Making a drawing with just a few pencil strokes isn't magic, it's sketching! Because this exercise is an art of its own. So where and how do you sketch? Here are a few hints...
1. Where should you sketch
Try sketching both indoors and outdoors: the play of light is totally different. You'll be better off working on static subjects to begin with. You can move on to subjects in motion after a little practice.
- Examples of static subjects:
sculptures in a museum or a park, a landscape, a building, somebody sleeping, people at a concert or a theater performance, etc. - Examples of subjects in motion:
animals at the zoo or an aquarium, children and joggers in a park, etc.
2. How do you do a sketch?
Here are some rules to follow:
- Time yourself. Set yourself a time limit (5 to 10 minutes) per sketch. The time pressure will help you be more efficient and select the most significant information.
- Don't push too hard! If a subject doesn't inspire you, try another one. Sketching requires spontaneity to keep your gesture flexible and spontaneous. If you ask yourself too many questions, you risk getting stuck.
- Don't limit yourself to just one sketch of your selected subject. Approach it from every angle. By changing positions, you'll spot new details: point of view, light areas, perspective, etc.
3. Creating a values sketch
Quick and easy, this method consists of just sketching light and dark areas, without drawing contours. It lets you work on contrasts and volumes at the same time.
- Work with charcoal or graphite lead, creating hatching with the instrument's tip or solid areas with its side.
- Start with the lightest area, then add gray to the areas surrounding it, exaggerating the contrasts, as you go along.
- Keep going until the juxtaposition of grays shapes the subject.
4. Combining sketch and color
You have several options for including color in your sketch:
- Quickly add a few colors with color pencils or pastels, once the subject is sketched. You can also use a small box of watercolors: Don't forget to bring a little jar of water.
- If you don't have anything to use to add color, make notes on your sketch by writing out the colors you will need and where to put them. Example: red-bench, green-lawn, etc.
- Always make sure to write down the shade as a keyword. Example: peony red, teal green, sunflower yellow, etc.
