Choosing the Right Approach to Start Drawing: Tips and Techniques

An artist's journey from the initial spark of inspiration to bringing a piece to life often involves a series of decisions that profoundly shape the final outcome. One of the most critical choices an artist makes is how to begin. Different artists may choose different starting points, depending on their personal workflows, the complexity of the subject, and their individual artistic styles.

Starting with Composition and Layout

Before committing to a drawing, an artist typically starts by defining the composition and layout. This can be achieved through rough sketches, which help in blocking out shapes and proportions. Some artists prefer to start with the focal point of the drawing and work outward, while others may focus on the overall composition and structure first. The choice often hinges on the artist's personal workflow and the complexity of the subject at hand.

Considering Pencil Types and Grading Scales

When working in the traditional medium, the choice of pencil type is crucial for achieving the desired effect. Pencils are categorized based on their graphite hardness, ranging from hard (9H) to soft (9B). Understanding the grading scale is essential to select the right pencil for different parts of the drawing.

For example, a 9H pencil is best for drawing very light lines, whereas a 9B pencil is ideal for creating dark, dense lines. Ignoring these distinctions can result in unintended outcomes. To understand the grading scale, consider checking out Graphite Grading Scales Explained. This resource provides a comprehensive overview of how to choose the right pencil for your project.

Different Approaches to Begin a Drawing

There are several methods an artist can use to begin a drawing. The first approach involves structuring certain parts before drawing them in detail. For example, when drawing a sword, the pommel can be drawn as a circle, the grip as lines, and the guard elaborated upon later. This method allows for a more organized and systematic approach.

A second method, which I personally prefer, is to skip the structural phase and go straight to line work. This approach minimizes the need for erasing, as fewer modifications are made during the initial stages. While some details may be added later, this method allows for a more streamlined workflow. For instance, if you start with the wing and get it right, you can branch off other parts from that. However, it's essential to be meticulous, as any mistakes can lead to major issues if unnoticed.

The third approach involves starting with proportions. Ensuring that the subject is drawn in the correct proportion is crucial to avoid any misalignments or distortions. By drawing up guide lines, you can position elements correctly. For example, drawing a line from the tip of the sword to the base of the pommel, and another from the base of each margin on the bird's wing, can help maintain proper proportions.

Victor's Approach

In my experience, I typically start with the big action lines. For instance, when drawing a bird that is forcefully spreading its wings, I look for the dynamic arches the wings make. My first step is to draw gesture lines that explore these arches, from the bird's body to its wings. The body of the bird can be approximated as a cone, the head as a sphere, and the legs as small eggs with triangles at the top for the claws. These simpler forms provide a framework for the more intricate details to follow.

Refining the Drawing

Once the rough sketch is in place, I move to more detailed parts of the drawing. For instance, I start with the crown on the bird's head, which can be thought of as a tilted cylinder on top of the sphere. Each part of the drawing can be simplified at first to make it easier to tackle. By prioritizing the easier elements, you can build a solid foundation for your drawing, making it easier to refine and add details later.

For a more comprehensive overview of drawing techniques and processes, check out my Quora Profile.

Keywords: drawing technique, composition, line work