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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...

Weeks 1, 2 & 3: Lines, Shapes, Patterns, Proportions

 
Great to be drawing with Watsonville Community Sketchers! Right away, we got started with measuring accurate proportions (sizes of shapes compared to other shapes). Another basic skill we learned is how to hold the pencil on its side and using the whole arm while drawing. Warm-ups by Jasmine (upper left) and Alisa (upper right).





 
While looking at reference lesson pictures, students got into drawing with lines and shapes as they looked for accurate proportions. Alisa's sketch of the toucan (above, left) shows her accurate eye for proportions. Yasmin's crab (upper right) are wonderful examples of how to sketch accurate proportions.




Students also learned the importance of sketching light guidelines and drawing on top of mistakes. Rozy's sketch of the puffer fish (upper left) shows how she drew on top of mistakes before finishing with darker outlines. Her fish on the right shows her guidelines as she looked for the overall shape of its body.

We started pushing to the next level of observational drawing: showing depth and 3D form.  Jasmine overlapped the front legs of the frog to show depth in her drawing, and Yvonne's jaguar shows the angle and 3D form of its body.

Click 'Read more' below to view everyone's drawings...

Welcome Watsonville Sketchers!

I look forward to drawing with Watsonville Community School. This is the official blog for all students to view their drawing lessons, along with my comments and suggestions.

Here's how the first 8 weeks of the course will be set up (2 weeks for each topic):

1. Lines/Shapes: pencil grip, guidelines, outlines, different kinds of lines, combining shapes, overlapping
   
2. Patterns/Textures: repetition, rhythm, surfaces
3. Space: positive/negative space, edges, foreground/background, scale, composition
4. Form: contour lines, light/shadow, perspective

We'll meet each Wednesday, 1:50 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. at Watsonville Community School . I'll post your drawings the following week. You'll see suggestions on what to practice for the next lesson, and ideas for you to explore.

If you would like to try more advanced lessons from this blog ("Start a Lesson" section) along with your weekly class lessons, I'd be happy to coach you through them on this blog. Talk with me about it, and we'll get you started.

Watsonville Sketchers, get ready to draw! --Rob