Basic 101: Class1 - Drawing Basics

[JayD]

Introduction

Welcome to Basics 101. I have to warn you that these first few sessions will be boring but they will pay off for you if you do the projects and take advantage of the companion guest lecture series.

Each class will be divided into three sections.:

1. I will present the subject and do a demonstration. You may either follow the demonstration or improvise one of your own as long as you stay on track for the class.

2.. You will present the result of your class assignment and talk about the process and any problems that you had doing the assignment. All members of the class may participate with comments during this phase. Also, at this phase, you may also present questions to me, which the class may answer, either I will answer or non-class participants may answer.

3. The Guest Lecture Series—this series can be found at http://www.artgraphica.net/free-art-lessons/wetcanvas/drawing-basics.htm
Members of Wet Canvas have volunteered to provide demonstrations pertinent to the class material. I encourage you to check out this useful archive. Right now the lectures are only a few but more will be coming so make sure that you constantly check back for the lecture. If you have something that you might feel will contribute to the lecture series, please contact either Gavin (Zarathrustra) or myself by pm and we will tell you how to get set up for the series. One other thing—DO the demonstrations that have been posted—you can only benefit from doing them.

NOTE: this is a mechanics class so we are sticking to the bare basics here and we should make an effort to limit philosophical opinions. Now, on to the class:

Why drawing is important

Drawing is planning. Much of the success of any piece of art depends largely on how well it has been planned. Planning in art is dependent upon drawing and the final look of a finished piece will dictate how piece will look. I remember reading passage upon passage in watercolor instructions (Ray Smith for example) and publications like “Watercolor Magic” where great emphasis is placed upon drawing—the idea being that no matter how strong your technical skills are in your chosen media, if you have not rendered a fine initial drawing your piece will look amateurish, unfinished or empty.

This is an arguable point when you look at, say, the works of humorists like James Thurber or Jules Pffeifer whose drawings are less then awe inspiring. However, they have taken their seeming INABILITY to draw and have meshed with their words so that not only is their humor in the words but there is humor in the drawing—the two blend and that is what drawing must do for you it must blend so that only your intended idea is not distracted by a weak hand, much like a choir with the Sopranos, Altos, Bass and Tenors, your drawing are songs and the drawing and the media technique are the harmony produced.

The Masters knew this fact and as Jose Parramon writes “drawing is the mother and the father of all arts”. Drawing has long been entwined in the traditions of techniques such as painting, architecture, sculpture and even in such visual endeavors as film making. As a woodcarver, I create a three dimensional drawing, turn it into a two dimensional pattern, transfer the patter to my block of wood, bandsaw out the the shape and begin, using my gouges to shape the piece. The entire time I am carving, I will be REDRAWING or restating the drawing so that my cutting does not throw me off track.

Drawing is the dawn of the artistic process..

[JayD]

We now come to Basic 101 which will emphasize breaking the drawing down into its geometric components, creating a harmony and finally a piece that will sing the artist’s song.

A word of caution: there are many different ways to approach this subject and just as many popular books. There may be personal philosophical issues regarding drawing that do not mesh with what I am writing. I ask that you put aside the philosophies and just take this class for what it is—a mechanics class to help you to better envision your own personal approach.


Source material

The textbook that we will be using is How to Draw What You See by Rudy de Reyna.

In preparing this course I have drawing from other sources such as Bert Dobson’s Keys to Drawing, Gene Frank’s Pencil Drawing (Walter Foster), Pencil Drawing Techniques edited by David Lewis, Barnes and Nobles’ Drawing: A Step by Step Guide, Drawing in Pencil by Jose Parramon.

Hence, if I seem to be veering off with courses that you cannot find in the book, rest assured that I am drawing upon other related sources.


Materials:

1. How to Draw What You See by Rudy de Reyna (This is an optional requirement)

2. A number two office pencil(equivalent to a 2b) or an HB or 2B pencil (the brand does not matter).

3. A sketchpad (the quality of the paper is of not matter at this point, the size should be 8.5 inches by 10 inches or better)

4. A regular eraser. If you have a number two, the eraser on the end of the pencil is fine. I use a Sakura Electric eraser but that is purely a luxury.

5. A kneaded Eraser

6. a blender (q tips, toilet paper, your finger, tortillions or blending stumps)

7. A pencil Sharpener—I use an electric sharpener but that is a matter of preference.

8. A drafting brush—optional but highly recommended.


Your Studio Space:

For the purposes of this course, your studio space is simply where you do your drawing. It can be an elaborate building, a comfy specially build room, the corner of a room (like I have) a kitchen table or an outhouse in Whiz Bang, Kentucky. Draw where you feel comfortable. My personal space is a flat surfaced drawing table with an electrical outlet attached. On top of that I have a portable drafting table that I can remove and put away when I am doing mats or whatever. I have a half sized file cabinet of to one side and on top of that sits my light table. I have a magnifier lamp as as a light source along with an Ott light and, of course three windows which allow natural sunlight to shine through. I have included a photo of where I work. Regardless, do not draw on a flat surface as it can distort your perception of your pr object. Try to work with at least a 45-degree angle.
Drawing on a flat as opposed to angled surface is a poor drawing habit. When working on larger papers (over 10 inches) your line of sight will no longer view the entire surface which can in turn lead to a distorted perspective. Even though this problem is minimal with the size of paper that I am suggesting for this class, it will become a problem if you decide to work on larger surfaces. It is better to break this habit now then have it crop up as a major problem later. If you are not using a drafting table like I like to do and instead are using a drawing board, consider the following tip: place one end of the board so that it rests in your lap and rest the other end against a surface like a table. This allows you the benefit of working on an angled surface and offers the back support that you will need to free up your hands.

Lighting:

As I mentioned before, I use several combinations of light sources: an ott light, natural sunlight, and a magnifier lamp. You do NOT need everyone of these light sources but you should try to find one that best approximates natural sunlight. I use the combination of lights in positions when combined eliminate the shadows projected from my hand. The ott light works well and there are also light bulbs that you can pick up at Wal-Mart that also approximate natural sunlight.

If you are left handed, position the light behind your right shoulder. If you are right handed position the source light behind your left shoulder.

[JayD]

A Word About Pencils:

It is very easy to be wondering aimlessly through a crafts or art store and suddenly stumble across—the tins! Beware of pretty boxes and lovely packaging. Most of you are going to discover that, sooner or later, you’re only working with a chose few while the other members of those pretty tins sleep away like vampires in a coffin. Whenever you can try to buy “open stock”. These are pencils that you can buy individually and you can build your personal stockpile to suit your own artistic tastes.


Not all pencils are the same.

There are probably as many types of pencils as there are artists. Every one of us has personal preferences that we feel offers the best results. I lean toward mechanical pencils, 0.5mm and 0.3mm but I also like Prismacolor sketching pencils that are graphite. To me, these offer me the best control. Take your pick and look around. When you go to a store ask the storekeepers to let you test pencils to see if you like them. If the stores don’t offer this service look around some more or get your friends at Wet Canvas to post some examples before you make a purchase. I have posted some samples of different pencils for you to see.

[Insert Image Here]

The graphite or “lead” pencil is the pencil that is generally used for drawing. Pencils are categorized by their degree of hardness. B through 9B denote softer pencils while H through 9H denote harder leads. F and HB denote more neutral gradations. The softest lead produces the most intense darker values. You can use a 2b, an F or an HB to lay out your drawing before proceeding but really the choice is entirely yours.


Holding a pencil:


In the following photos, Jennifer demonstrates how a pencil is held for drawing. Not that she also has a drawing board resting against a table as she works on a sketch. Being an ambidextrous family, Jennifer is demonstrating these pencil for the benefit of people who are left as well as right handed.

The first position is called the writing position and is held like you are going to write a letter. This position affords you a great deal of control and is excellent for detail work.

The second position is called the underhand position or the “cupped” position and is good for doing straight lines, sketching and gesture drawing. This is the position that I favor.

NEVER DRAW FROM YOUR WRIST—ALWAYS TRY TO WORK FROM YOUR ELBOW. Not only does working from your wrist promote carpel tunnel syndrome but you create “tight” confined drawings.


Keeping your drawing clean:

When drawing with graphite, use a slipcover to protect your clean surface. Take a clean piece of paper and slip it under your drawing hand on top of the drawing. This will protect the drawing from being unnecessarily smudged. There are many variations on the theme when it comes to protecting your drawings. Here Jennifer is using typing paper as a slip cover as she works on her drawing. In the next photo she is using a drafting brush with the bristled pointed toward her. The brush serves as a bridge upon which the hand rests. This is the method that I prefer because I have my brush handy to brush away erasure marks or any other unwanted particles.

[JayD]

More images for this section

[JayD]

CLASS ONE: BASIC STRUCTURE OF OBJECTS—STRAIGHT LINES

Paul Cézanne, in writing to a colleague, wrote that all forms in nature are based upon geometric shapes. “Draw these simple shapes”, he said, “and we will be able to draw or paint what we wish since simple geometric shapes underlie all objects.”

Every object, be it you, a Michelin Tire or a tall standing Sequoia has its foundations in geometric shapes: The cube, the cylinder, the cone, and the sphere. They may not be geometrically perfect and sometimes you have to really look to find them but they are there and if you know what to look for you can build you drawing relying on these basic shapes. Knowing this fact can allow you to build a drawing with depth and dimension.

The first lessons in this class are the really obvious but let us not pass them by.

1. Drawing Straight Lines

Materials: for this class, the only materials that you will need are a number two pencil (you may sub in an HB or a 2B but the standard office pencil will do fine) and a sketchpad of your choosing. DO NOT concern yourself with the quality of the paper. Newsprint is just fine. If you want, you could use a legal pad—whatever work for you. Work within your comfort zone and certainly within your budget.

Put away all of your rulers, protractors, rolling rulers and any other tool that might help you to draw a straight line. If you are sitting on a train or a bus or plane you are not going to be whipping out the old T-Square. Always be prepared NOT to use your standard tools.

It isn’t really THAT hard to draw a straight line. I hear people say all the time “I couldn’t even draw a straight line” –there is usually a nervous laugh and then there is that look of longing because you know that they long to take a pencil in hand and do what you can do—draw a picture. The funny thing is that anyone can draw. It may not be of a sellable quality and it may not be exact but anyone can pick up a pencil and draw. Most people who cannot draw have, generally speaking, convinced themselves that they cannot draw either through their own failed experience or through comments of family and peers. We all know the feeling and we have all been there. When you draw a celebrity and you show it to your mother or a sibling and they say “who’s that?”—Well, you know what I mean.

First, decide how you are going to hold your pencil. There are several ways to hold a pencil. The first is the writing position, the second is the under the palm position. Now, practice drawing using these hand positions. Try drawing a series of squiggles, lines, and circles in order to bring these positions into your comfort zone. When you do these exercises DO NOT DRAW FROM YOUR WRIST. WORK EXCLUSIVELY FROM YOUR ELBOW.

(Insert drawings here)

Everyone operates from an angle. It’s a favorite direction for you to draw. Finding the angle that is comfortable for you easily draws a straight line. Using the wrist will tighten up your control and will produce a shaky line. Using the elbow permits more control of the pencil thus producing a smooth flowing line

(Insert drawings here)

1. Start by drawing a straight line across the paper. Now draw these straight lines over and over except each time, before you draw the line, turn the paper and try to draw a horizontal, vertical and a diagonal line. Do this over and over again until you discover an angle which gives you a comfortable feeling straight line.

Do this using the writing position and then do it again using the underhand or cupped position. See if you can note the difference.

2. Take another sheet of paper and this time, again, start dashing off those straight lines as quickly as you can. This time DO NOT turn the paper

Do this using the writing position and then do it again using the underhand or cupped position. See if you can note the difference.


Again, when you make these lines—don’t worry about being careful—this is an exercise—fire them out as rapidly as you can—try to get them straight but don’t worry if you do not—worry about taxes and death—don’t worry about getting the straight line down the first time. That is what practice is for. Which brings me to another point: PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!!! Make time to do these exercises and you will create improvement in yourself.

Well, this is the end of class 1. I told you this was a basic course but don’t laugh just yet because it will get progressively difficult as we move through the 30 weeks.

Thank you for joining us.




Class Assignment: Read the chapter Eye Level: Foundation of Perspective. If you have already read it great! Take a look at the picture you did for the pre class exercise and see if you can not anything about the perspective of the piece and then locate where you think the vanishing point occurs. If you have questions, contact me.

[JayD]

I have been weirdly down all morning and I have been very limited with my posting so please excuse my tardiness.

There is a thread called the "weekly drawing thread" which features a chair--it is a classic example of straight lines.

If you have the time, download the image and try doing the chair. This will be good practice for straight lines. Also, make sure you do that boring repetitive staight line exercises. for fun, try both your left and right hand--you will be very surprised at how well you can draw either way but also make ABSOLUTELY sure that you are working from your elbow and not your wrist. That is where many people have trouble with straight lines. It is not a matter of whether or not you can actually draw the line--it is a matter of whether or not you can CONTROL the hand that is doing the drawing--that is the key.

[JayD]

Rui, take a look at the course curriculum in the Basics FAQ thread and you will see that we will be covering those very subjects. Just sit tight, my friend. We taking this one step at a time. Keep working on those straight lines.. You are going to need them later on.


GUYS, I SENSE RESTLESSNESS IN THE CLASS--PLEASE BE PATIENT FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE EXPERIENCED. WE HAVE REAL BEGINNERS IN THIS CLASS AND WE WANT TO MOVE AT A PACE THAT WE CAN ALL FOLLOW TOGETHER. JUST FOCUS ON THE EXCERCISE THIS WEEK AND RELAX AND ENJOY YOURSELVES BECAUSE IT WILL START GETTING HARDER NEXT WEEK AND GET PROGRESSIVELY HARDER AS WE GO ALONG SO PLEASE BE PATIENT.

NOW, I HAVE A CLASS ASSIGMENT: PART !Draw some circles--at least 20 of them of difference sizes and then fill them in with staight lines. Create a three dimensional look by varying the distance between the straight lines. Do not using any blending techniques but try to approximate as close as you can a three dimensional sphere.

PART 2--Take your chosen subject and recreate the picture using ONLY straight lines like you did with the spheres. Post the results of BOTH drawings.

I have sketched out a ROUGH idea of where I want you to go with the spheres. Pardon the hurriedness of this--you guys can definitely do better. Take your time and get them both to me at your pace--AGAIN, THE PURPOSE OF THIS IS TO PRACTICE YOUR STRAIGHT LINES.

[OzonaLori]

Jay, first let me say that I am really amazed at the work you have done, both to get everything for the class ready, and then all of your sharing and commenting! What an awesome responsibility, and you have definitely risen to the occasion! :clap: :clap: :clap:

I worked on Stoy's weekly drawing assignment, using the "rules" that you asked us to follow. The hardest one for me, was to stick to using just one pencil. I felt really restricted in trying to get all the values I wanted out of just one pencil, when i like to mix things up a lot normally (graphite, charcoal, Conte, etc).

This is rather painful for me, but probably good medicine for my drawing skills. I generally shy away from anything that reveals my lack of expertise as it isn't *fun* to work on the things that we don't like or are hard for us, right??! And this will expose all my flaws- who likes doing that?! I am finding this a humbling experience, going back to the basics. I am not fond of drawing subjects that are extremely linear (especially ones with lots of straight lines), and I run away from perspective issues (run and hide!!!!), so I know that this will help me, but it is hard to post work that I am not a little proud of, and so goes my chair. I absolutely hate it, and here I am posting it as my pre-class assignment, because I know I can do better with it later. The proportions are off and the shadow on the right side of the chair is all wrong, but I was tired with trying to make it right. For those who haven't tried the weekly drawing assignments, here is a link to the current one:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=223783

I am really enjoying seeing all of the pre-class work postings. Just think- we'll all be even better if we can stick with this class to the end!

[JayD]

To start with this weeks assignments are:SEE MY COMMENTS IN ALL CAPS

1. Post our pre-class "intimidating subject" attempt. YES

2. Practice drawing straight lines from the elbow, not the wrist. YES, YOUR WRIST WILL THANK YOU LATER AND YOUR TENNIS GAME WILL IMPROVE. :D

3. Draw 20 different sizes of circles and shade using only straight lines. (can the lines go in different directions or one-way?) post results--ANYWAY YOU WANT--HINT: CONSIDER WICKER FOR EXAMPLE--JUST MAKE SURE YOU END UP WITH A 3D SPHERE

4. Read the chapter on perspective lines (if we have the book)--PLEASE BUT THIS IS OPTIONAL

5. Draw the chair from the weekly drawing thread (Is this to be done as a straight line drawing, or just draw it to get a feel for perspective?) post results--CHAIR IS OPTIONAL BUT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT.

6. Find the vanishing point(s), eye level line, perspective lines etc. on our original drawing. (do you want this posted?)--YOU CAN SAVE THIS UNTIL THE SECOND CLASS IF YOU WISH SINCE IT IS MAINLY PREPARTORY FOR THE CLASS ON EYE LEVEL AND PERSPECTIVE.

7. Redraw our pre-class drawing using lines (do you want this to be reducing the subject into basic straight-line forms, or do you want curved lines, cross hatching etc... basically redraw with no blending?) post results--REDRAW USING THE SAME TECHNIQUES THAT YOU USED ON THE SPHERE--THE SPHERS ARE A PRACTICE RUN FOR THIS FINAL WEEKLY ASSIGNMENT.

[JayD]

No, this is it for the week--I added the other assignments to avert the boredom factor for the speed demons in our group. :)


Note from the Editor: This thread continues with the recent posts. The older posts can be found in this closed thread:
http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=594206

[BlackDelphin]

I started with random lines, looking for my comfort-angle. Used both the writer and the under palm pose. It seems the lower the angle, the easier it is to draw a straight long line, but with the short ones, the writer pose is better. I did a bunch of random circles too, before reading about the 20 circles.

I shaded those bout I still don't know how to make it look good. I tried different types of hatching, and afterwards I saw on the site a few other ways of ding it, so I tried that. Did 24 I think.

Drew a landscape which I've been avoiding, before and after the circle hatching. It seems it increased my patience, and I was able to draw better details.
And last, the chair. It helped me with pen pressure and short-long line drawing. I'm not to satisfied with how it came out though.

All were done on A4 paper. Tried as big as I could, so I'd have to use my entire arm as much as possible.
No wrist using.

I experimented with the under palm method only on the first 3 pages, I switched to regular one afterwards. I just feel more comfortable..

[arnoud3272]

Christina - Well done :clap:. Good of you to try many ways. I like the shading on the chair.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[BlackDelphin]

Christina - Well done :clap:. Good of you to try many ways. I like the shading on the chair.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

I'm actually used to being called Cristina, and thank you!
Would you mind telling me what you thing of the balls as well?
And if there could be anything improved? Thank you!

[arnoud3272]

Cristina -

Would you mind telling me what you think of the balls? Well, most of them miss the 3D feeling, but that is not the point! This is class 1 remember, getting used to handling the pencil. Shading for "sculpting the form" is in class 8, and even there only the basic principles :thumbsup:.

[Artofillusions]

Hello!

A little bit late from when I started, but here it is.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Sep-2011/230775-class-1-lines.JPG

Lines

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Sep-2011/230775-class-1-circles.JPG

Circles

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Sep-2011/230775-class-1-chair-shaded.JPG

Chair gone horribly wrong.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Sep-2011/230775-pre-class.JPG

Pre-class (this is a redraw because I changed my major :wink2: )

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Sep-2011/230775-Class-1-linedrawing.JPG

And the line version.

Thank you for all your help!

[arnoud3272]

Lynn - Welcome back :). Good practice :clap:.
A practical observation: don't post the images too small. It is difficult to comment on small pictures.
Please move on to the next class :thumbsup:. [Don't be afraid of using a straight edge in class 2]

[Artofillusions]

Hello Arnoud,

Thank you very much!

My camera phone was a bit small on the image sizes. Next time I'll wait to post until I can scan them!

[Lyons]

Hello Arnoud,

Just started with this class after learnign about it and reading thru many of the class threads yesterday (no lurking from me !!).

I posted my introduction and pre-class assignment in the Pre-Class thread earlier this morning.

Here are my lesson assignmnets...

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Sep-2011/978426-Lines.jpg
I found the underhand grip fairly easy to use, except with the vertical lines. The writing grip gave me a better feel and even lines.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Sep-2011/978426-spheres.jpg
With the spheres, although it took quite a bit of reading on several classroom threads, it appeared to me that the direction was to NOT draw the circle/sphere outline, but to create the circle/sphere using only straight lines only to create the illusion of a circle. So that is how I approached this assignment. This will definitely take some practice to create a believable circle/sphere.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Sep-2011/978426-chair.jpg
For the chair assignment, I also thought I read that it was to be done with straight lines only...no curves, and to use cross-hatching and shade broad lines. So, this could have been a much better drawing if done using the best available techniques, but here is how mine came out with just straight lines and hatching...

Had fun doing these. Glad I'm taking this course. I know the improvement is drawing technique will imprve my pastel paintings.

-Doug

[arnoud3272]

Doug - Well done :clap:. This class is all about getting used to the pencil.
I found the underhand grip fairly easy to use, except with the vertical lines Althoug not explicitly written down, another objective of this first class is to find out your favorite stroke direction. So later you know to turn the paper when you need a continuous hatching in a "difficult" direction.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[TerriPrayUTM]

Scanner didn't pick up the pictures as well as I'd hoped, but fingers crossed that these turn out well enough.

[arnoud3272]

Terri - Good job :clap:.
Here is an article about improving the quality (http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=572823) of a scan. You probably have already image manipulation software, otherwise there are some free products: irfanview (http://www.irfanview.com/main_download_engl.htm) or gimp (http://www.gimp.org/downloads/).
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[TerriPrayUTM]

Thank you, I have Corel Painter 11 which I'll try and play with. I've not really had the chance to tinker with the program yet.

[Gingerbread]

Hi Arnoud,

I enjoyed trying my hand at this. Although it was challenging for me especially the chair, I found it fun. The following are my lines, circles and chair. I found that the overhand position was easier for the lines but more challenging for creating the circles.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Oct-2011/978288-LinesCircles.jpg

On the chair, I really struggled with getting the chair to look straight. It still appears crooked.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Oct-2011/978288-Chair_2.jpg


Thanks

[arnoud3272]

Jennifer - Well done :thumbsup:. Did you turn your page to different positions for the lines exercise? It looks like a note in the margin in the introduction of this class, but it is an important aspect of "becoming acquainted with the pencil" to feel what is your best direction for the long strokes.
Please move on to class 2 :music:.

[Gingerbread]

Arnoud,
I had some fun playing with the circles and lines and I had a couple of pages that I played with where I turned the page with the lines a number of times. I will admit it was a little messy with all the grids so I just posted a subset of it.

Thanks for the feedback.

Jennifer :)

[Jelleau]

Here are my drawings for this class. Fun stuff! I know exactly which way to use my hand to draw now :) http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Nov-2011/980243-Chair_cross_stitch_800x583.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Nov-2011/980243-Lines_Pic_800x583.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Nov-2011/980243-spheres_lines_583x800.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Good job, Gabriela :clap:. Nice work. Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[sirOwlBeak]

Good evening,

I'm still working on the chair. But I'm not in the least bit happy with the way he turns out. Drawing what you see is harder than expected :lol:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Nov-2011/980537-s1.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Nov-2011/980537-s2.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Nov-2011/980537-s3.jpg
have to work on my scan quality too. My equipment is behaving different all of a sudden under windows 7.

greetings

[arnoud3272]

sirOwlBeak - Well done so far :clap:.
It is very light, but I assume that is because of equipment revolt :wink2:.
Carry on :thumbsup:.

[latedrawer]

The tasks in this class were very challenging because I've avoided stroking from the shoulder and elbow. Now I have some confidence in using this technique and switching between grips. Thank you for pushing me to work on these skills! I've attached the assignments for this class.

My main focus as I worked was on keeping my hand off the paper, which forced me to work more from the shoulder or elbow. While using the "writing" grip, I discovered I had to hold the pencil about 3 inches above the point in order to place the line where I wanted it. I also developed much more confidence in stroke control while using the overhand grip. Thank you for setting the bar high--at least it was high for me.
Line practice, writing grip and overhand grip.

694003
694001

Circle practice both grips.
694000
694002

Chair
694004

My redo of the first drawing will be in the next post.
Carole
All critiques and comments welcome:)

[latedrawer]

This is a second post for class 1 assignments, a redo of my first drawing.
I found it difficult to place hatching marks without some kind of guidelines for the planes of the face. But I think I got a little carried away because I found it so fascinating to look at face in this way. So the sketch isn't exactly what you assigned. I'll make another attempt if this one isn't acceptable for the assignment.

This is the first picture I submitted:
694005

Here is my redo (it is all lines:o):
694006

All critiques and comments welcome.
Carole

[arnoud3272]

Carole - Very good, you're very dedicated :thumbsup:.
Yes, many beginners are not comfortable with the underhand position. But it is very important for loose "big moves". You will find it essential if you work on larger sizes, e.g. in charcoal or for an underdrawing for painting.
You did very well in this class, please move on to class 2 :music:.

[ArtzeFartze]

Here is my class 1 drawing of the lines, the circles.

694090
694091

[arnoud3272]

Terri - Well done so far. Very creative on some of the spheres :thumbsup:.

[ArtzeFartze]

Here is my chair...I think it is a little off, but for some reason I can't figure out how to fix it.

694136

[arnoud3272]

Terri - Good job. That chair is a challenge indeed.
You did very well in this class, please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[wendyc1276]

Here is my lines, spheres, and pre-class drawing assignment. I will also be tackling the chair next.

This was a great exercise, especially just drawing the straight lines from the elbow. I think a lot of us tend to "rest" our wrists on the paper and draw from there - difficult to do really straight lines that way, they have a bit of an arc. You can see the difference in some of the spheres.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Nov-2011/201691-Week1_lines.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Nov-2011/201691-Lesson_1_spheres.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Nov-2011/201691-eyeredo.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Good job so far, Wendy :thumbsup:.

[Chrisp47]

Hi again, here are my first exercises: The straight lines I found to be easiest, using the underhand hold, and working from the shoulder. My best seemed to be from SW to NE. Good information to know. The circles I will keep practicing at, perhaps as a warm-up exercise as suggested to others.
The chair was interesting to do. I still have to do the re-draw of my pre-class drawing.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Nov-2011/165919-IMG_0003.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Nov-2011/165919-IMG_0002.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Nov-2011/165919-IMG_0001.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Chris - Well done so far :thumbsup:.
My best seemed to be from SW to NE. This part of the exercises is important to realize where your best direction is, so that you can turn the page into he best position when you need a lot of "neat" hatching :).

[astropaint]

My assignments......

[muldi]

Here are my class assignments: Straight lines--turning paper; not turning; writing position; cupped position. I found the lines very hard to control in the cupped position. The images are labeled. I am also posting the chair. Trying very hard. I have yet to re-draw my pre-assignment birds. Will post pictures in several posts.
Lines first:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Nov-2011/215828-P1000221.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Nov-2011/215828-P1000223.JPG
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Nov-2011/215828-P1000225.JPG
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Nov-2011/215828-P1000227.JPG

[muldi]

Here are posts of my circles shaded with straight lines. And the chair assignment.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Nov-2011/215828-P1000228.JPG

[muldi]

I guess chair needs to be in separate post. I loved doing this, but what a challenge for a newbie!http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Nov-2011/215828-P1000207.JPG

[muldi]

Finally, another try at my pre-lesson bird drawings.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Nov-2011/215828-P1000233.JPG

[crafor]

Hello,
I will join the class. I'm so glad to see it's still open. I don't have a camera and don't know how to use the scanner, or if my printer will scan, and then how to send it to you.
I want to learn to draw. I'm pretty much a beginner and plan to follow along. It's late, and I will do the drawings--pre-class drawing, lines, circles, and chair tomorrow, Sunday, and work to upload them.
Thanks for this opportunity. Getting reliable feedback is a big advantage.
My goals are realistic portraits of people, pets, and local landscape.
Crafor

[arnoud3272]

Diane - Well done. Like your fantasy on the "spheres" :).
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[arnoud3272]

astropaint - Good job :thumbsup:.
Please move on to class 2 :music:.

[arnoud3272]

crafor - Welcome to the classroom :). I wonder if you've read the "Start Here!" thread?

[jrl11528]

Learned a lot from the line exercise. After about two "this can't possibly work" feelings, the underhand position became quite comfortable. Turning the wrist flat like that really makes it easier to keep the wrist quiet and use more of the arm, which helped keep longer lines straighter.

Attached are the spheres and chair.

I have concluded that my brain and my wrist are not my friends, but my eraser is.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Nov-2011/979730-Class_1_Spheres.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Nov-2011/979730-Class_1_chair_lines.jpg

[crafor]

Crafor here--yes, I did read the START HERE thread. Did I miss something?
I will try to upload my lines and circles now.
This computer stuff is a challenge for me. Somehow they became pdf files, not jpegs.
Now I can't find them to upload.(sigh)

[crafor]

If they're here, I'll do the chair later. Crafor Okay, they're here. Why did they arrive like that, and why didn't they scan as a picture rather than a pdf file?

[wendyc1276]

Finally - the chair is done after a long weekend w/family. I know this isn't proportionally correct, but will probably redo it at some point. Between the corner, chair, and resulting shadows this was quite the challenge!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Nov-2011/201691-lesson1_chair.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Jim - Good job :clap:. Normally one has to redo the pre-class drawing with hatching for the last assignment, but your drawing is already in that way, so move on to class 2 :thumbsup:

[arnoud3272]

Wendy - Nice work on a difficult picture :clap:.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[arnoud3272]

I.... Why did they arrive like that, and why didn't they scan as a picture rather than a pdf file?
crafor - Why don't you take a few PC literacy lessons first? It is very difficult to take online lessons if you struggle with the procedures.

[crafor]

Enclosed is my rendition of the chair from the weekly drawing thread Oct 18-24.

[Chrisp47]

Here is my redraw of the preclass picture, using cross hatching. Thank you so much for this instructional thread.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/28-Nov-2011/165919-PJ_0001.jpg

[arnoud3272]

crafor - Good job :thumbsup:. Please move on to class 2 :)

Chris - Well done :clap:. See you in class 2 :thumbsup:

[rbajaj]

I always wanted to join a detailed drawing class but lack of time and other reasons, could not do it. I am very great full to the moderator for bringing this online drawing classes. I really like the approach and the in-depth study provided.

I've started with the lesson 1 and have completed the said drawings. Below are my try outs done from this lesson.

Kindly suggest on improvement and guidance.

Thanks for looking.

Underhand Position
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Dec-2011/973493-drawing1.jpg

Writing Position
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Dec-2011/973493-drawing11.jpg

Spheres & Chair
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Dec-2011/973493-drawing12.jpg

[arnoud3272]

rbajaj - Welcome to the classroom :). Nice work here :thumbsup:.
Please move on to class 2 :music:.

[douzeDouces]

This 1st Class Assignment, The spheres:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Dec-2011/983231-balls.jpg
The chair:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Dec-2011/983231-cadeira.jpg
The Redraw:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Dec-2011/983231-re.jpg
Not sure if I did what I was supposed to do on this last one.

[arnoud3272]

douzeDouces - Well done. The purpose of this class is to become acquainted with handling the pencil.
Obviously you have no problems with that, please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:

[LindaGal]

so many different ways of drawing balls and the same chair!

[LindaGal]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Dec-2011/974162-circles.jpg
not sure what i am doing - need to get the image scanning right and ensure my internet doesnt drop out! maybe post one at a time

[LindaGal]

Can't seem to add any more images :( . . Think I have put them in as attachments instead. I'll try again another day. Spending more time with the technology than the drawing

[arnoud3272]

Linda - Welcome to the classroom :).
Looks good :clap:. But please, no PDF files.
Did you read the "Start Here!" (http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=582502) thread ?

[LindaGal]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Dec-2011/974162-Capture.JPG
OK - not a pdf attachment. At least this looks like the person!

[arnoud3272]

Very good, Linda :clap:.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:

[Grinning Chuckster]

Here is my posting for the lines class.http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Jan-2012/984157-assignemnt_1_sphere_with_lines.jpg I wasn't sure if I was supposed to draw a sphere with straight lines, or render a sphere with straight lines. I did both.

Cheers!
Chuckster

[ManicPixie]

Here are mine for class 1 =).

[arnoud3272]

Well done, Pixie :clap:.
Please move on to class 2:thumbsup:.

[lisaastrup]

here is my homework....

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Jan-2012/79005-runde.jpg

the redraw:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Jan-2012/79005-calla4.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Good job, Lisa :clap:.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:

[mayana]

Hello....Here are my circle, lines and chair.
I do feel comfortable with my under arm movement....http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Feb-2012/164039-lines.jpeg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Feb-2012/164039-circle.jpeg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Feb-2012/164039-chair.jpeg

[arnoud3272]

mayana - Well done :clap:. Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[bekkilyn]

I think I've completed everything now for class 1! When I did the lines, it was easier to turn the paper, but I was able to get fairly similar lines without turning the paper, so I think I will practice making lines not turning the paper to improve technical skill. For lines, I didn't feel much difference between overhand and underhand, but the overhand felt more awkward when trying other shapes. Again, will need a bit of practice there.

For the spheres, I actually did three sets of 20, trying out various things as I tried to figure out what I needed to do with them. Attached is my most recent set:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2012/1024912-Spheres-3.jpg

Next is the chair. I was actually so excited about trying out the chair, I had it drawn (and posted to my blog) before I did anything else, including my pre-class assignment. The chair was just so quirky, I felt I needed to do it!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2012/1024912-Quirky-Chair-2-26-2012.jpg

And lastly, the redrawing of my pre-class subject. For my pre-class assignment, I had drawn a still life of the plastic Vault Boy bobblehead that came with the Fallout 3 game collector's edition. For the class 1 assignment, I drew the bobblehead again, except this time around, I drew it with a bit of a head explosion.

The reason? It was by request from one of my friends on Facebook. I had written a blog post about my pre-assignment sketch, and then a second blog post where I went into further detail about the Vault Boy and embedded this video of the Fallout 3 trailer explaining the VATS system:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woJYJI-_Bo0

In the video at about the 1:00 mark, the cartoon Vault Boy head is shown exploded.

So my Facebook friend saw the video and my original pre-class drawing and suggested I should draw him with his head exploding. Since I had to draw the figure for the second time anyway, I decided to honor the request. Hence, my inspiration! I did draw the body at a slightly different angle than in the pre-class assignment.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2012/1024912-Vault-Boy-Explosion-3-3-201.jpg

Looking forward to class 2!

[arnoud3272]

Well done Rebecca :clap:.

It is perhaps not clearly explained in the first posts, but turning the paper is to feel your favorite, most efficient, stroke direction. So that you know how to turn the paper when you need a nice regular cross-hatching, for instance :thumbsup:.
Please move on to class 2 :)

[bekkilyn]

Thank you! It seems my best stroke direction is moving from southwest to northeast...kind of like the storms on the radar around here tend to move. :)

[jilljilljill]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Mar-2012/809592-photo_4.JPG http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Mar-2012/809592-photo_3.JPG http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Mar-2012/809592-photo_1.JPG
hello! i have attached lesson one above. please let me know if this is better on the upload.

i had fun with this and am a bit nervous about the next lesson, but i found overhand grip is fine, and a few angle/directions seem good. more detail or awkward angles were better with the writing style grip.

the balls were fun. tried to vary the angle of light, and did some without the circle drawn. toyed with the reflected light (an orange was my model) but this was harder. i think i need to work on my middle tones more.

the chair was a challenge, this is my second attempt, and a harder lead let me do more detail. the seat is a tough angle, and really challenging, but i am pleased with what i did. i think the balls helped me see the value changes.

i can take any and all c and c. i'm here to learn, so let it rip!! :)

again, thanks for doing this across the globe in germany!! jill:clap:

[arnoud3272]

Jill - Very well done :clap:. The purpose of this first class is to get accustomed to the methods of pencil handling. You did fine, please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[jilljilljill]

arnoud, BELGIUM, so sorry!! on to lesson two with a quick detour by my map of europe!! jill

[demitas]

Man, all the digital tweaking in the world wasn't going to give me the value range of the originals! Sorry they are a bit contrasty.

I felt like I was much more fluid using the underhand position - much easier to draw longer, straighter lines, especially if I held the pencil way back. Also much easier to get a good, thick line with the side of the pencil. I found it easier to control the pencil using the writing position, though.

I actually didn't realize we could use blending in the pre-class assignment (!) - the list of equipment didn't include a blending stump, and I haven't ever done finger blending, so it didn't occur to me, hah. I can redo it anyway if you would like, but it is crosshatch shaded as is.

[arnoud3272]

demitas - Good job :clap:.
What you found out about the different means of handling the pencil is the experience of most people. There are many opinions about blending, but beginners best avoid it, except in charcoal. Blending in graphite easily result in an unnatural texture. "Optical" blending, with a harder grade pencil, is a better solution for obtaining very smooth shades.
You did very well, please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[Nubiancooki]

Ok so here are my drawings for Class 1. Things never seem to look like I think they will but I guess that's the process right?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Apr-2012/1041712-IMAG1149.jpg

And my beloved chair....man shadows are hard to get! LOL

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Apr-2012/1041712-IMAG1147.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Nubiancooki - Good job :clap:. The purpose of this first class is to get acquainted with handling the pencil, you'll have ample opportunity to refine your technique in the following classes :thumbsup:.
Please move on to class 2 :).

[kristyc71]

very little drawing experience but I am sure giving this my best shot!

[kristyc71]

Here is my attempt at lesson 1!http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Apr-2012/1046872-spheres101.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Apr-2012/1046872-drawing101chair.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Kristy - Well done for the first class :clap:.
Did you read the "Start here!" thread? We'd like to see a pre-class drawing, kinda benchmark for your progress.
When done, please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:

[kristyc71]

oh whoops! I missed that thread-will go back and check-thanks!!

[Sweetleaf]

Ok, class one results.

Lines, circles and chair.

Sorry I'll get my scanner working soon I hope.

[arnoud3272]

Very well done, Ruth. Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[erreabea]

These are my exercises, the "spheres" look more 3D like with the cross hatching, I also tried the chair and my lantern using that shading technique but I can't make it look better than a sketch. -I even cross the limit lines- That's why I usually prefer to blend. I am left handed and it is easier for me to do the diagonal lines up to right, but the long ones are straighter than the short ones. It's difficult not to use the wrist in details. the underhand position is good for the long lines but the laid tip makes wide lines that lose definition and makes me try to "force the trace".
I chose the lantern because I can't draw and paint properly the highlights and appearence of glass (a real challenge), but with cross hatching I don't know how to give that effect.

Thank you for your advices and please excuse my English.:o
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Apr-2012/973125-a.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Apr-2012/973125-b.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Apr-2012/973125-chair.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Apr-2012/973125-c.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Andrés - Well done :clap:.
Be assured that both "underhand" and "writing" positions are useful: underhand for loose flowing lines, and writing for careful details. As to the direction of the strokes, there is often some misunderstanding on the purpose of this exercise: it is meant to learn your best direction, so that you can turn the paper to get the best results :thumbsup:. Drawing realistic textures without blending is done by laying many layers of gentle (cross-)hatching, very closely.
Good job in this class, please move on to class 2 :).

[cardan]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Apr-2012/1050392-1.JPGhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Apr-2012/1050392-2.JPGhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Apr-2012/1050392-3.JPG

Getting used to changing the way I hold my pencil, I hope to get looser as time goes on!

[arnoud3272]

Very well done, cardan :clap:. Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[erreabea]

Thank you Arnoud for your advice. and yes, I must be patient when looking for the specific darkness in the shadows and avoid excess pressure on the pencil. -close lines and gentle trace-.

Andrés

[Nightfire]

Hello everyone. I do hope this class is still open,cos I am kind of new here,and don't really know my way around well.

[CFH]

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m507/HangYourLocalJesus/IMAG0448.jpg (http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m507/HangYourLocalJesus/IMAG0448.jpg[/IMG])

http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m507/HangYourLocalJesus/IMAG0447.jpg (http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m507/HangYourLocalJesus/IMAG0447.jpg[/IMG])


The links weren't working on my work PC and my computer is down at my house. I'm doing this on my smartphone. Sorry for the problem!

[arnoud3272]

Well, the links are simply not working, return with a "Page not found" error.
Is this from a private environment of yours, where you need a login? (could be transparent (cookies!), so that you no longer realize it)
:wave:

[CFH]

Its from Photobucket, where I posted my last picture from. haha. let me try something else.

Fixed it :clap:



http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/24-Apr-2012/1052992-IMAG0447.jpg


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/24-Apr-2012/1052992-IMAG0448.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Oakenhorse - Thanks for reposting :thumbsup:.
Did you try the different gripping styles, writing and underhand?
I definitely would advice you to start using proper drawing paper, unlined.
You're off to a good start, please move on to class 2 :).

[CFH]

The underhand method was very akward. haha.

[LostInMemories]

Hey everyone! Hope I'm not too late to join this class.
I used photobucket as CFH for adding images and hope you can see them.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn164/Nazgred/SAM_0684.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn164/Nazgred/SAM_0682.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn164/Nazgred/SAM_0683.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Nope :(.
Please use the WetCanvas uploader.
And did you read the "Start Here" thread?
:wave:.

[LostInMemories]

Hm...strange I can't see them now either, but this morning everything was just fine. Okay second try...

And yes I've read it yesterday. Sorry, forgot about pre-class assignment. I'm posting it right now. :wink2:


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Apr-2012/1055882-SAM_0682.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Apr-2012/1055882-SAM_0683.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Apr-2012/1055882-SAM_0684.JPG

[arnoud3272]

Good job, Vladimir :clap:.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[NoWayMe]

Here are my drawings for class 1!
I really liked drawing that picture of Johnny Depp because there's so much contrast in it!
The spheres where a lot harder to do then I would have think! It was a good exercice! Haha and a cube slipped into my spheres for an unknown reason!

[arnoud3272]

Well done, Noémie :clap:. Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[Ronnier]

Well, I've tried everything to get decent scans of the spheres and the Chair from Hello with absolutely zero luck. The 2nd attempt on my calico cat sketch, however, came out quite nicely, so I'm just going to post and ask if I may move on! (if you look closely, you'll find a barn owl, an orange, a donut with sprinkles, the moon and a Jack-o-Lantern along with several eggs in my "spheres.")
Ronnie.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-May-2012/175435-Chair.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-May-2012/175435-Spheres.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-May-2012/175435-Calico2.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Well done, Veronike :clap:. Nice drawing of your cat.
Yes, move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[Panth]

Hi, starting out on my first lesson after a gap. The lines and spheres are not dark, but I think my chair seems okay. Posting them here now.
Prabha:clap:

[arnoud3272]

Prabha - You're off to a good start :clap:. Well done.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[netta13542]

I would like to start the class I have the book, pencils and sketch pad im ready. How do i find the image of the chair.

[netta13542]

Here is my chair and circles not sure if i did it correctly but the chair is my best ability.

[arnoud3272]

Netta - Welcome to the classroom :). But did you read the "Start Here" thread? We'd like to see your pre-class drawing.
Did you try both methods for gripping the pencil?
You may move on to class 2. One advice though, don't rush. The secret is "practice and patience"
:thumbsup:

[netta13542]

I tried both methods of the pencil I was not sure which i like best maybe originally the writing method. I need to get used to holding it underhand it was a bit awkward.

[ElleZ]

Hi,

I found doing the lines in under hand hold strange, even though I often do the underhand hold in my right hand when shading. I had a brain freeze on shading that many spheres, so I then found some online, which I also did.
I drew the chair using negative space technique, and I was quite surprised with my perspective of the finished chair, but pleased to know that I wasn't heaps out with it.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-May-2012/150751-lines-0.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-May-2012/150751-lines-1.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-May-2012/150751-spheres-0.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-May-2012/150751-Spheres-2.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-May-2012/150751-chair-0.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-May-2012/150751-chair-perspective0.jpg
Doing these lessons are fun, and making me think about my drawing.
Thanks for looking.
Cheers,
Elle

[ElleZ]

I am reposting my perspective of the chair, as I resized the above one incorrectly. :eek:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-May-2012/150751-chair-perspective0.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Elle - Good job. The chair is very well done :clap:.
As for perspective, that is next class. But this is a stylish chair, the seat is smaller at the back, it is not rectangular. That means that you cannot apply perspective directly; you need to construct a rectangular container around it (in a logical way) which you put in correct perspective.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[ElleZ]

Hi Arnoud,

Thanks for the input. I will try the chair again, hopefully getting the back of the seat correct.
I used the chair as the pre assignment picture, (as I didn't really post a picture to continue to work on here) for Class 1 #6:"6. Find the vanishing point(s), eye level line, perspective lines etc. on our original drawing. (do you want this posted?)--YOU CAN SAVE THIS UNTIL THE SECOND CLASS IF YOU WISH SINCE IT IS MAINLY PREPARTORY FOR THE CLASS ON EYE LEVEL AND PERSPECTIVE." At least I know where I have gone wrong and can do a better job in Class 2 on it.
Ok, I'm off to read Class 2 now.
I am enjoying doing this, I have a feeling I will learn a lot more here than I did in my 8 months of lessons in 2003, which is sort of strange, when you consider the class difference; ie: internet here at WC verses actual classroom with a teacher and other students.
See you in Class 2.
Cheers,
Elle:wave:

[Tavs@hrida]

Here is my attempt at Class 1.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-May-2012/983339-P1010947copy.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-May-2012/983339-P1010946copy.jpg

Need to practice more on shading :)

[arnoud3272]

Good job, Tavleen. Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:

[jop1936]

Class 1 assignments:http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-May-2012/1070172-lines.JPG http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-May-2012/1070172-lines_617x800.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-May-2012/1070172-drawing0006.JPG

[jop1936]

I don't know what happened but when I uploaded the first time, I received the message that my upload didn't go thru, so I re-uploaded. Sorry. I hope you can delete the overuse. It must have been the chair that was the problem as that was the only thing that wasn't doubled.
[OK, done :thumbsup:]

[arnoud3272]

Jop - Well done :clap:.Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[JMTDraw]

Here are my Class 1 drawings:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Jun-2012/212749-002.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Jun-2012/212749-003.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Jun-2012/212749-004.jpg

Again, thanks for your feedback! Judy

[arnoud3272]

Good job, Judy :clap:.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[ricksherny]

About two months ago I found myself watching only tutorials on how to draw and found myself doodling for the first time since 4th grade, which was over 30 years ago. My stick figures are now recognizable as humans :D.

I have been working on "How to Draw What You See" by Rudy De Reyna by myself so it was nice to see this class using the same book.

[ricksherny]

Here are my circles and lines, the chair I will have to post later when I reduce the size.http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Jun-2012/1072372-Class_1_Circles.jpghttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Jun-2012/1072372-Class_1_circles_2.jpg

[arnoud3272]

:thumbsup:

[stormygr]

Hello again arnoud! :wave:

I did the lines, the spheres and the chair.. Noticed that my lines are better with underhand position and usually when have the paper turned diagonally, but that doesn't surprise me since I always writing at that position too, can't write with the paper straight in front of me XD.
Although straight lines are easier for me with underhand position, circles aren't :o .
I did 2 sets of spheres one with underhand and one with writing position, it is obvious that at first set circles are ..more round!

As for the :evil:chair:evil: , this is my second try, at first didn't like it although took more time to observe and trying to keep the proportions :/ . At second time I just sketched it trying to just practice the underhand position and I'm surprised to see that it looks at least more decent.

I wasn't sure if must re-sketch the pre-class drawing so for now posting the spheres & the chair! :o

[Dancehall]

Here's my go at Class 1. :)

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5dscqLjYs1rogxvgo1_500.jpg

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5dsbgaaRP1rogxvgo1_500.jpg

And I tried doing a portion of this (http://www.abstract-art.com/abstraction/l2_grnfthrs_fldr/g0000_gr_inf_images/g031_morandi.jpg) to practice cross hatching.
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5dsd4iyJ41rogxvgo1_500.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Fotoula - Good job :clap:.
This first class is mainly about getting accustomed to pencil handling. The original assignments included a redraw of the pre-class drawing in hatching or cross-hatching -- as an exercise in straight lines. If the pre-class drawing is not appropriate for this treatment, you might skip it. Or you could copy a (famous) cross-hatched picture, as Michael (Dancehall) has done.
But as far as I'm concerned, you may move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[arnoud3272]

Michael - Nicely done :clap:.
I thought immediately to recognize Morandi, but doubted because the composition was not of the rigorous Morandi style. Then I realized that you copied only a part :lol:.
Well done, please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[docxart]

Hello,
Here is my attempt at class one assignment.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Jun-2012/1074922-Class1_Assignment_001.jpg

Qadir

[ricksherny]

I was finally able to compress the size of my chair drawing. I see I am going to need to install GIMP soon.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Jun-2012/1072372-Class_1_clair_conpressed.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Qadir - Well done :thumbsup:. Please move on to class 2 :music:.

[arnoud3272]

ricksherny - Nicely done :clap:.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[ricksherny]

Thank you now to work on perspective. :clap:

[Nephrin]

Here are my drawings for the Class 1 Assignment.

751602

751612

751622

[arnoud3272]

Nephrin - Good job :clap:.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[Amber Q]

Heres my go at it! I used a camera because I don't have a scanner, forgive me for any distortion...I will try to work on that as best as possible so they don't mess with my pics much...How did I do? (And is my post too big? if so I can break it up if need be)

My practice lines...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/29-Jun-2012/1085432-practice_063.jpg

My Spheres...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/29-Jun-2012/1085432-practice_064.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/29-Jun-2012/1085432-practice_065.jpg
My chair...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/29-Jun-2012/1085432-practice_066.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Amber - Welcome to the classroom :).
You're off to a good start.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[Amber Q]

Amber - Welcome to the classroom :).
You're off to a good start.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

Thank you! It's nice to meet you arnoud. :D

See you there. :thumbsup:

[Leenz]

Hi Arnoud,
I have joined the juz few days back but I have been going through the classes in this forum and I really look forward to learn a great deal from you and all others. I would be soon posting my first sketch in this class.

Leenz

[Leenz]

Hi,
This is my chair.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Jun-2012/1082732-Sketching005.JPG
C&C welcome
Leenz

[arnoud3272]

Leenz - Welcome to the classroom :).
Did you read the "Start Here" thread ?

[edwardII]

Thanks for the words of encouragement arnoud. :wave:

I was trying some line work left handed, no wonder it is called the sinister :lol:

Here is my classwork for class 1 for the lines+circles+chair. I did some other sketching today of a still life so the class has got me focusing on drawing more already.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Jul-2012/1033622-img001.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Well done, edwardll :clap:.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[dahlialia]

Here are my circles:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/309944/blog/2012/WC01-01%20drawing.jpg

And the chair:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/309944/blog/2012/WC01-02%20drawing.jpg

Plus I took a small portion of my pre-class drawing, and redid it using lines:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/309944/blog/2012/WC01-03%20drawing.jpg

[edwardII]

To arnoud or anyone who can answer...I am looking for the "guest lecture hall" that is referred to by JayD in the initial post for the classes. Where can I find this information please. I have tried the forum search but only come up with references to the lecture hall in the classroom threads.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

EdII

[arnoud3272]

...I am looking for the "guest lecture hall" that is referred to by JayD in the initial post for the classes.... Hi, they are on an outside site (http://www.artgraphica.net/free-art-lessons/wetcanvas/drawing-basics.htm).
:wave:

[arnoud3272]

dahlialia - Nice work :clap:.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[edwardII]

Thanks for the link arnoud, I was thinking it might be so, that I was looking in the wrong places:thumbsup:

And to Dahlialia; that is some cool looking line work, crosshatching you did on the face as well as how you constructed your chair. :wave:

[thevaliantx]

Is all the material for this class, at the beginning of the thread, considered 'current'? Is that what I should be following for this class? I can't seem to make heads from tails on this. I was going to print out (16 pages), but some of the stuff I copied wouldn't paste into LibreOffice Writer. The operating system I'm on is Linux Mint 12 KDE.

[arnoud3272]

Is all the material for this class, at the beginning of the thread, considered 'current'?
Did you read the "Start Here" thread? the whole thread?

The first class is about the basic handling and control of the pencil: different means of holding, finding your best stroke direction. And in preparation for realist drawing, vary the line quality: thick - thin, heavy - light.

:wave:

[meganj]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jul-2012/67498-circles.jpghttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jul-2012/67498-lines_101.jpg


I did much better at the chair this time around. Perspective makes all the sense in the world when I'm reading about it, and then when I'm trying to figure out what it actually is in a given picture, all my easy assumptions go straight to hades.

BTW, thank you so much for doing this for us!http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jul-2012/67498-chair_101.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Megan - Good job :clap:.
You'll get a good opportunity to acquire a practical understanding of perspective in the next class :).
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[micko45]

Hi

I just completed my first assignment, I had to do the chair at least 6 times just to get this level,

Drawing the rose was very challenging for me with just lines. It was new for me and very interesting, It's something I will go over again a few time to see if I can nail it.

Rgds.
Michael

[arnoud3272]

Well done, Michael :clap:. Love your hatching :thumbsup:.
Please move on to class 2 :music:

[blue falcon]

it took some time but this is my result

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Aug-2012/1096342-sized_FIRST_LESSON_001.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Aug-2012/1096342-sized_Chair_001.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Well done, Paul :clap:.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[pratya.amrit]

my exercise for class 1 :). i really had a lot of difficulty in maintaining the perspective and proportion of the chair. :(

[arnoud3272]

Welcome to the classroom, Pratya :).
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[pratya.amrit]

thnx arnoud :)

[rioadel]

here is my work

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Aug-2012/1111542-IMG_3365_copy.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Aug-2012/1111542-IMG_3366_copy.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Rayan - Well done :clap:.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[SoftRoses]

Hello - I wasn't too clear on the Pre-assignment drawing that is talked about in earlier posts, so I have not done that.

The chair I just drew to the best I could with no corrections. I was not sure if I was to re-do it til it was better? Not sure how to fix it anyway so I thought I would start by just posting this first and we'll go from there! All done with an 2B.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Aug-2012/231512-Straight_lines_Class_101_800x602.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Aug-2012/231512-Spheres_Class_101_800x602.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Aug-2012/231512-Chair_class_101_800x602.jpg

[arnoud3272]

- I wasn't too clear on the Pre-assignment drawing that is talked about in earlier posts, so I have not done that.
Did you read the "Start Here!" thread?
Please post your drawing in the Pre-class thread (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=597400) :).

The chair I just drew to the best I could with no corrections. I was not sure if I was to re-do it til it was better?
No need to ... the first class is mainly to get acquainted with handling the pencil in different ways.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:

[SoftRoses]

Thanks for having me and for your selfless contribution to all of us!

[lajale]

Here is my class 1 drawing of the lines, the circles.
I did more lines in different hand positions, but will only post this one. :D

I already used the underhand position in some drawings.:rolleyes:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Sep-2012/1049812-lines.jpghttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Sep-2012/1049812-Spheres.jpg And my chair and the re-drawing from my foot (with a little hatching).
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Sep-2012/1049812-Chair.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Sep-2012/1049812-foot.jpg
Thank you so much for this thread and your help :)

[arnoud3272]

Very good, Chris :clap:.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[NickyBlade]

Definitely going to buy a copy of "How to Draw What You See." I enjoyed these exercises. My biggest goal out of doing these classes is to learn to draw from life... I think I did ok with the chair. :)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Sep-2012/1120422-000_Line_Exercise.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Sep-2012/1120422-000_Circles_and_Chair.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Sep-2012/1120422-000_Pencil_Redraw.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Well done, Nicky, good job :clap:.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[halhen]

Here are my first exercises with some comments.

For the first handful or two spheres, I ended up with evenly long, evenly hard lines that became duller and duller along with the pencil. Part of it was, I think, that I drew too fast, since it felt like the artsy thing to do.

After a while, I slowed down and decided to be more deliberate with my strokes. In particular, I enjoyed drawing lines from edge to edge in one go, varying the pressure slowly, as in #14. I'm not sure this technique has too much merit in the real world, though?

After four or five spheres, I started to get annoyed with the monotony of the exercise. After a dozen, it got meditative. This will probably be an exercise I'll do from time to time.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Oct-2012/1129942-Image_5.jpg

For the chair, I got frustrated when I couldn't produce what I set out to. I had envisioned sharp lines singing together in a symphony of contrast and coherence, like a proper ink drawing. Instead I ended up doing layer on layer to get anything I didn't hate. As usual, the result is more pleasing when taking a step or two back.

I do need to get myself a drawing board, though. I tried using a largish book to rest on my lap and desk, but I want something lighter that I can tape my paper to.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Oct-2012/1129942-Image_6.jpg

Finally, for reproducing my initial drawing, I have cheated a bit. I spent all my drawing time for the past week doing the one I submitted in the introduction thread. I couldn't find the motivation to start it all again, especially since it becomes a bit emotional to draw myself and my kids.

So I settled with tracing and sketching my son in fortyfive or so minutes. I'm not happy with the likeness, but, again, after the initial oh-crap-this-is-awful-and-I-suck-for-doing-it, the shading came together reasonably when taking a couple, or three, or four steps back.

I do hope you think it is enough to sketch part of the picture. If not, I'll probably look for another subject.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Oct-2012/1129942-Image_7.jpg
I've picked up a couple of things from these exercises, in particular the value of slowing down before speeding up, and more examples of the truism that the drawing will get better if I relax and keep working on it.

[arnoud3272]

Very well done, halhen :clap:.
You're very dedicated, I think you will progress fast :).
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[Calurix]

Has taken me a little while to get started, But here is my lines, circles and chair.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Oct-2012/1130852-1350292753909.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Oct-2012/1130852-1350292506524.jpg

Regards,
Cal'

[matben74]

Hello. Just posting what I've done so far.

Wasn't sure how to approach the circles, so tried a few different ways.

Had to erase a lot of lines to get them where I wanted for the chair.

Did a different pepper than my pre-class ones, just what was in the fridge.

Used an image editing program to reduce the file sizes and also sharpened the images, but think they wouldn't been better and more as they really are if they had not been sharpened. Makes them look like they were done with a pen not a pencil.

Not sure how big they'll look as the attachments don't show in 'Preview Post'. Also, will have to post again for the last two.

[matben74]

Here's the rest.....

(prob didn't need to post everything... )

[arnoud3272]

Cal and matben -
Good job both of you, well done :clap:.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[garylyb]

Hi

Here's my chair, it's for a short, wide person :-)

I'm not going to post my lines, the underhand position was best.

I figured out that I was using my wrist in the overhand position, once I concentrated on keeping the wrist still, my lines got better.

Thanks,

Gary

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Oct-2012/102390-basic_101_class_1.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Gary - Please read the "Start Here" thread.

[Colorado_Ed]

Okay, I got back and drew the circles and chair. I didn't re-do my drawing since it was all straight lines already. I thought the circle project was interesting to try and vary the texture.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/29-Oct-2012/1144478-P1000646.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/29-Oct-2012/1144478-P1000647.JPG

[arnoud3272]

Well done, Ed :clap:.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[MooseTrax]

Here are my assignments (I tried to scale up the chair and draw it larger by comparing edges to challenge myself a bit, but you can see I definitely need to work on my shading, as that is one of my weaknesses). I don't know if the chair is in proportion or not and on the line drawing of the woman in the dress is acceptable, but I tried to the best of my current abilities. I'll upload the guest lecture projects later, but I'm not sure where to post them. P.S. My I can't use the scanner as it makes the lines too lightly and makes them invisible (unless there is a setting I don't know of). Also, I have a tendency to draw too lightly so if you want me to make the lines darker just say so. http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Nov-2012/976052-lines.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Nov-2012/976052-circles.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Nov-2012/976052-chair1.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Nov-2012/976052-womanlines.jpg Happy election day!

[arnoud3272]

MooseTrax - Well done :clap:.
A weak point of most beginners is to draw too light. Good darks in smooth passages are the result of superimposing many gentle layers. In more linear styles, the choice of paper and pencil grade (hardness) plays a big role.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[Jo-seph]

Hi!

Here are my first assignment.
The camera of my mobile is not the best. Sorry about that :(

[arnoud3272]

Joseph - Well done :clap:.
An area for improvement is to get all lines (when hatching for a smooth shade) the same tone.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[siriusly]

Here's mine...I definitely had trouble with the underhand, it was a bit uncomfortable, and much more tiring compared to the writing position. Also, I unintentionally kept using the side of the lead in this position, instead of the tip. Anyway, am gonna practice with it more, see if I can get used to it.

I hope you forgive my spheres though, they're just flat. It's actually something I'm actually looking forward to learn, how to make cylindrical objects believable. As for the chair, getting the perspective right, is really hard, specially without a ruler, I don't think I got it at all. It ended up, a bit lop-sided. Over-all, it was an interesting first class, learned so much already, and looking forward for more :)
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2012/1130452-IMG_0003.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2012/1130452-IMG_0002.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Nov-2012/1130452-IMG_0001.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Des - Well done :clap:.
When trying it for the first time, the underhand position feels strange to most people. But with a little experience, you'll see that you change back and forth without thinking, to the most efficient position for the task at hand.
I unintentionally kept using the side of the lead in this position, instead of the tip. unintentionally ? Well, :lol:, the idea is that you use the side intentionally :lol:.
See this post (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7971627) for a more detailed illustration.
Good job in this class, please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[siriusly]

Well, :lol:, the idea is that you use the side intentionally :lol:. Oh gosh, sorry, I didn't get that :o. I guess that was why it was more tiring for me, I was gripping the pencil much more harder so I could avoid using the side of the lead and use just the tip. Anyway, lesson learned. I'm gonna go try that again, and see you in class 2 :).

[Richd82]

My lines and circles...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Dec-2012/1153376-Straightlines_001.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Dec-2012/1153376-Class_1-Circles_001.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Good job, Richard :thumbsup:.
Did you practice both types of holding the pencil?
Did you find out what is your best stroke direction? That is the (implied) purpose of practicing in several directions, so that you know how to turn your paper when you need a regular pattern of lines, as in hatching.
Well done, please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[Richd82]

Good job, Richard :thumbsup:.
Did you practice both types of holding the pencil?
Did you find out what is your best stroke direction? That is the (implied) purpose of practicing in several directions, so that you know how to turn your paper when you need a regular pattern of lines, as in hatching.
Well done, please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

Sorry i should have noted on the paper, these were all done in the underhand position. While im used to trying to draw in the writing position my lines were shaky that way and i also felt my movement was restricted. So from here on out im going to try to use the underhand position.

Also i found going from Se to Ne(diagonal) gave me the best feel, smoothest lines and natural range of motion. The circles were also done with the underhand grip.

[arnoud3272]

Richard :thumbsup:.
So from here on out I'm going to try to use the underhand position.
But both methods have their use, see this post (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7971627) for more detail.
:wave:

[1mbrews8]

i think i need one more post to be able to post my first pics in the intro thread so here i am. ready to join class 1! :o)

[1mbrews8]

darn..one more.. sorry..

[1mbrews8]

here is the chair

mine
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Dec-2012/1165318-chairart.jpg

son's
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Dec-2012/1165318-ryans.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Well done :clap:.
Two remarks:
-- did you practice the lines and spheres? particularly the different methods of holding the pencil and finding out what is your easiest direction for the strokes? The chair is an interesting challenge, but it was an extra in the original run of the classes (1 per week) for fast advancing pupils.
-- please hold your camera square to the paper, so that lines that you drew parallel are also shown parallel.
:wave:

[1mbrews8]

Will do.. I'll take some more in a few minutes.

We did do the spheres and lines. I'll include them ^

My chair was drawn with 70% underhand positoon (weird :o) nad shading and details were with writing..
Ryan's was maybe 20% underhand and the rest writing

[arnoud3272]

:thumbsup:

[1mbrews8]

sorry so long lol, had to go "shopping", ughhghg..

here are the pics..
my underhand lines and both his
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Dec-2012/1165318-lines1.jpg
ryan's spheres, my writing position lines, and my non page turning lines (also his non page turning lines)
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Dec-2012/1165318-linesetc.jpg
my spheres
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Dec-2012/1165318-spheres.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Well done indeed, Ryan and dad :clap:.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[theWhiteWolf]

Well, here it is! I found a nice sketchbook on one of my shelves that is practically empty, so I'll use that from now on as my "Lessons" sketchbook.

In terms of this lesson, I have to admit the underhand position feels really weird. I'm probably just not used to it, but I like the writing position much better.

A quick question with the underhand position, though. Are you only supposed to use the side of the pencil with that position? I tried to force the point once or twice, but it felt really unnatural.

Circles:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/28-Dec-2012/1167991-Lesson_1-Circles.JPG
The 'W' or 'U' above the circles denotes whether it was shaded using the underhand (U) or writing (W) position. Oh, and ignore that chair in the lower right hand corner; I was going to draw the chair on that page, but I realized that I needed more room to work with.

Chair: http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/28-Dec-2012/1167991-Lesson_1-Chair.JPG
I really need to work on shading and perspective. :clear: The chair itself just looks... off, somehow. Any suggestions?

Oh, and should I make the picture sizes smaller when I upload, or is this size alright?

[arnoud3272]

Well done, WhiteWolf :clap:.
Both writing and underhand positions have their use. See this post (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7971627) for a more detailed explanation. And with some more practice, you'll change from one to the other without thinking :thumbsup:.
The picture size is fine as you did.
Please move on to class 2 :music:.

[Lee27]

I found this thread while looking for ideas to kickstart my art for the New Year. One thought that crossed through my mind (:evil:) was "I really don't need to start over as a beginner". But then my more reasonable self (:angel:) responded that "It's not starting over, it's just getting back to the basics a little bit so you can ultimately improve.". I actually have the book that is recommended and have gone through some of it before. I went through a similar book in it's entirety (Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain). Anyway, that was a couple of years ago. So, here I am! Getting back to the basics! :)

Here are my lines (sorry for the poor lighting, one day I will learn to take better photos of my pencil sketching):
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Dec-2012/623342-IMG_8914_CR_Brightness.jpg
I found that the writing position is best for me and found that turning the paper made me want to turn my hand/arm to a more comfortable position. Not sure why this was so strange for me. My most comfortable position is the writing position, drawing a line from right to left at around a 30-45 degree angle. I did not follow instructions and start on a new piece of paper without turning the paper, I just kept going on the same piece of paper. That was the :evil: in me being rebellious or getting impatient or something. :D

Here are my spheres made with lines:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Dec-2012/623342-IMG_8915_CR_Brightness.jpg
I was actually dreading doing TWENTY spheres a little bit but found it very relaxing. I turned on some music and just let my mind relax. I tried to vary where the light was coming from and found that it was much more natural to me to draw the darks on the left side. I also tried to do some with lines all going in the same direction and some with hatching. I found that I naturally wanted to make curves instead of lines.

Anyway, that is a start. I have done the pre-assignment drawing (my hand) but will wait to post it until after I draw it again using just lines. Maybe tomorrow.

Thanks so much for the lessons and attention! This is an absolutely awesome way to learn.

[arnoud3272]

:thumbsup:

[Lee27]

Here is my pre-class drawing, a quick 15 minute sketch of my hand:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Jan-2013/623342-IMG_8926_CR.jpg
Here is the same sketch made only with lines:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Jan-2013/623342-IMG_8928_CR.JPG
:D

[arnoud3272]

Very well done, Lee :clap:.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:

[Danielsk5]

Here is my work. I can see a little improvement already however I still have a lot to work on.
792106
792107
792111
792109

[arnoud3272]

Looks good, Krysti :clap:.
You've taken the first hurdle, please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[Lee27]

Thanks Arnoud! I missed posting my chair. Here's the chair.http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Jan-2013/623342-IMG_8939-E.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Very well done, Lee :clap:.

[Lee27]

Thanks Arnoud! :)

[wolflrv]

First off is my line work:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Jan-2013/1040002-101-lines.jpg

Next my circles:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Jan-2013/1040002-101-circles.jpg

Then the chair:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Jan-2013/1040002-101-chair.jpg

And finally the Pre-class redraw of my stapler in "line form". Wasn't sure what to really go for here, so I just drew the lines with no "outlines". Dunno...:cool:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Jan-2013/1040002-101-stapler-line-redraw.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Good job, Luc :clap:.
All exercises in this class are meant to explore what can be done with the simple line. That includes the "redo" of the pre-clas drawing. So you did very well, please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[Emilyk000]

Here are my drawings from the first class. I'm not posting the straight lines, but I did learn that I am comfortable using either the cupping position or the writing position. The cupping position gets looser lines, but I can get fairly accurate straight lines. I determined I seem to have the most control drawing up and at a diagonal away from me.

Here are the circles and a re-do of my original drawing, as well as the chair. That was an especially challenging one!

[arnoud3272]

Emily - Well done :clap:.
Good job on the chair. Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[ShadowsDemise]

Here are my drawings for class 1:

These are the lines I drew while using the writing position. I had problems drawing straight vertical and horizontal lines but drawing straight diagonal lines was fairly easy. I found that holding the pencil 90* to the paper allowed me to draw straighter horizontal lines.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Feb-2013/1184469-Image_4.jpg

These are the lines that I drew using the underhand position. I still had problems drawing straight vertical lines but drawing horizontal lines was much easier and drawing diagonal lines was still fairly easy.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Feb-2013/1184469-Image_5.jpg

I used different approaches to shade the circles.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Feb-2013/1184469-Image_7.jpg

The chair took me a while to draw and I didn't get the proportions 100% correct so there are some differences from the original picture of the chair. I scanned it before and after shading just in case I messed up horribly while shading.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Feb-2013/1184469-Chairs.jpg

Here is my pre course drawing with straight lines to shade it.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Feb-2013/1184469-Image_9.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Well done, ShadowsDemise :clap:.
Good job on the chair.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[SueT2]

Here are my attempts at spheres (some came out a bit more sphere like than others...) and also drawing the chair. Just scanning the picture shows me that I obviously need to get a bit more heavy handed with my pencil - some of my shading doesn't even show up!
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Feb-2013/1170544-Class-101-spheres-M.gif

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Feb-2013/1170544-Class-101-chair.gif

- Sue

[arnoud3272]

Well done, Sue :clap:.
You may move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[SueT2]

Thanks Arnoud ! I'm off to draw cubes!

[flug]

Here is my version of the homework..
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Feb-2013/1188518-130220-0003.jpeg

As suggested I drew the chair from life:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Feb-2013/1188518-130220-0001.jpeg

and since I didn't want to redraw my drawing from the pre-drawing assignment I drew an orange (from life as well)
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Feb-2013/1188518-130220-0002.jpeg

lesson to be learned.. pencil smudges.. a lot.. :rolleyes:

[arnoud3272]

Excellent work, flug :clap::clap:.
See you in class 2 :thumbsup:.

[Ahsyla]

Sorry about the bad scan. My lines were much too light for scanning. I'll have to remember that in the future. I found the underhand position to be very awkward and hard to control. Will have to work on that.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Feb-2013/1187937-Basics_1_-_lines.jpg

The spheres scan came out a lot better.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Feb-2013/1187937-Basics_1_-_spheres.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Alysha - Good job so far :clap:.
I found the underhand position to be very awkward and hard to control. It has its own merits, for loose and creative lines, for broad work. Writing position is good for details. With a bit of practice, you'll switch between the two positions without thinking :thumbsup:.

[candypickle]

I started the pre-drawing class and submitted my artwork back in November, 2011. I experienced some tragedy and am just now getting back to picking up my pencil. Here is lesson 1 - Lines:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Feb-2013/980899-Fixed_2.jpg

Lesson 2 - Circles
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Feb-2013/980899-Fixed_3.jpg

I'd be more than happy to re-upload my original piece to the pre-lesson thread if you'd prefer.

Thanks!

[arnoud3272]

Glad you are on board again, Candy :thumbsup:.
Well done so far, please continue :clap:.

[huanzhen]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Mar-2013/1183928-sphere.jpg

[huanzhen]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Mar-2013/1183928-chair.jpg

[PhotoSteve]

Hello,

Here is my circles:


And my lines:


And my chair:


And rather than redoing a picture, I tried another chair from life. I seem to be having trouble getting my proportions right :(



Take Care,
Stephen

[arnoud3272]

Stephen - Good job, particularly "the chair" :clap:.
I seem to be having trouble getting my proportions right Relax, this is only class 1 :), a big issue in your real life chair will already be treated in the next class :thumbsup:, please move on.

[Alet]

Hi Arnoud,
Hereby my exercises for the first lesson.

Lines
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Mar-2013/1108632-lines-001.jpg

The spheres

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Mar-2013/1108632-spheres.jpg


Line drawing of the chair

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Mar-2013/1108632-Chair.jpg


Line drawing of my prelimenary drawing - flower

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Mar-2013/1108632-Linedrawing_of_prelimenary_sketch.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Well done, Alet :clap:.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[Marlene55]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Apr-2013/324021-IMG_0307.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Apr-2013/324021-IMG_0308.JPG


Thanks,
Marlene

[arnoud3272]

Good job, Marlene :clap:.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[alecjcook]

Before:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Apr-2013/1213403-2013-04-08_13.48.07.jpg

Excersize:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Apr-2013/1213403-2013-04-09_15.12.55.jpg

After:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Apr-2013/1213403-2013-04-09_19.22.10.jpg


See, it helped!! Thank you :)

[arnoud3272]

Alec - Good job :clap:.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[BFal]

Ok, good exercise with the lines. I'm definitely strongest drawing up and to the right. Completed a few spheres, and then did a page with more of a "shading approach" to the lines. Did the chair, but probably did a bit more shading as opposed to using lines... Drawing circles is still quite tough.

Important lesson in the second two is to NOT draw on the backside of a page. Some of the backside images are bleeding through.

Thank you!

Brandt
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Apr-2013/1202019-Spheres_1.jpg

Some of the shading and shadows on these ones aren't quite right... plenty to learn!
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Apr-2013/1202019-Spheres_2.jpg
And finally the chair:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Apr-2013/1202019-Chair.jpg

[arnoud3272]

Brandt - Good job :clap:, very nicely done.
Please move on to class 2 :thumbsup:.

[arnoud3272]

Both "underhand" and "writing" positions are useful: underhand for loose flowing lines, and writing for careful details.
See this post (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7971627) for a more detailed explanation. And with some more practice, you'll change from one to the other without thinking .
It is important to relax your arm for the "underhand" position. 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".
As to the direction of the strokes, there is often some misunderstanding on the purpose of this exercise: it is meant to find your easiest direction, so that you can turn the paper to get the best results, e.g. for a nice regular hatching.

[Suisei]

Both "underhand" and "writing" positions are useful: underhand for loose flowing lines, and writing for careful details.
See this post (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7971627) for a more detailed explanation. And with some more practice, you'll change from one to the other without thinking .
It is important to relax your arm for the "underhand" position. 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".
As to the direction of the strokes, there is often some misunderstanding on the purpose of this exercise: it is meant to find your easiest direction, so that you can turn the paper to get the best results, e.g. for a nice regular hatching.

Thanks for answering me. I'll start asking questions in the thread. xD I'll give this a go and try and practice a bit before I start my next assignment !

[Suisei]

Random question, um, I've been kinda reluctant to put up my first work because it's good. Does anyone think I should? I do think I need to get over my perfectionism though. I know I'm having trouble placing lines on objects and shadowing and it looks horrible. :/

[Suisei]

Okay here we go. I can't really shade and stuff and so it looks really off. Do my lines look like I was drawing from my elbow? I really hope so..
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Apr-2013/1218477-Chair_shading_lines_1.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Apr-2013/1218477-Spheres_and_lines.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Apr-2013/1218477-Underhand_position.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Apr-2013/1218477-Writing_hand.jpg

[arnoud3272]

I've been kinda reluctant to put up my first work ...
I do think I need to get over my perfectionism though...
Catherine - If you could draw perfectly already, there wouldn't be a reason to take these basic classes, would there? You're doing fine :thumbsup:. Keep it up, Practice makes perfect :).
Please move on to class 2. And don't be put off by the "theory". The only theoretical issue is how to construct the vanishing lines. The other principles - in this introductory class, that is - can be intuitively understood.
:wave:

[Suisei]

Catherine - If you could draw perfectly already, there wouldn't be a reason to take these basic classes, would there? You're doing fine :thumbsup:. Keep it up, Practice makes perfect :).
Please move on to class 2. And don't be put off by the "theory". The only theoretical issue is how to construct the vanishing lines. The other principles - in this introductory class, that is - can be intuitively understood.
:wave:

Thanks Arnoud . I appreciate your reply :D I'll try and hurry up with my next assignment then and not take my time on it because of my worrying about it being perfect.

[caspase]

Hello there,

I posted my pre-class drawing quite a while ago. I did most of the exercises right away, but have not gotten around to posting anything or practising much due to a few very troubling months. But I am absolutely determined to move on more quickly from now on! Please excuse the weird shadows on the paper, I do not own a scanner and just took photos. I figured for this exercise it would not matter so much, but for actual pictures I will be careful to get better lighting.

First, the lines. I have never before used the underhand position. It felt a bit weird and very hard to control, so I will work on that. I also found out that a bit of an angle works best for me to draw lines. The first picture is writing, the second underhand position.
797004
797005
I found the circles to be a very useful exercise for me, I think I learned quite a bit about shading and I think I will use this exercise frequently to loosen up and getting into "drawing mode" before starting a new drawing.
797006
And now for the dreaded redraw. I did at least 10 drawings of the model hand I used for the pre-class assignment, but was not satisfied with any of them. I think the one I am posting looks ok, but I'm not sure if it shows any progress? I guess I also was a bit confused by the "using only lines" part of the assignment, and was not quite sure if I was doing the right thing (if I did it wrong indeed I would be glad to repeat it!). Also I was cursing myself for picking such a difficult (for me) object, but I am determined to go through with it anyway :)
797007

Sorry for the long wait and thank you for reviewing my pictures! I didn't do the chair so far but I think I'll try it now before starting the next class.

Best wishes,
Uschi

[arnoud3272]

Good job, Uschi, well done :clap:.