Studio Talk: Learning to Draw, part 2
While drawing, don’t focus your attention on a single part of your subject at a time, but look at each part in relation to the whole. This helps avoid unwanted distortion.
If you can capture the character of the object in a convincing way, it is not important that it be realistically accurate. Drawing is not simply copying an object; it is expressing your own personal observations.
The three important characteristics to look for in every object are shape, value, and texture. Shape refers to the proportions: width in relation to height, the size of one part compared to another, and whether the surface is flat or curved. Value refers to the lightness or darkness of its surroundings. Texture refers to the appearance of the surface: is it rough, smooth, hard, soft, shiny, dull…?
All of these things can be learned by observing and drawing—continually and repeatedly. Skill does not come overnight, any more than you can learn to play a musical instrument masterfully in a day. But the results of practice and study are rewarding—to you and to those who see your work. Art is a creative venture, offering an artist’s insight to the world for the pleasure and inspiration of viewers.
Next entry: A year-end look at favorite objects in NY museums
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