003.jpg

Anyway, here are my spheres:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Jul-2009/142898-spheres_001.jpg

Tasks still to be completed are:
1. My predrawing (I have chosen the small ashtray as my predrawing) in LINES.
2. Draw the chair in LINES.

I don't have the book mentioned, I presume that this OK and I shall still be able to follow the next lessons without it? I do have a couple other drawings books that I can refer to instead but obviously I won't be able to refer to specific items that may have been chosen to read/or draw from the book. Please confirm that this is OK or whether I need to try and purchase the book.

Thanks

Pam

[arnoud3272]

Pam - (snowfall)
I'd strongly advice to try out the "underhand" aka "cupped" position. It feels awkward in the beginning, but with a little practice you will find that your strokes can be much looser. They will be less controlled in length but far better controlled in pressure, consequently darkness. Let there be no doubt, there is room for both positions, but it is important that you can choose. Your linear shading of the spheres is very controlled and even, but also a bit stiff. Your dedication to draw very even is an asset in places, but will also hamper you sometimes; loosen up a bit, make sure you have the choice :).
Although not mentioned in the first posts or the PDF file, it is very useful to practice a bit on lines that go from very light to as dark as possible, and the other way round.
You're doing fine so far, I look forward to your next installment :thumbsup:

[snowfall]

Hi Arnoud

Here is my next task:

Ref Pichttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Jul-2009/142898-ashtray_001.jpg

Pre drawing

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Jul-2009/142898-predrawings_006.jpg

My latest attempt

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Jul-2009/142898-ashtray_002.jpg

A few more spheres using the cupped position

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Jul-2009/142898-ashtray_003.jpg

I've used the under palm cupped position. I found that I did the spheres better this way, but I felt a bit out of control when I tried to do my predrawing again. I need to practise a lot more with this hand position. I'm still struggling a lot with this little drawing - trying to join the top square shape onto the circular base. I drew in the simple background lines to try and help me this time, which I didn't draw in before.

Looking forward to your comments and confirmation that I can move on to the drawing of the chair.

Pam

[arnoud3272]

Pam -
I'm glad you started to feel the value of the cupped position. With a little more practice, you will find yourself switching automatically back and forth between the two positions :).
As for the particular difficulty with the ashtray, you will find it easy after class 4.
For now, yes.. move on to the chair :thumbsup:.

[snowfall]

Hi Arnoud

Here is my attempt at the chair.

I hope I have managed to complete it OK in lines. Any corrections that need to be made then please let me know for future reference.

The right hand side wall seems to have picked up a faint outline of what I have drawn on the other side of the page - sorry about that. I did intend this to be a practise piece but it turned out better than what I thought it would - so I've posted it.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Jul-2009/142898-chair_003.jpg

I have now completed all the tasks for lesson one :) .

Pam

[arnoud3272]

Pam -
It looks good :thumbsup:.
The reference picture has a lot of distortion due to the uncommon perspective, it is a real challenge. Speaking of perspective, that is your next challenge, class 2.
Move on :music::).

[johnb1]

Thanks for having me in class 1

Here are my straight lines and 20 spheres

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Jul-2009/159330-IMG_0001a.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Jul-2009/159330-IMG_0002a.jpg

Started with the pencil in the writing position and then in the underhand position.
Felt that I could be more accurate in the writing position but could draw looser in the underhand position.

I presume that if these drawings are ok then I should move on to the chair.
Is the chair to be drawn using only straight lines?

Thanks for your help.

John

[arnoud3272]

John -
You're doing fine, the aim of this class is to get accustomed to the pencil and the different ways to handle it. Hence drawing (straight) lines. The circles, the chair and redrawing your pre-class drawing are added to make it a bit less boring. So yes, the shading should be done with straight lines ("hatching"), but not the contour :lol:. I suggest you choose the arrangement of whole fruits to redraw here. It has enough shadows to practice on, try to show them more firmly.
I look forward to seeing the chair and your pre-class drawing revisited.
The chair is very difficult, but practice is more important than the result in this class :thumbsup:.

[johnb1]

Hi Arnoud

Here is my attempt at the chair.


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Jul-2009/159330-IMGa.jpg

If this is ok then I will redraw the fruit as you suggested.

Thanks for your help.

John

[arnoud3272]

John -
As I said, practice in handling the pencil is the main purpose of this class - and an opportunity for me to give you some pointers.
Your lines on the chair are rather stiff. I can understand that it was because of the short strokes, but try to loosen a bit in your pre-class drawing.
"Draw what you see" warns you to guard for copying preconceived "symbolic" forms, e.g. an symmetrical almond for an eye. But you should use your reasoning power to check what you have drawn. The structure of your chair reminds me of Escher :lol:.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Jul-2009/142886-john-IMGa-corr.jpg

Again, practice counts in this first class, continue on your pre-class drawing :thumbsup:.

[johnb1]

Hi Arnoud

Thanks for your advice.

Here is my redrawing of the fruit.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Jul-2009/159330-IMGa.jpg

[arnoud3272]

John -
That is OK for now. You will learn in the following classes to render with a more extended range of mid tones and darks.
Move on to class 2, perspective. Many students give up here, but keep posting and /or asking. I cannot see where you need help if you don't post.
:)

[DeeBee65]

This class is from 2004. Please help me understand how this class works.
DeeBee65

[Synserina]

This class is from 2004. Please help me understand how this class works.
DeeBee65

DeeBee-Although the class is from so long ago, the wonderful people here decided to keep the classes open. There are a few of them who help out in the classes so that others (like me) can take the classes and still learn. Hope this helps some.

[arnoud3272]

DeeBee -
Welcome to the classroom :)
As a kinda registration, introduce yourself in the "Pre-class assignment" thread. It is up to you how much information you will give, but at least post a recent drawing of yours, one that illustrates your present skill.Then you can start in class 1 (this). These are very long threads, so please keep them on topic, post homework only in the relevant thread.
The assignments of each class are in the first few posts in the thread, and are also summarized in PDF files. (http://www.atreesse.com/home/wetcanvaspdf.html)
Look forward to see your start.

[cooler2005]

Hi...thanks for letting me in :)...as running a little late, I want to get done with this class by tomorrow...

I am supposed to post the straight lines, spheres and my pre-class assignment(revised) here...?

I have a question....how can I draw 3D sphere's only with straight lines?? What about the line curves and all..?? and the same goes for my preclass assignment....what about the curves in the object's body..??

Thanks..:)

PS: I think I've asked a couple of stupid questions...but hey.! I've got confusions.!:D

[arnoud3272]

:)...as running a little late, I want to get done with this class by tomorrow...
Cooler - take your time. There are no "terms" in this classroom.
I am supposed to post the straight lines, spheres and my pre-class assignment(revised) here...?
That is right, every class has its own ongoing thread, starts with the assignments and continues with homework and comments.
I have a question....how can I draw 3D sphere's only with straight lines?? What about the line curves and all..??
You draw the outlines normally, of course.
Form, 3D suggestion, is by showing the effect of light over the form, with areas, shapes, of light and dark. In this exercise - this class is about straight lines - you suggest these shades of dark with straight lines. Pencil in the cupped position, relaxed.
An example by an old master, Leonardo:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Aug-2009/142886-Leonardo_caricature.jpg

You can also use broad lines, using the side of the lead. See for a good view this post (http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7971627&postcount=6) from another forum.

[cooler2005]

hmmm.....alright..understood..thanks:)...working on it now...

Cooler - take your time. There are no "terms" in this classroom.
That is right, every class has its own ongoing thread, starts with the assignments and continues with homework and comments.

You draw the outlines normally, of course.
Form, 3D suggestion, is by showing the effect of light over the form, with areas, shapes, of light and dark. In this exercise - this class is about straight lines - you suggest these shades of dark with straight lines. Pencil in the cupped position, relaxed.
An example by an old master, Leonardo:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Aug-2009/142886-Leonardo_caricature.jpg

You can also use broad lines, using the side of the lead. See for a good view this post (http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7971627&postcount=6) from another forum.

[paulinea]

Hi Arnoud

Thanks for accepting me into the class. I am now submitting my spheres and lines.

Pauline
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Aug-2009/195783-IMG_0003.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Aug-2009/195783-IMG_0004a.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Paulinea -
Welcome again :).
Your sphere drawings are fine, they indicate the 3D form without doubt, but they are as engineers or sculptors would draw them; indicating the form itself, how it should be constructed. In realistic drawing, the form is "modeled" by showing the effect of light striking over it, by light and dark areas. The assignment in this class expects you to render these areas with straight lines, "hatching". (Same for redrawing your pre-class drawing.) I'd like to see a few spheres in straight shading.
Your circles are very good :thumbsup:.

[paulinea]

Hi Arnoud

Sorry, I misunderstood the instructions last time. Not sure if I have it right this time either. Hope one of these is correct!
:o

Pauline


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Aug-2009/195783-IMGa.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Paulinea -
These are 2 good examples.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Aug-2009/142886-paulinea.jpg

Now don't misunderstand, the other techniques are also correct, just not yet for this class, it will come later :).
Please move on to redrawing one of your pre-class drawings with this kind of shading, and then the chair.

[paulinea]

Hi Arnoud
Thanks for the help. Hope these meet the requirements.

Pauline


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/23-Aug-2009/195783-IMGa_0002.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/23-Aug-2009/195783-IMGa_0001.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Pauline -
Well done :clap:.
Move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[cooler2005]

Hi!!

Sorry for the looooong delay.! Had stuff to be taken care of. But now I am all ready to get back. So here is my class 1 assignment.

Lines....
even though I liked the cupped position while doing this...but sketching while in the cupped position was not easy...so I shifted back to the writing position

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Aug-2009/152988-IMG_1442.JPG


20 3 Dimensional Spheres....

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Aug-2009/152988-IMG_1443.JPG


Original Drawing....

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Aug-2009/152988-IMG_1445.JPG


Chair....

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Aug-2009/152988-IMG_1505.JPG

[arnoud3272]

Cooler -
Good work.
Your spheres are more like potatoes, but no worries, they will return in one of the later classes :evil:. An advice, not only for spheres, but for sketching in general. Do not immediately put down a firm outline; start with a faint line, that line itself will guide you in seeing where it need to be corrected.

Your are ready, move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[Elen]

Hi,there, everyone!
I`ve got my lines and spheres today. I still have to do a chair and pre-class drawing in lines, is that correct ?
Cupped position:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Sep-2009/131475-class_1_cupped_small.jpg
Writing position:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Sep-2009/131475-class1_005_writpos_small.jpg
Kghm... sorry for the impressions of spheres on the other side,I didn`t realise they`ll show through so much...

Spheres:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Sep-2009/131475-class1_002_spheres_small.jpg

I am sorry if the images are too dark, we have an overcast today and rain.

Happy drawing and learning to all !

[arnoud3272]

Elen -
Well done :clap:.
Nice spheres.
A general remark on posting: the maximum size is 800 x 800 pixels. A bigger image is easier to comment on. As to the dark images, you can correct it (up to a limit) with commonly available software, see here for the how-to (http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=572823) and here if you are looking for free programs (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203090)
Looking forward to the chair and chestnuts.

[Elen]

Thank you,arnoud,I`ll check the links you posted. As to the image sizes - I thought, there`s not much to see here, and as this thread is becoming really big, I decided to post them smaller. Sorry,if I was wrong. :o The chair and the chestnuts will be a normal size, though... :D

[Elen]

Hi,there ! :wave:
:lol: :lol: :lol: I drew the chair :
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Sep-2009/131475-graphite_class_1_007.jpg

and chestnuts :
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Sep-2009/131475-graphite_class_1_003.jpg

Thank you for your links,Arnoud, they`ve been very helpful! I did my best with picture editing, still, both subjects do not look exactly the way they are in my sketchpad.

[arnoud3272]

Elen -
Nicely done :clap:.
I like the long shadows cast by the chestnuts.
Move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[Lopaka]

Hi JayD,

Well, here I go, I sure hope I have followed your instructions, if not let me know and I will try again.

First one
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Sep-2009/13490-IMG_0319.JPG

Here is the second one
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Sep-2009/13490-IMG_0320.JPG

The third one
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Sep-2009/13490-IMG_0321.JPG

Strangely enough, I have never used the cupped palm but it feels more comfortable.

Lopaka

[arnoud3272]

Bob -
You are on the right track :thumbsup:. But don't forget to post a pre-class drawing in the Pre-Class (http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=555712) thread.
BTW, Jay is the great motor behind these classes, but the day-to-day maintenance is in the hands of the D&S team.
Keep up the good work :).

[Seriphina]

Can someone post a link to the weekly drawing picture (the chair) for this class please. I'm struggling to find it. Thank you. :)

[arnoud3272]

Can someone post a link to the weekly drawing picture (the chair) for this class please. I'm struggling to find it. Thank you. :)
Hi Lauren,
Here is the picture (http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Oct-2004/28065-Chair.jpg), it is also included in the PDF file (last page). FYI, the original WDT is here (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=223783).

[Lopaka]

Hello Arnoud,
I am sorry I didn't get the chair done earlier but I am not a computer techie and I have just found the chair pdf.
Enclosed you will find my sketch of the chair.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Sep-2009/13490-Class_1_Chair.JPG

[arnoud3272]

Thank you for posting, Bob.

[Seriphina]

I realised after i had drawn all my "spheres" that some of them were just circles but i was trying to be creative :P
And THAT chair! Oh wow! Even as i look at it now im unhappy with the seat but this is my 4th attempt and i hope it's acceptable.
Mind you my shading is a bit slap dash.
Think i should work into it and repost?
Thanks for the challenge! Things can only get better, surely :)

[arnoud3272]

Lauren -
Class 1 is about handling the pencil, and drawing (more or less:evil:) straight lines. Practice is more important than the result. That said, you did very well :). I'd only suggest, while seeing some of your "creative" spheres, to avoid short scratchy lines. Tend to move loosely, pencil in underhand position, except for fine details.
Move on to class 2 :thumbsup:,

[H2O_Baby]

Jay, thank you for starting this post!

Is anyone left from 5 years ago? I am interested in developing my limited drawing skills, so thought I would work at my own pace here. I am trying to get some friends interested in doing this with me, hopefully they will join us.

I have no pics of the straight lines today but:

Just did lesson no. 1 & tried holding the pencil writing style and under-palm. I didn't like under palm but think that it might work for larger lines such as thicker charcoal which I haven't tried yet. My best angle is to have the paper at 30 degrees off horizontal (higher right) to do straight lines from left to right. I am right handed, just for info.

Thanks again

[arnoud3272]

Barbara -
I didn't like under palm but think that it might work for larger lines such as thicker charcoal which I haven't tried yet. It feels a bit awkward at the start, but once accustomed you will find that it gives a better control. To be sure, you will use the writing position for detailing.
BTW, Jay is the great motor behind these classes, but the day-to-day maintenance is in the hands of the D&S team.
Look forward to your postings:).

[uneekfish]

Here are 4 balls. I read some of the beginning of this thread... It asks for 20 spheres, is that still the assignment? A drawing of a chair and a line version of your pre-class photo. They also mention in the beginning if you chose a pre-class image that was pretty complex you could chose a simpler and less complex image. Not that I do not want to draw, and complex things are certainly educational. It is just working all this in with the rest of life...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Sep-2009/198920-linespheres1.jpg
I'll be back with more sphere-like objects...

[arnoud3272]

uneekfish -
These look good :clap:.
Class 1 is about practicing (straight) lines. I'd say move on to the chair and a simplified rendition of your grand-daughter. The folds of the dress can be stylized, an ideal subject for hatching.

[uneekfish]

uneekfish -
These look good :clap:.
Class 1 is about practicing (straight) lines. I'd say move on to the chair and a simplified rendition of your grand-daughter. The folds of the dress can be stylized, an ideal subject for hatching.

As my eldest son use to say 30 some odd years ago when we were potty training him "Too late, Too late!"

I have some more spheres, then tonight on to one or the other of the images yet to go!
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Sep-2009/198920-linesphere2.jpg

[H2O_Baby]

Seraphia that is a beautiful chair. I hated the chair, I may be somewhat remedial. Oh well. Here goes:

Circles
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Sep-2009/56663-101Lesson1Circles.JPG

Figure

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Sep-2009/56663-101Lesson1Figure.JPG

That %^&*( Chair

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Sep-2009/56663-101Lesson1Chair.JPG

[arnoud3272]

Barbara -
You worked hard :thumbsup:.
That chair will haunt you again in next class :evil:.
But if you want you may choose your own chair.
By coincidence, at least that is what they pretend, that chair was the subject of the WDT for the same week that class 1 started. In the original thread (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=223783) you can find a perspective analysis of this picture. Speaking of perspective, you may move on to class 2 :music:.

[H2O_Baby]

Armoud, thanks for not being harsh. Haunt is a good word for that chair, the odd angle was hard to get. I wasn't sure what to do with my
bather" drawing & perspective, as the drawing didn't have any other objects in it. So I made my own double bather object in the bkgr. I suppose this was not the best pic to choose as a study object, as it is purely imaginary.

I see what you meant about shading versus using the point, you do use both positions of holding the pencil. I found myself naturally using the cupped position when I used the side of the pencil to draw thicker lines on my circles.

Thanks again.

[uneekfish]

I think this chair was the reason man developed tracing paper!

I went to the art store and now own a drawing board! I did this chair on it, it will take a bit of getting use to, but I see it is better than hunched over the table. Just my image to go I guess, won't be tonight, I'm fried, but with luck I will get some time tomorrow night to at least start it!

[uneekfish]

For some odd reason it will not take my image... I am going to log out and come back and try it again...

[uneekfish]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Sep-2009/198920-chair_in_lines2.jpg

Well I logged out and re-booted my PC... Looks like it worked this time! I was hoping I would not have drawn the chair with no result on Wet Canvas!

[uneekfish]

During lunch I did a quick rendition of my pre class image, all shading done with lines... You said simplistic... Think this does it for class one, but if I am wrong please point me in the right direction... I've made several of the last posts in sucession. Hope everything is alright!
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/28-Sep-2009/198920-101-1_class_last.jpg

[arnoud3272]

uneekfish -
I like this, a nice relaxed sketch.
OK, move on to class 2 :).

[uneekfish]

uneekfish -
I like this, a nice relaxed sketch.
OK, move on to class 2 :).
Thanks, but I would not feel safe relaxing it the chair I drew!

[oviyam]

Thanks JayD
for giving me to learn drawing from you. As a beginner here im so excited to start from from the begining of your classes. I will do my pre class work tonight and post it tomorrow. hope you will consider me as your student and give me your guidance.

Thanks & Regards
:)

[arnoud3272]

oviyam -
Welcome to the classroom :).
BTW, Jay is the great motor behind these classes, but the day-to-day maintenance is in the hands of the D&S team.
We look forward to your pre-class drawing :thumbsup:.
Make sure you read the Start here (http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=582502) thread.
In order to keep the threads manageable, we ask you to post in any thread only material that belongs to that thread. The pre-class drawing is posted in the pre-class thread (http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=555712), not here.

Welcome again :).

[oviyam]

Thanks arnoud.
I already post my pre class drawing.

[Davkin]

Okay, here are my lines;

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Oct-2009/201970-101-01.jpg

And here are my spheres;

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Oct-2009/201970-101-02.jpg

And here is my chair;

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Oct-2009/201970-101-03.jpg

I'll try to have the redraw of my pre-class drawings done tonight or tomorrow. Your intention is that we redraw the pre-class drawing using only lines for shading, correct?

David

[arnoud3272]

David -
Good work, I see that you know already how to handle a pencil.
Your intention is that we redraw the pre-class drawing using only lines for shading, correct? That is the idea, yes. It is in the first place meant for making the practice of straight lines less boring. But your pre-class drawing is already mostly straight lines, and you did already very good here. So if I am not late -- different time zone :o -- I'd say skip that last part and move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[Davkin]

You weren't too late, I just wanted to give the drawing another shot;

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Oct-2009/201970-101-04.jpg

Came out much sketchier than the first version, but is an improvement in a couple ways. I got the contrast up a bit and while I'm still struggling with those darned ellipses the wheels are a bit of an improvement.

David

[arnoud3272]

David -
A nice sketch :clap:.
You will get the full treatment of ellipses in class 4.
But for now, move on to class 2, perspective :thumbsup:.

[oviyam]

Dear Arnoud,
Posting my 101: class 1 assignments. I will post my pre-class line drawing soon.

Regards
:)



STRAIGHT LINES
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Oct-2009/200707-Class_1-_Straight_Lines.jpg

CROSS LINES
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Oct-2009/200707-Class_1-_Cross_Lines.jpg

SPHERES
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Oct-2009/200707-Class_1-_Sphears.jpg

CHAIR
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Oct-2009/200707-Class_1-_Chair.jpg

[arnoud3272]

oviyam -
Good job :clap:.
Nice shading on the chair, and the spheres have a believable 3D quality.

[oviyam]

Thanks Arnoud.
Will post the rest tonight or tomorrow.:)

[sbarnhardt]

A quick question if I may?? Is it considered acceptable to ask/post questions here concerning the lesson prior to completing the assignment and posting it? Questions meant to clarify what is meant by something in the lesson narrative. My gut tells me it is OK, but it's also been my experience on other discussion boards/forums that it's best to never assume anything.

P.S. I have started on it and am working on it. Last night I ordered the book as well as some other supplies. I know that will make it better to understand and progress.

Thanks

Barney in NC

[arnoud3272]

Is it considered acceptable to ask/post questions here concerning the lesson prior to completing the assignment and posting it? Barney -
Of course :heart:.
And besides, definitely in the higher classes, it is recommended to post the exercises in "wip" mode (work in progress), so that you can correct easily if needed.

[sbarnhardt]

Folks,

Here is my first attempts at the 20 circles segment of this lesson. I don't seem to be doing something right. I've looked at some others on here and they look a whole lot better than mine. Now I know a large part of that is probably their greater experience. But I don't know enough yet to be able to figure out what it is I need to do differently. I've ordered the De Reyna book, but it hasn't arrived yet. I'm hoping that reading that will help me understand. But I "hope" you folks can point me in the right direction too.

Thanks

Barney in NC/USA

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/24-Oct-2009/202709-lesson_1_circles_1_001b.jpg

and

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/24-Oct-2009/202709-lesson_1_circles_1_002b.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Barney -
These are not bad at all. You are right that more practice will show, but you got the right principle how to shade :thumbsup:. I guess you are disappointed by the form of the circle. Almost no one can draw a near perfect circle freehand in one go. But you recognize very easily where it is wrong :lol:. So take advantage of that: start drawing the outline very faintly, then inch in on the correct form, without erasing. Use the wrong lines as guidelines for the correction. Where shading, you can also correct just by the shading.

[oviyam]

Dear Arnoud,
i'm sorry for being late. But here is my pre-class assignment redrawn by lines.
Please check it


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Oct-2009/200707-Pre_Class_-_Redrawing.jpg

[arnoud3272]

oviyam -
Very nice job :clap:.
You're never late in this classroom :), take it at your own pace.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[oviyam]

Thanks Arnoud
:)

[sbarnhardt]

Barney -
no one can draw a near perfect circle

start drawing the outline very faintly, then inch in

Yes Arnoud the look of the circles themselves is part of it. But what I think bothers me the most about them is, at least to me, that they don't have the "3 D" look. I looked back to Oviyam's as something to refer to, since my book isn't here yet, and compared to his they didn't have that quality.

My wife tells me I'm sometimes my own worst critic and as wives usually are, she's frequently right. But in this, I feel, mine don't yet have the quality I want to be able to produce.

Still practicing though.........

Barney in NC/US :)

[arnoud3272]

Barney -
Practice and patience.
Spheres is for class 5, in depth study of shading for a 3D "sculpting" is for class 8 :lol:.
In this class we focus on practicing lines, the sphere exercise is just for making it less boring.
And don't feel upset if fellow pupils have already more experience :heart:.
Now tackle the chair :evil:.

[sbarnhardt]

Barney -
Practice and patience.
Now tackle the chair :evil:.

Chair tackled. Well at least grabbed ahold of anyway!!

Seriously, here is my initial attempt at the chair. Photo is the best I could do currently. I look forward to your opinion and comment.

Thanks
Barney in NC/US :D

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Oct-2009/202709-lesson_1_chair_1_002b_upload.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Barney -
here is my initial attempt at the chair. Well, this is fine for now, you'll get a second chance in next class :lol:. No, seriously, this is an acceptable rendition for this class :thumbsup:.
As I suggested earlier, redraw your pre-class drawing in next class.
That means you finished here, please move on to class 2 :music:.

[Ceallach]

Hello Arnoud or Jay, Well sorry that I took so long, had other 'issues' to deal with..
Anyway, here are the 'Spheres' Pic and the 'Lines' Pic. Sorry about the spheres one- I knew afterwards that they look like my favourite veggie :);
and sorry that in the Lines pic I got a bit of the flash in there. Quick question: Would you suggest I use a scanner rather than a camera?? I know I should of adjusted the White Balance for compensation, but the camera is only a compact. Anyway, here's the pics, I'll upload the chair and my original pre-class rendition (redone)- later:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Nov-2009/197848-Wet_Canvas_Forum_Drawing_Class_001.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Nov-2009/197848-Wet_Canvas_Forum_Drawing_Class_005.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Ceallach -
Welcome again :).
Jay is the great motor behind these classes, but the day-to-day maintenance is in the hands of the D&S team.
I wonder what vegetable you prefer :lol:.
These are fine. Class 1 is about practicing (straight) lines. All exercises are meant to let you do that without getting bored too much.
Scanning and digital photo have both their respective disadvantages. Here is some advice on photographing (http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=493891) and correcting (http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=572823) images. This is a link to (free) downloads of the necessary software (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203090).

[Heatgain]

OK. I kind of figured out the scan/upload process. Maybe.
If I did, here's the chair:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Nov-2009/206585-Img0001Class02.jpg

And here's the circles:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Nov-2009/206585-Img0002Class02.jpg

The uploads will look better as I gain experience....I hope.
I'll upload my pre-class drawing probably tomorrow. All this learning new stuff took a lot out of me! :)
BTW, the chair took me about an hour. Is that especially slow?

[arnoud3272]

Gary -
This is fine :thumbsup:.
I wonder why your circles/spheres are blurred, if they are scanned. I assume it is a digital photo. But I see you understand how to draw and shade.
Your chair is very well drawn :clap:. Too slow ? graphite is a slow medium for realistic, tonal drawing. Graphite portraits in realistic style take experienced artists 60 to 100 and even more hours. The secret is P&P: Practice and Patience.
Keep up the good work :).

[mnsrc]

Here's my chair:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Dec-2009/207742-chair_101_class1.jpg
Martin

[arnoud3272]

Martin -
Very nice drawing :clap:.
Did you practice the "underhand" aka "cupped" position?
Keep up the good work :thumbsup:.

[mnsrc]

Thank you Arnoud,

I did practice the cupped position and had an easier time with it drawing vertical lines than horizontal, but I think that it will become easier as I break the habit of drawing from the wrist instead of from the elbow...

Martin

[arnoud3272]

Martin -
I think that it will become easier as I break the habit of drawing from the wrist instead of from the elbow...
In fact, don't draw "from the elbow" either, not in the sense that you keep your elbow in a fixed position. That acts as a pair of compasses, drawing curves instead of straight lines :lol:.
In Chinese calligraphy the teaching is to "draw from your belly", all joints above it need to be relaxed and allow a flowing motion.

[jonnydb]

Hello,

Here is my work from class 1.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Dec-2009/210106-Spheres1.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Dec-2009/210106-Spheres2.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Dec-2009/210106-Chair_25DEC09.jpg

I found it difficult to constrain myself to just lines, having the tendency to shade with the side of my pencil, so I decided to move to a mechanical pencil for the second set of spheres.

Even though at times, it felt as if these were very elementary exercises, I realized that there is much value in practicing "line." I got to wondering are there other exercises recommended for improving one's line? The best one I could think of was doing a master copy, line for line, to see how they would treat it.

Other than that, I enjoyed this weeks class and look forward to the rest.

Jon

[arnoud3272]

Jon -
These are very good :clap:.
having the tendency to shade with the side of my pencil Drawing with the side of the lead, for broad lines, is a legitimate way in these classes. There is a good illustration in this post (http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7971627). We only ask to refrain from using stumps, tortillons and such (in the introductory classes). Because there is an easy tendency to use it as a shortcut.
I realized that there is much value in practicing "line." Very true. Particularly when going beyond "sketching", but without the aim of a ("photo")realistic drawing, the line quality is of paramount importance. I can suggest some additional line exercises that are very useful as warming up: draw long straight lines - faintly - with a ruler, then go over it freehand, slowly, decisive but with a flowing movement. Draw lines going from very dark to almost invisible, and the other way round. Similarly with a series of short stretches of dark and light, smoothly fading into each other. I'm sure now you can invent more exercises yourself :).
Copying old masters is very good learning. The problem is that printed copies were produced by the "half tone" process, which hides the line directions, except in the simplest areas.
Move on to class 2, basic perspective :thumbsup:. A difficult subject for many artists, seen as too abstract and mathematical. Still, the basics are very simple once understood. If not sure, post your unfinished homework, so that you may get advice in time :).

[Arizona Loki]

Arnoud - I'm so glad this is kept current! I am finding that my discipline as an artist needs strengthening, I leave a commission sitting for weeks and weeks without finishing. It's too easy to let life get in the way of what I love doing. What suggestions do you have for someone wanting to be more disciplined? One way that I'm attempting this is taking your Basics 101, starting from scratch, and building on my skills.

I'm gathering my drawing tools now and will post my first lessons. Thank you so much for your feedback!

Kirsten

[arnoud3272]

Kirsten -
Welcome to the classroom :).
Classes 101 - 1 thru 7 are meant to be taken by beginners to get a good foundation for the next classes. Looking at some of your threads on WC!, I gather that you are already on a certain level and could choose from the higher classes.
Of course, taking these classes in a structured way from the beginning could also serve as a "check-up". If you decide to do that, don't forget to look up the "Start here!" thread, and to post your pre-class drawing.

[cseals]

Here is my work for this class

lines;


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Dec-2009/207779-IMG_NEW.jpg


spheres;

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Dec-2009/207779-IMG_0001_NEW.jpg


and chair;

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Dec-2009/207779-IMG_0003_NEW.jpg


Thanks for any and all criticism.

Chad

[arnoud3272]

Chad -
Good work already.
I strongly suspect that you used a circle template :evil:. In the lower classes, no gadgets are allowed, everything freehand. One exception: in class 2, perspective, which is more about construction than drawing, you'd better use a ruler for the straight lines.
The motto of this classroom is "draw what you see". Look at your drawing of the chair next to the reference. The visible part of the seat should be much smaller, and the legs are not straight but bent.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Dec-2009/142886-chad-chair-corr.jpg

No need to redraw, you'll get another chance in next class anyway :D.
There is still one assignment to post, that is redrawing the pre-class drawing "with straight lines", i.e. draw the forms (outlines) the same way, but suggest the color areas with different hatching styles (density and/or direction).
You're on the right track, keep it up :thumbsup:.

[cseals]

sorryy I did use a circle template, as for the chair I see what you are saying. Mine looks like I am looking down on it more:thumbsup: Here is my redraw with pencil only and a background.


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Dec-2009/207779-IMG_NEW_0001.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Chad -
Very good :clap:.
Move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[Cinnamon2010]

I finally finished my homework assignments. I was very apprehensive about starting the chair. There is something very uneasy about a blank sheet of paper. I have difficulty in trusting my ability. I have been using the graph technique which makes it easier to get everything in its place. You had said to plan before you draw and I can see how that helps. I used small lines to shade and I barely touched the paper with the pencil. It's amazing how you can get lost in just moving a pencil. Anyway here is my work. Please feel free to critique. Lauriehttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Dec-2009/210164-Lesson_1_Chair2.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Dec-2009/210164-Homework_1_spheres.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Laurie -
These are very good :clap:.
Move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[Ceallach]

Hello again Arnoud, I posted my initial 'first' drawing attempt in this Forum back in November I believe (?), but have had the same 'issues' that I have mentioned before to deal with.
So first I am just saying that I am 'back', and secondly I need to ask a question: Do you want me to re-draw my initial sphere and lines sketches, or shall I just continue with where I left off (i.e., now I have to redo the spheres with shading, and do the chair sketch)?
I look forward to getting back in the 'class'!!

Thanks

[arnoud3272]

Ceallach -
Nice to see you again :).
By all means, continue with the chair and the redraw of your pre-class assignment.
We don't have "valid till" dates :lol:.

[Ceallach]

Thank you, will do, and very funny!.

[WeekendHiker]

Ok, here it goes.
The chair gave me much grief :eek: , mostly the seat, again, perspective.
I hope these exercises are acceptable :)

To be clear, I still have to re-do the pre class assignment using lines for shading, correct?

Thank you!

[arnoud3272]

Lisa -
Your drawing of the chair is very well done, it is a difficult reference indeed :clap:.
The aim of this first class is to get acquainted with drawing lines. The different exercises are meant to make it less boring. In that light you did well with the circles, no need to redo it. But another purpose of the exercises is to observe how you can render a form, shading, only with straight lines. You did it on the chair, try it also while redoing the pre-class drawing :thumbsup:.

[WeekendHiker]

Ok, here is my re-do of the preclass drawing, shading with lines.
I tried to rework the beagle to make him look more like, well, a beagle ;)

[arnoud3272]

Lisa -
Nice job, well done.
Move on to class 2 :clap:.

[kiffays]

assignment for this class:

LINES
471832

CIRCLES
471833

CHAIR
471834

My shading is obviously wrong.. I really don't know how to make it looks 3D.. :crying:

[arnoud3272]

kiffays-
Good job :clap:. You have already a good eye for contour forms.
A believable 3D shading is treated in depth in higher classes. But as a first principle, it is as well "draw what you see". The chair, which you tried to copy from a reference, is much better in that respect than the spheres, tried from imagination. Your hatching lines have a nicely loose quality, but try to control the pressure (darkness) more -- keeping that loose quality.
For the last assignment, redoing the pre-class drawing, I suggest to look for the darkest parts in your reference, and (single) hatch those in a consistent 45° direction.
Keep it up :thumbsup:.

[LeonieL]

Pfow.. Nice class!
I practice this a few days ago.
so, it wasn't very hard for me!

the scans are horrible. the most of this lines are to light. the scanner can't see them....


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Feb-2010/201217-IMG_0002.jpg



http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Feb-2010/201217-IMG_0006.jpg




http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Feb-2010/201217-IMG_0001.jpg


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Feb-2010/201217-IMG_0004.jpg

edit: Huh, I can't remove the links. Sorry...
edit: ahh.! It works

Xx LeonieL

[arnoud3272]

Leonie -
You're very dedicated and that will help you to progress fast.
But I have some "housekeeping" remarks:
A. Your scans are too light. If your drawing is dark enough (:evil:), you should "post-process" your scans. There is a good article here (http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=572823). Here is your chair as an example:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Feb-2010/142886-Leonie-IMG_0006.jpg

If you don't have image manipulation software, you can download irfanview (http://www.irfanview.com/) for free.

B. The image uploader has a little quirk: it constructs the name of the image by taking the date, your user number and the name of the image on your PC. If you upload another image with the same name on the same day, the first image is lost. That happened with your pre-class drawing, because both it and one of your line exercises is named IMG_0001.jpg on your PC.
So, do me a favor and upload your pre-class drawing again, when you post the last assignment for this class, which is redoing the pre-class drawing, rendering the dark values with straight lines (hatching). As you cannot change old posts, upload the original pre-class drawing again here, I will move it. Take care of the file names, that you don't overwrite one of your other images :lol:.

[LeonieL]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Feb-2010/201217-IMG_0002.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Feb-2010/201217-IMG_0003.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Feb-2010/201217-IMG_0004.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Feb-2010/201217-IMG_0006.jpg
I hope it works.

[arnoud3272]

Leonie -
Well done. Move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[kiffays]

MY REDRAW:

472038


REFERENCE:

472039


It's really hard to get the face right and draw the shadow with the fur. Currently I'm drawing this picture by looking at picture on screen. Will it be better if I print it instead? ..Maybe I should not have chose this picture :lol: .

[arnoud3272]

kiffays -
Very well done :clap:.
One remark that you will hear often: don't be afraid to go darker.
Either that or your scans are too light. If your drawing is dark enough (:evil:), you should "post-process" your scans. There is a good article here (http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=572823)
Working from a print is sometimes more comfortable, but printing on normal paper loses detail!
You did very well in this class, move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[qeenbee]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Feb-2010/120613-000_0017.JPG http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Feb-2010/120613-000_0018.JPG http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Feb-2010/120613-000_0019.JPG

here are my drawings, hope this is what you wanted

[arnoud3272]

Bobbie -
Yes, you fulfilled the assignments, bar one, redrawing the pre-class drawing, shading with straight lines. But your pre-class drawing is already with straight lines, so no need to repeat it.
Move on to class 2 :thumbsup:

[griffinax]

Didn't upload the lines :\

http://i45.tinypic.com/2eofxp0.png

Had to squeeze in the chair from the top >.<
http://i45.tinypic.com/2q8wv29.png

:)

[arnoud3272]

Jay -
Welcome to WetCanvas! and in particular to this classroom :).
You've been creative with the spheres :lol:.
Did you read the "Start here!" thread? We would like to see your pre-class drawing in the appropriate thread, and a "straight line" redo here.
Keep up the good work :thumbsup:.

[LittleBear]

Hello classroom 1!
Here is one of my sheets of linework practice. Drawing from the elbow/shoulder is very strange for me, I'm used to working tightly with my wrist. But I can tell how much more ergonomically healthy this method is, so I've been trying to practice it as much as is practical. I admit, I get frustrated when I can't make the line I want and just go back to the wrist for a while. But I'm working on it.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Feb-2010/215006-Fast_Lines.jpg

I did way more than 20 circles, I kind of got obsessed with making circles that looked... right. Am still trying, actually. Controlling the length and pressure of my lines while drawing from the elbow is a challenge!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Feb-2010/215006-Circles1.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Feb-2010/215006-Circles2.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Feb-2010/215006-Circles3.jpg

Big pictures, as promised! But still having a hard time consistently correcting the scan in photoshop. Finally got rid of all the paper texture in the last one, I'm rather pleased with it. :)

One thing I haven't yet made much progress on is preventing the little "hooks" that start or end each line. They especially appear when I start getting impatient and try to draw quickly. Does anyone have any suggestions for gaining more control and preventing these little eyesores? As you can see they are especially prevalent on the last batch of circles I shaded. :( Maybe I'll comb through the archived posts to see if anyone else mentioned this issue.

Be back later with the chair!
Alex

[arnoud3272]

Alex -
Your lines are already very good :clap:.
About the "hooks", no it was not mentioned before in these classes. But it is a very common beginners' problem. Basically, the solution is practice. But don't wait to draw interesting things, that is good practice too. One point perhaps, I get hooks when I put down the pencil and then start to move. Move - internally, I know it sounds Zen :lol:, but really that is what matters, anticipate the move - before putting down the pencil.
Keep it up :thumbsup:.

[griffinax]

Jay -
Welcome to WetCanvas! and in particular to this classroom :).
You've been creative with the spheres :lol:.
Did you read the "Start here!" thread? We would like to see your pre-class drawing in the appropriate thread, and a "straight line" redo here.
Keep up the good work :thumbsup:.
Thank you :)

I did not read that thread before, noticed after you mentioned.. posted a pre-class on there. Will post a redo soon :)

Here is the straight lines drawing which I didn't before:
http://i45.tinypic.com/f3gweu.png

I just realized I have no sense of humor, except the smilies.. aaargh I am so miserable :P

Awesome spheres LittleBear!

Cheers!

[LittleBear]

Thanks for the tip, Arnoud! I understand what you are saying about mentally moving on to the next line before I finish drawing the one I'm on. It's a character building exercise to stay focused on one line at a time! :lol:

Oh, and THANK YOU for telling me the hooking wasn't mentioned before. I think there are something like 2000 posts in the archived thread, that would have taken forever to sift through!

Here's my chair:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Feb-2010/215006-Chair.jpg

Now I just have to re-draw my preliminary drawing, yes? I think I'm going to keep it pretty simple 'cause I'm eager to move on to Class 2. :evil: And I'm also going to turn the reference picture upside down (which I feel will be the most clever thing I've done all day) to get more accurate shapes and placement of features. (Really only clever if it works...)

Back in a bit!
Alex

[LittleBear]

Awesome spheres LittleBear!



Thank you!!! I'm really very foolishly proud of the last batch. :o (Is there an "aw shucks" smiley?)

[LittleBear]

This is my re-do of the preliminary assignment done with straight lines for shading (ok, I got a little lazy and did a bit of scribbling too). I think it's more accurate than my first attempt, but it's still a little off, so there's plenty of room for improvement! *sigh*

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Feb-2010/215006-PreLim_Redo.jpg

And the reference pic for easier comparison:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Feb-2010/215006-PrelimDrawingRefPhoto.jpg

Off to try class 2, and root for Team USA!
Alex

PS:
Huh, I noticed that I missed a rung on the chair... oops. Oh and I reread what you wrote about making a line in your head before you make a line on paper, so I think I understand what you meant a little better, Arnoud. Thanks for the tips!

[arnoud3272]

Alex -
Very nice shading :clap:. And a very expressive drawing.
See you in class 2 :thumbsup:.

[Steven1]

Hi Arnoud :wave:

I have completed the lines (attached) both handwriting style and 'cupped' style. I have also completed the circles exercise and eventually began to enjoy working from the elbow and cupped style - incidentally I used the cupped style to complete all of the circles.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/23-Feb-2010/215697-Lines.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/23-Feb-2010/215697-Circles.jpg

Thanks again for all your help
Regards :)
Steven

[arnoud3272]

Steven -
Very nice. Keep it up :thumbsup:.

[Steven1]

Hi Arnoud :wave: - trying to draw this chair in this particular position / light was not the easiest thing that I have ever done.... It could almost have been planned :lol: but again I really enjoyed it.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/24-Feb-2010/215697-Chair2.jpg
I hope it's not too bad !!!
Regards
Steven

[arnoud3272]

Steven -
You are doing very well :clap:.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[Steven1]

Hi Arnoud :wave:
thanks for all your help.

Regards
Steven

[paintcrazy022]

Hi Arnoud- Finally, here are my lines and circles for Lesson one!

[paintcrazy022]

And one more-the chair. Proportions and perspective, whew! I was glad to get this done! I realize that even in landscape, animal paintings etc-stuff in our 'natural world'- perspective is important, but that doesn't make me like it any more- it's a weak point I would say, right now for me.:)

[arnoud3272]

Mary - Welcome again :).
You're doing well. The chair in particular is very well observed :clap:.
A little correction: it is said in the introduction to "draw from the elbow". But in fact, if you do that literally, keeping the elbow fixed, your arm acts as a pair of compasses: curved lines. Draw from the shoulder. In Chinese calligraphy it is even taught to draw from the belly.
I look forward to the redo of your lovable cat.
BTW - don't be afraid of the perspective class, what you learn in this 101 class is only that part of the theory that relates to obvious, common sense phenomena :).

[m50paul]

I have included (attached) my chair.... I scanned it as black and white because gray scale a bit light... I am using newsprint and HB pencil.....

[m50paul]

And here are my lines and circles:

[Weatherman]

This is my drawings for class 1.

I did not turn the paper doing the lines.

Einar.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Mar-2010/216509-img062.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Mar-2010/216509-img063.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Paul -
The drawings look good but you should not scan as line art, that is only for pen & ink. Line art mode destroys all the mid tones in pencil work. If your scanning software allows it, experiment a bit with "Brightness - Contrast", or "Levels" or "Curves" whatever is offered. Otherwise, correct the scan as per the article cited in my reply in the pre-class thread. If you still need an image manipulation program, look here (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203090) for free software.
I look forward to the redo of the pre-class drawing, the last assignment.

[arnoud3272]

Einar -
Very well done :clap:.
I look forward to the last assignment :thumbsup:.

[m50paul]

Paul -
The drawings look good but you should not scan as line art, that is only for pen & ink. Line art mode destroys all the mid tones in pencil work. If your scanning software allows it, experiment a bit with "Brightness - Contrast", or "Levels" or "Curves" whatever is offered. Otherwise, correct the scan as per the article cited in my reply in the pre-class thread. If you still need an image manipulation program, look here (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203090) for free software.
I look forward to the redo of the pre-class drawing, the last assignment.
Arnoud,
Ok great... I downloaded the GIMP s/w and now think I am getting the nack for posting here are the revised sketches using the gray scale and GIMP s/w... Again I used an HB pencil and newsprint I attached all 3 hopefully this works

[arnoud3272]

Paul - :thumbsup:

[Weatherman]

Arnoud, thanks for your help. Do you mean you want a redo of my pre-class drawing now ?

Einar.

[arnoud3272]

Einar -
Yes, that is part of the original assignments. In the thread it is in post 7 "part 2", repeated in post 9 under "7." In the PDF file it is as "step 4", repeated under More Notes as 7. This is a "straight line" practice (indicating light and dark with hatching), it is not the redo "at the end of the course".

[Weatherman]

Sorry Arnoud. I have started rereading the Pre Class Assignment and Class 1 threads.

I do no longer have that old kettle, so I hope I can use this one on the photo, it is similar. I have made a new pre-class drawing and redrawn it with shadows in the form of straight lines.

If it is OK - then should I repost it in the pre-class thread ?

Einar
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2010/216509-DSC00415.JPG http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Mar-2010/216509-img064.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Einar -
Very well done :clap:. No need to re-post.
You're ready to move on. See you in class 2 :thumbsup:.

[paintcrazy022]

Here's the re-draw of my pre-class assignment (from post#28 in that thread).

I did use a grid to help me get proportions a little more accurate. Btw, Thank you, Arnoud for all the hours of work & encouragement you give to these classes!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Mar-2010/104321-Winter_09-10_025a_edited-1.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Mary -
Very nice drawing :clap:.
Move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[Tailspin]

Hello again!

I've been working on the assignments, snatching a bit of time here and there over the past few days. Here is what I have so far. Let me know if anything is going south. :)

I started messing around with the circle shadings after a while. I wound up doing many more than the ones shown here. They were quick and interesting to experiment with. I included some of the earlier ones and some of the more recent.


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Mar-2010/217014-Lines1.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Mar-2010/217014-Lines2.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Mar-2010/217014-Lines3.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Mar-2010/217014-Lines4.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Mar-2010/217014-Balls1.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Mar-2010/217014-Balls2.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Mar-2010/217014-Balls3.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Mar-2010/217014-Balls4.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Mar-2010/217014-Chair.jpg


Thanks greatly!

Tailspin

[arnoud3272]

Tailspin -
Well done :clap:. I like your creativity with the spheres.
Keep it up :thumbsup:.

[Tailspin]

Hiya :wave:

Here is my initial drawing redone with line shading. It was harder this time around because I used a 2B. The first one was with a 2H. Had to be very careful not to press to hard. I did get it done faster though, and decided to remove that silly clasp.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Mar-2010/217014-Bracelet2.jpg

-Tailspin

[arnoud3272]

Very nicely done, Tailspin :clap:.
Move on to class 2 :thumbsup:

[marie_d]

Lines drawn writing position and underhand. Spheres and chair completed.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Mar-2010/102905-lesson1a.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Mar-2010/102905-lesson_1b.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Mar-2010/102905-Copy_of_class_101_lesson1c_1d.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Marie -
All well done :clap:.
Move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[*MrsH*]

Ok, here we go, my first attempt at doing the first class :)

Used HB pencils and a drawing board tilted at a 45 degrees angle.

My (sort of) straight lines:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Mar-2010/219382-one.jpg


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Mar-2010/219382-two2.jpg

My spheres (that look more like potatoes :rolleyes:):

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Mar-2010/219382-three.jpg

And the chair:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Mar-2010/219382-four.jpg

(so glad I won't have to sit on this chair :lol:)

I was surprised to find that not drawing holding the pencil the way I hold it when I write would prove to be so dificult for me. Because it was strongly emphasized that holding the pencil the right way and not using your wrist but your elbow to move I stuck with it, but I must say it felt really unnatural for me to draw this way. I will keep on practicing drawing this way though and hope that it starts feeling more and more natural as the time goes on :)

[arnoud3272]

MrsH -
Very nice job :clap:
Don't give up holding the pencil in the cupped position for loose, broad strokes.After a short while it will become very natural :thumbsup:. Then you will switch automatically between the two positions: writing for small details, cupped for loose strokes, shading.
Your spheres are OK, the correct form is for class 5 :D, here we are concerned with the basic pencil handling, that is ("straight") lines.
The last assignment is a "re-do" of your pre-class portrait "in straight lines". That does not mean a cubist portrait :lol:, I suggest to replace the smudging by hatching.

[*MrsH*]

Well here it is, and hopefully not looking cubist :D

Temptation to handle the pencil in the usual 'writing' position was constant, the battle raged all the way to the end but I kept holding it the way it was advised, not sure about the results though :)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Mar-2010/219382-five.jpg

[arnoud3272]

MrsH -
The results are very good :clap:.
Move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[*MrsH*]

Thank you! :) I'm off on holiday for 10 days now but as soon as I'm back I'll be getting on with next lesson. I love doing these lessons and thank you so much for your time and support :thumbsup:

[joetrece]

Here's my take on the chair. Comments and crits appreciated.

Joe

[arnoud3272]

Joe -
This is very well done :clap:.
But what is the medium? Up to class 8, you are supposed to work only in pencil. This looks a bit like a mezzotint etching . -- :lol: just joking -- I think the following articles could be of great use to you: one with advice how to photograph graphite artwork (http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=493891). The other is on post-processing (http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=572823), because a photo or scan almost always needs corrections.
I take it that you did the lines and spheres exercises? Then you may move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[joetrece]

Thanks for your guidance, Arnoud, especially the processing tips. Taking the photos without flash makes a huge difference, not to mention the post-image processing.

Here are my circle/spheres and lines. The chair is here also. This one was tough -- I've never drawn without outlines before.

Thanks again.

Joe

[arnoud3272]

Very nice job, Joe :clap:.
Move on to class 2 :thumbsup:

[Klandestineone]

I did the lines per the instructions. Top two are done rather slowly (turn the page to make it easier) with writing position first and underhand position second. I have issues with pulling the pencil toward me and toward my dominated hand (leftie).
On the bottom two, the paper was stationary and I did the lines fast. Still some problems with vertical lines and starting diagonally from upper right to lower left.

The circles were weird to do especially using the underhand position. I think I have the hang of it. But I really like hatching.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Apr-2010/202965-WC_cl101_lines.jpghttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Apr-2010/202965-WC_cl101_circles.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Apr-2010/202965-WC_cl101_chair.jpghttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Apr-2010/202965-WC_cl101_preclass_resubmit.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Klandestineone -
All very well done :clap:.
BTW left-handed artists choose top left to right down for the main hatching direction, for instance Leonardo:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Aug-2009/142886-Leonardo_caricature.jpg

Move on to class 2 :thumbsup:

[lilysu]

Nice class!!!!!!!

[lilysu]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Apr-2010/188641-001.JPG http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Apr-2010/188641-003.JPG

I am new here, thanks for the lesson!!!!!:wave:

[Frinthy]

Lines and chair and I'm having hard time with spheres :o

480404
480402
480403
480405

Frinthy :heart:

[arnoud3272]

lilysu -
Welcome to WetCanvas and to the classroom :).
Your homework until now is very well executed :clap:.
Sorry I took so long to react, but I was waiting. Did you read the "Start Here!" thread? And there is a list of assignments for each class, you'll find it in the first posts of each thread :thumbsup:.

[arnoud3272]

Frinthy -
Well done :clap:.
The last assignment, a re-do of your pre-class drawing, but with the shading in straight lines (hatching) will ask some inventiveness from your side. I look forward to it :thumbsup:.

[Frinthy]

Arnoud -

I hope you meant something like this:

480515

Thank you!! Frinthy :)
Frinthy -
Well done :clap:.
The last assignment, a re-do of your pre-class drawing, but with the shading in straight lines (hatching) will ask some inventiveness from your side. I look forward to it :thumbsup:.

[arnoud3272]

Frinthy -
Yes, well done :thumbsup:.
Please move on to class 2 :).

[Segan]

Heres one of my sketches for class one, more to follow. Thanks
Skip

[arnoud3272]

:thumbsup:

[anigla]

Here is my pre-class drawing, I have a problem with glass and elipses among other things. My redo will follow. - Ginny

I am still not able to upload my drawings, I get the drawing but when I click on it to insert it here it disappears. Help!! Anybody!

[Segan]

After clicking the attachment manager button, <Chose file> then Click <upload> under the list of files. See if that helps

[anigla]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-May-2010/221061-circles_2.jpg Yeah!! I think I have mastered uploading (I hope) and have made into Class 1 --- Here are my circles.

[anigla]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-May-2010/221061-lines_2.jpg

[anigla]

I have submitted my circles and lines, now here is my chair which needs some work -- Ginnyhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-May-2010/221061-chair_-_Class_1.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Ginny - :thumbsup: so far.

[anigla]

Ginny - :thumbsup: so far.
Hi Arnoud,
Thanks for the thumbs up. Do I have to submit the redo of my pre-class drawing here or do I go to Class 2 to do that?
Ginny

[arnoud3272]

Ginny -
Each class has its own thread. To keep it orderly, all assignments of a class should be posted in the thread of that class. So,... re-do in this thread :).

[anigla]

Dear Arnoud,
I have tried submitting my redo without success. I can upload the image, but when I click on it to insert it in the frame it still dissappears. I was able to get my other ones in. I have had more knowledgable people help me whith no success. Sorry about this, but I am at a stand still. It is not the size of the image that is the problem, it seems like it is the website.
Ginny

[arnoud3272]

Ginny -
I know that you have that problem - many users have it :(.
I did already PM you with a reference to the solution.

[anigla]

Ginny -
I know that you have that problem - many users have it :(.
I did already PM you with a reference to the solution.
I have tried all of your suggestions and no success.
I guess we are done here --Bye --Ginny

[EJN]

Thank you for lessons.

My lines. circles and chair.

Elena

[arnoud3272]

Elena -
Well done :clap:.
There is still one assignment, the re-do of your pre-class drawing.
Keep up the good work :thumbsup:.

[EJN]

Thank you Arnoud.

My pre-class re-do.

[arnoud3272]

Nice work, Elena :clap:.
After these kind of warming up exercises, you are ready to move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[EJN]

Thank you, Arnoud. I am going to work on my next assignment.

[Sercei]

Here are my first lesson drawings.

Thanks so much for this opportunity.

Melanie

[arnoud3272]

:thumbsup:

[Sercei]

Here is my redraw of my dragonfly.

Thank you =)

[arnoud3272]

Very well done, Melanie :clap:.
Move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[baijoz]

Waow, that was just amazing...

I enjoyed the exercises and learnt a few things about myself doing them! What fun!

Here are my spheres, my preclass drawing re-done using lines and the chair...

I basically spent my whole day drawing... how fun!

Thanks for your feedback - and Melanie, I love your dragonfly!

B

[arnoud3272]

baijoz -
Nice job, you are very dedicated :clap:.
I like your original spheres :lol:.
Well done, move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[m0nkeysensei]

Any tips for why my shadings look so weak?

[arnoud3272]

mOn -
I'm not sure what you mean by "weak". They look dark enough to me. If you mean that they are not believable, take :heart:. This class is about getting used to the pencil, in particular the "underhand" position, which is new for most beginners, and "does not feel right".
Shading will be treated bit by bit in the following classes, and it will only be the main subject in class 8! So, don't worry :).
Looking forward to your next exercises :thumbsup:.

[Martin_C]

Here are my drawings from this lesson :wave: :

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-May-2010/225219-cirlces_lesson_1.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-May-2010/225219-chair_lesson_1.jpg

The new grip for holding the pencil felt very weird at first – it is going to take a bit of getting used to I think. :(

[arnoud3272]

Martin -
Very well done :clap:.
The new grip for holding the pencil felt very weird at first – it is going to take a bit of getting used to I think. You will find that it is a very useful technique. Actually, once mastered it gives a better control for some tasks. Here is a good example. (http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7971627)
You did already a chair, so I think we can skip the "re-do" of your pre-class drawing, move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.