Weeks 7-10: Lines, Shapes, Proportions, Contours, Tonal Values

 The Watsonville Sketchers continued drawing with lines and shapes as they aimed for accurate proportions (sizes of shapes compared to other shapes). Some students have pushed their skills and began studying contour edges and the 3D form of things. Above left is Yvonne's dragonfly study of drawing natural contour edges and realistic proportions. And above right is her study sketch of an egret while using positive and negative space to draw its form.






Above left and right are two of Yvonne's drawings that she brought to class for sharing on our blog. Students are encouraged to bring in drawings they've done on their own time.

We've got a lot of students who've learned to draw accurate proportions with lines and shapes. Upper left is Jose's toucan and to the right is Eduardo's puffer fish. Lower left is Itzel's toucan and to the right is a toucan by Brianna.

 
Students learned to overlap the frog's legs to show depth in their drawing. Above left is a frog by Felipe and to the right is Lasette's frog

Jose (above left) and Agy (above right) began studying the 3D form of a jaguar. They started by sketching contour lines for the proportions of its body.

Click 'Read more' below to view everyone's drawings and Rob's comments...

Lasette

Excellent start in drawing with lines and shapes. With each new drawing your proportions (sizes of shapes compared to other shapes) got more accurate. Great job of overlapping the frog's legs to show depth in your picture. The lighter and darker tones are a nice touch!

Brianna

You're off to a great start in drawing with lines and shapes, Brianna! The proportions (sizes of shapes compared to other shapes) of the toucan and puffer fish are very well drawn. Your line work shows a lot of confidence in your drawing.

Cypress

Great start, Cypress! The proportions (sizes of shapes compared to other shapes) of the toucan and frog are very well drawn. Really nice job of overlapping the frog's front legs to show depth in your drawing. The shaded tones on the frog are a nice touch, too.

Oriana

Drawing with your pencil was a challenge but you pulled together some wonderful sketches, Oriana! The toucan shows that you gained more control of your line work as you drew accurate proportions (sizes of shapes compared to other shapes) of its head and body. Keep sketching light guidelines for the shapes of things; then finish with darker outlines. :-)

Cassie

Fantastic work in drawing with lines and shapes, Cassie! Your lines become more and more confident with new drawing you make. And the proportions (sizes of shapes compared to other shapes) are getting more accurate too, especially on the toucan. Keep it going!

Jose

You've got a keen eye for accurate proportions (sizes of shapes compared to other shapes) and it REALLY shows in the contour lines forming the jaguar. The line work and light/dark tones on the toucan show a lot of control in your drawing. Get ready to step into drawing realistically.

Eduardo

Superb effort in drawing accurate proportions sizes of shapes compared to other shapes)! The curved contour lines forming the puffer fish are VERY well drawn. Nice job in adding lighter and darker tones to the toucan. Great facial expressions :-)

Itzel

Really nice sketches, Itzel!! Great job in drawing accurate proportions (sizes of shapes compared to other shapes), especially the toucan. Cool how you kept your lines loose and drew on top of mistakes. Nice facial expressions!

Eusebio

Holding your pencil on its side was a bit of a challenge but you got used to it and put together a nice set of sketches! I can see that you gained more control of lines in drawing the frog. Keep practicing sketching light guidelines for the shapes of things before finishing with darker outlines.

Yvonne

Exquisite drawings, Yvonne!! As you step into more realistic drawings it will be exciting to see the work that you produce. You've definitely got a very keen eye for accurate proportions and realistic contour edges. Keep it going!

 

Luis

You got the hang of drawing with the pencil on its side to produce a really nice set of drawings. Great job of drawing accurate proportions (sizes of shapes compared to other shapes) on the toucan and puffer fish.

Felipe

You cranked out a lot of drawings that show your eye for accurate proportions (sizes of shapes compared to other shapes). Like how you used patterns to show the textures on the lizard and tree branch. Nice work in showing the overlapping legs of the frog, showing depth in your drawing.

 

Agy

Excellent start in drawing the proportions (sizes of shapes compared to other shapes) of the jaguar. Hope you can spend time to finish!

Vincent

Nice control of your pencil in drawing with lines and shapes, Vincent! I like how you drew big on the paper while keeping accurate proportions (sizes of shapes compared to other shapes). You did a nice job of showing the details of the lizard, including a really cool facial expression.