Weeks 7-10: Form, Contours, Tonal Values, Positive/Negative Space, Perspective

Louden Nelson Sketchers got into the zone and cranked out a lot of sketches of pumpkins, squash, shells and various objects. Using contour lines, everyone learned to show the roundness and edges of objects as we concentrated on drawing accurate proportions. We also explored using large format paper and charcoal and studied texture, light, and shadows.
 

 

 Above left is Maria's study of pumpkins and to the right we see her putting the finishing touches on her large-format charcoal drawing.

Above left is Luis D's study sketch and to the right is his finished charcoal drawing.

 Luis D's contour line drawing of the coyote (above left) is a wonderful example of accurate proportions, foreshortening (making something look like it is coming toward you), and shading. And Jesus' contour study of the antique iron shows excellent line work.

Upper left is Emilio's contour line drawing showing the edges of the aloe plant, and upper right is a drawing by Luis G. showing the gray tonal values of green. Lower left is Rielly's tonal drawing and lower right is the aloe plant drawn by Isa.

Sketches above left and right show Azalia's use of positive and negative space to draw the contour edges of the egret.

Ashley (above left) and Caterina learned to use 1 and 2-point perspective (without rulers!) to draw 3D buildings.

Check out Amanda's cool eXpReSsiOn sEsSiOn drawing, shown below.

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

Brianna

Nice to have you drawing with us, Brianna! You got back into it with a nice 2-point perspective drawing.

Cesar

Excellent contour studies of the pumpkins and tonal value drawing of the aloe plant. You're making big progress in observational drawing! Really like the textures of the shell.

 

Azalia

You're making HUGE progress in realistic drawing, Azalia! Great job in sketching the basic shapes of the pumpkins; then tightening your drawing with natural looking, curved contour lines.

Luis G.

The bold contour lines showing the round form of the pumpkins are very well drawn. And the drawing of the aloe plant shows how you've learned to control your line work and shading. Nice job on the proportions of the lantern.

 

Nancy

Great to have you drawing with us again, Nancy! This set of sketches shows that your eye for realistic contour curves and accurate proportions keeps improving, especially in your large format charcoal drawing.

 

 

Maria

Really like how you keep loosening your lines and sketching faster while maintaining accurate proportions--a sign of your inner artist coming out onto the paper. Really nice contour sketch of the antique iron!

 

Amanda

Beautiful sketches, Amanda! Keep practicing with looser, faster line work as you look at things and draw them. And keep aiming for accurate, realistic proportions. Your 2-point perspective sketch is very well drawn.

Rielly

The progression of this series of sketches is amazing, Rielly! The curved contours in your pumpkin studies show your increased confidence in your ability to look at things and draw them accurately. The 'construction lines' forming the shell show your understanding of 3D form. Keep practicing sketching the shapes of things before finishing with darker contour lines.  

Isa

Really, REALLY tight tonal value, Isa! Nice use of light and dark grays to show values of green.

Jesus

You're gaining more and more control of your line work while keep an eye for accurate proportions and realistic contour edges. Keep loosening your lines and sketching faster. SUPERB contour study of the antique iron!

Ashley

You've been a drawing machine lately! And with each new sketch you keep gaining control of your line work--lots of expressiveness is showing in your work. Sketching the large basic shapes of things you're looking at is getting easier. The contour edges and proportions of the fish are well drawn.

 

Emilio

Your studies of the pumpkins and squash show your observational skills (drawing from life) are improving in a big way. I know you're going to unleash your inner artist one of these days!

 

Luis D.

Just keep on sketchin', man!