Drawing Techniques and Processes

Fundamentals of Drawing

Understand the principles of line drawing, learning to control your hand to achieve different line weights and types.
Master the shading techniques: hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, and blending to add volume and texture.
Practice perspective drawing, incorporating both one-point and two-point perspectives.
Develop skills in contour drawing to create an outline and suggest volume and perspective.
Learn to use gesture drawing to capture the essence of the subject’s action or motion.

Experiment with different drawing materials such as graphite, charcoal, ink, pastels, and coloured pencils.
Understand the value of paper choice, how varying textures and weights can impact the final result.
Learn the use of erasers, not just as removing tools, but also as drawing tools.
Realise the role of blending tools like tortillons and stumps in achieving gradients and smooth textures.
Get familiar with inking tools and their roles in line art, stippling, and cross-hatching.

Understand the portrayal of realism and how to create a photo-like image with accurate proportions and realistic shading.
Learn about the abstract style, using lines, shapes, colours, and textures to depict subjects.
Practice cubism, a style that views subjects from multiple angles and depicts them in geometric forms.
Explore surrealism, a style that creates unrealistic and dream-like images.
Master impressionism, capturing the effect of light on objects, without focusing on realism and details.

Start with a rough sketch to define the overall shape and proportion.
Refine with a detailed sketch, focusing on specific features and textures.
Apply shades using appropriate shading techniques according to the texture and light source.
Add the final touches and small details last, including sharp edges, highlights, and texture.
Critically assess your finished piece, evaluate how effectively it communicates the desired message.